2011-2012 - Plays of the Week - Week 11
"Working together, we will all get better."

The plays/questions described below occurred recently and are provided for your review and discussion. The rulings given are based on NFHS rules. NCAA rulings may be different.

Play #1 - Neither team is in the bonus. A-3 attempts a three point goal. The try hits the back of the ring and rebounds high into the air over the basket. As the ball is descending, A-5 jumps and is undercut by B-4. The official rules a common foul on B-4. The ball passes through the goal after the whistle has sounded. What is the correct procedure?

Answer: The three point goal is counted. The foul by B-4 is a common foul. Since neither team was in the bonus, by rule, Team A is awarded the ball out of bounds at the spot nearest the foul for a designated spot throw-in. (References: Rules 6.7.7 Exception a, 10 Summary of Penalties 1a, 7.4.6, 7.5.4)

Play #2 - With 5 seconds to go in the game and team A trailing by 3 points, team A has the ball near the division line for a throw-in. A-2 inbounds to A-1 who shoots from half court and misses. The ball is rebounded by A-3. A-3 throws the ball to A-4 who was behind the 3-point line but who leaped and caught the ball in the air while over the free throw line. A-4 releases the ball on a try before coming back to the floor. The goal is good. Official rules a 3-point goal resulting in a tie game. Was the official correct?

Answer: The official was correct. By rule, the location of the shooter A-3 is behind the three point arc since that was the last point on the floor that he touched. Therefore, the attempt was a three point attempt. (References: Rules 4.35.3, 5.2.1)

Play #3 - There is a held ball. Possession arrow points to team A. During the throw-in by team A, B-1 kicks the ball in attempt to stop the inbounds pass. Official rules a kicking violation and awards team A the ball out of bounds nearest the spot of the violation and instructs the table to leave the arrow pointing to team A's basket. Was the official correct?

Answer: The official was correct. By rule, the arrow is switched when the throw-in ends. In this case the throw-in did not end since the throw-in was touched illegally by B-1. (References: Rule 4.42.5a, 6.4.4)

Play #4 - Near the end of a close ball game, B-1 intentionally fouls A-1 to stop the clock. The foul was ruled intentional. A-1 slammed the ball to the floor resulting in her receiving a technical foul. The technical foul was her 5th foul of the game. A-1 was allowed to attempt her free throws and then was eliminated from the game. Were the officials correct?

Answer: The officials were NOT correct. By rule, A-1 became disqualified upon notification to her coach. She could no longer participate in the game. Her substitute should have attempted the free throws. (References: Rules 4.14, 8.2)