A Kick? Held Ball! Backcourt Violation? Tuck Your Shirt In!

QUESTION:  In an attempt to block a pass, the defender extends both arms and legs. If the pass is blocked by the defender's hand and the ball deflects into his own leg, is it a kick???  Since the ball struck the leg accidentally, I would think it is not a kick.

ANSWER:  By definition, a kick is "intentionally" striking the ball with one's foot or extended leg.  It used to be only from the knee down, but the definition was expanded to include the thigh.  So, allowing for the fact that it is a judgement call on the part of the official as to whether or not there was "intent" on the part of the defender's leg motion (if any.....) I'm going to agree with you.....no violation.  But if the official sees the defender's leg get involved in the action (not just remain in contact with the floor) he could easily see "intent" and rule a violation.

QUESTION: In our adult pick-up game, a player took a shot near the basket.  It was blocked cleanly, the blocker's hand on top of the ball.  The ball never left the shooter's hands and he came down with all three hands securely on the ball.  The shooter came away with the ball and attempted to play on.  Argument ensued: 1) simple blocked shot--play on   2) held ball   3) traveling--shooter went up and down with ball still in hand.  Which is right??  PS Thank you: this is an invaluable service.

ANSWER:  From your description, this is clearly a held ball. 

It can't be a "simple blocked shot" because the ball never left the shooter's hand.  And since the defender was able to come down "with the ball" (as well as the shooter....) it is a "HELD" ball.  Bear in mind that the word "HELD" does not imply "control" or "possession" and that will help you sort it out.  

Two other possibilities exist......  If the ball is blocked out of the shooter's hand while the shooter is in the air AND he has the presence of mind to catch the ball again on the way down, all bets are off.  The shooter can dribble, pass, or go right back up and shoot again. 

But, if the shooter is aware of the defender's hand on the ball and realizes he can't possibly get off a decent shot and, while still in the air, purposely drops or throws the ball to the floor, it will be treated like a pass.  This means the shooter cannot touch or recover the ball until after it is again touched by another player.  The reason for this is that once a ball handler leaves the floor, he can ONLY pass or shoot.  He cannot begin a dribble, which is what would be happening in this situation.

QUESTION:  If offensive player A-1 crosses into the front court with one foot (right) and then decides to bring that that same foot (right) back into the back court, is that a back court violation???

ANSWER:  The simple answer to this question is NO.  But let's look at the possibilities.  If A-1 was simply HOLDING the ball (let's assume he was in the back court) and then touched his right foot only into the front court (as though he planned to go there....) and then pulls it back again, it's nothing.  Why?  Because he does not have "front court status" until neither foot is in the back court.

If A-1 is DRIBBLING the ball (again, from the back court), he is not considered to have "front court status" until "both feet and the ball" are completely in the front court.  Since A-1 simply dribbled his right foot over the line and then pulled it back again, he never established front court status.

QUESTION:  In watching East Islip play on Friday 11/30, there were a number of instances where play was stopped and a player was sent to bench for his shirt being out.  Is this a new rule this year or is it just being enforced?  It seems to disrupt the game.  Looking forward to hearing your reply.

ANSWER:  You may have noticed that in the NBA and NCAA, the shirt rule is never a problem.  Players at those levels take pride in their appearance and wear their uniforms correctly.  In high school, the rule is not new (Rule 3.4.15) but it has not been properly enforced in the past. Therefore, in the "Points of Emphasis" this season, it clearly states that "team members may not participate if the uniform is not worn properly...." 

Although not specifically required, officials will often use a little "preventive officiating" and try to address this in multiple ways, especially early in the season.  First, before the game, they might remind the captains that they expect the uniforms to be worn properly.  Second, they may also remind the coaches.  Third, during the game, they may give a subtle reminder to individual players during dead ball situations.   But, none of this is required.  The player bears the ultimate responsibility for his uniform.

I suspect that most players will adjust quickly.  Within a couple of weeks, I expect the problem will virtually disappear.

Do you have a question?  Have you seen a play you didn't understand?   Was there

a controversy you'd like clarified?  Send your questions in and I'll do my best to get you an answer.

                                                            Skip Yutzler

                                                         IAABO Board 127

                             36 Years High School and Junior College Official

                            5 Times NY State HS Championships - Glens Falls

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