Produced by Bill Ungar NEOBOA Rules Interpreter

Often called the most important rule in the rule book, the definitions found in Rule 4 are the “keys” to accurate understanding and interpretation of the rules of basketball.

Coaches and officials have a tendency to overlook Rule 4, thinking that “definitions” are not as important as “fouls and violations.”

In fact, when fouls and violations are called and penalized incorrectly, it is often a result of a lack of understanding of the definitions in Rule 4. Let’s look at some examples:

ART. 3...Team control continues until: a. The ball is in flight during a try or tap for goal. SECTION 12 CONTROL, PLAYER AND TEAM ART A team is in control of the ball: a. When a player of the team is in control.

A1 releases a 3 point try from the top of the arc which is blocked by B2. A1, while attempting to regain the loose ball in the frontcourt, (a) deflects the ball or (b) fumbles the ball into the backcourt. A1 then recovers the ball in the backcourt. What is the ruling?

In (a), although A1 was the last to touch the ball in the frontcourt, and the first to touch the ball in the backcourt, team control was never reestablished following the attempt for goal. No violation.

In (b), by definition, a “fumble” is the accidental loss of player control when the ball unintentionally drops or slips from a player’s grasp. ( Rule 4-21 ) This would result in a violation since team control was reestablished when A1 regained control prior to the fumble.

SECTION 4 BALL LOCATION ART. 6...During a dribble from backcourt to frontcourt, the ball is in the frontcourt when the ball and both feet of the dribbler touch the court entirely in the frontcourt. (Frequently called the “3 points rule.”)

What is the location of the ball in this picture?

1 2

When the back foot of the dribbler touches completely in the frontcourt, the ball will have frontcourt status. 3

It is possible for a dribbler to have both feet in the frontcourt while the ball is being bounced in the backcourt. The dribbler then may still step back into the backcourt with one or both feet, which is legal.

Is this basket interference? BALL TOUCHED HERE

Basket interference occurs when a player: ART. 1...Touches the ball or any part of the basket (including the net) while the ball is on or within either basket. SECTION 6 BASKET INTERFERENCE

The ball is touching the side of the basket ring of Team A. B1 jumps and B1’s hand contacts the net. The ball is definitely not contacting the top of the basket ring. Ruling: This is not a violation. The ball remains live (4-6-1) B1 contacts the ball or the net. Casebook, SITUATION E:

BASKET INTERFERENCE? BALL TOUCHED

ART Touching the ball while any part of the ball is within the imaginary cylinder which has the basket ring as its lower base. YES

SECTION 6 BASKET INTERFERENCE ART. 3...Touching the ball outside the cylinder while reaching through the basket from below.

SECTION 6 BASKET INTERFERENCE ART Pulling down a movable ring so that it contacts the ball before the ring returns to its original position.

Basket interference? While a try or tap is in flight, a defender intentionally slaps the backboard causing the board and rim to vibrate.

Basket interference? It appears the vibration may have caused the ball to roll off the rim. What is the ruling?

A technical foul is charged to the defender for intentionally slapping the backboard. (10-3-4) There is no provision in Rule 4-6 to call basket interference for intentionally or even legally contacting the backboard. There is no provision requiring officials to judge if the ball is affected in any way by legal or intentional contact with the backboard.

Basket Interference is very likely to catch officials by surprise since it doesn’t happen that often. Any time the ball is on or above the rim, officials must be alert for possible basket interference. Knowing the definition is crucial in getting these situations correct.

ART During an intermission, all team members are bench personnel for the purpose of penalizing unsporting behavior.

Casebook Play SITUATION The third quarter ends. As the teams are heading to their benches, A1 and B1 verbally taunt one another. What is the ruling?

RULING: Double technical charged to A1 and B1. “During the intermission between quarters, all team members are bench personnel for the purpose of penalizing unsporting behavior. Both head coaches are charged with indirect technical fouls and lose their coaching box privileges.” “I know; but that’s the rule coach. You will have to remain seated.”

Now, what do we do about: Free throws? # Team/player fouls? Resuming play?

Now, what do we do about: Free throws? No free throws awarded due to the double technical foul.

Now, what do we do about: # Team/player fouls? One foul added to each team’s total and one foul to A1’s and B1’s total toward disqualification. (The indirects do not add to the team total.)

Now, what do we do about: Resuming play? Play resumes from the point of interruption which is a throw-in to start the fourth quarter.

COMMENT: from During a time-out, A1 and B1 would be considered players and not bench personnel. How would this ruling differ from an intermission?

There would be no indirect foul assessed to the head coaches in this situation.

Rule 4 is the most important rule in the book. Read each section slowly, then go to the Casebook for situations and rulings.

“Mastery of the rules allows you to use them to stay out of trouble as opposed to getting into trouble.”

“Referee with passion and keep all your tools sharpened.” Tom Toohig