Lane Spaces, Timing, Jump Ball

QUESTION:  Girls have done this for years and colleges are doing it now.  Will the closest positions to the basket (lane spaces) be empty with the defensive rebounders now on the shooter's side of the "box"? Is this being considered for boys?

ANSWER:  I'm sure it is under consideration.  But, for now, the boys are playing those positions as they always have.  And, let's also understand that those two spots closest to the basket (one on each side of the lane) MUST BE OCCUPIED by the defensive team, even if it is the first of a two-shot foul (translation:  no free time-outs for the defense....)  There are all sorts of ramifications if the defensive team violates this rule and in some future column we may get into those....

QUESTION: Also regarding a missed free throw, when does the timer restart the clock? Someone told me it had to be touched, but I am not sure.

ANSWER:  After a missed free throw (and assuming the shot hits the rim.....) the clock starts when the ball is touched by a player from either team.  If the shot misses the rim, it is a violation by the shooting team and the clock will not start until the ball is in-bounded.  There are also two other timing situations that are involved.  The 35-second shot clock is not started until either team "gains control" of the missed free throw (as opposed to simply touching.....)  And, if the defensive team gets the rebound, they have 10 seconds to advance the ball over the mid-court line.....and that count does not begin until their team first gains control.  Oh, and for the record.....since only the official is responsible for ascertaining when a team gains control, it is therefore the official's count (not what shows on the shot clock.....) that determines when there is a 10 second violation.  What shows on the shot clock may be helpful but it is not the determining factor.

QUESTION:  During the jump ball to start a game, when can the players around or away from the circle start moving.....when the ball is touched or when it leaves the ref's hand ?

ANSWER:  Good question.  There are two critical moments during a jump ball.  The first, when the ref is ready to make the toss but has not yet released the ball, players may not change their positions around the circle.  Players who are not on the circle are free to move but can't come onto the circle. The second, after the ref has released the ball, the players may move around the circle or go off or on the circle.  But they can not enter the circle until the ball has been touched by one of the jumpers. This rule has implications for teams that like to run a set play off the opening tap.

QUESTION:  Player A-1 is running toward the sideline to save a ball heading out of bounds.  He jumps from in bounds, catches the ball in the air and calls time-out before landing out of bounds.  Legal??

ANSWER:  In high school boys, YES, but ONLY if the official recognizes the time-out.  It isn't an automatic just because the player tries to get it.  (NOTE:  In NCAA (college), NO.....the official will ignore the request.)

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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