BASIC

a.  You must be 18 years of age or older to play.
 

b.  You are playing at your OWN RISK!    YOU WILL ALSO ENCOUNTER PHYSICAL CONTACT WHILE PLAYING THIS GAME.   It will be the intent of the officials assigned to your game, to provide a safe level of competition, however injuries may occur.  You will be required to sign a waiver before participating alleviating MOC SPORTS,  TRIANGLE BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION (herein referred to as 'TBA'), and The Club (herein referred to as 'venue' of any monetary expenses incurred due to injury.  A general liability insurance  policy protects the league and venue from being held liable for any injuries or damages sustained.  (THIS IS NOT HEALTH INSURANCE)

c.  It is the team Captain's responsibility to make sure their players fully understands these rules. Discussion of rules or calls made by officials during a game by non-captains to Game Officials is strictly prohibited.   If a player or players has/have a dispute concerning an Official's call during the game, it must be relayed through the team captains ONLY.  Any attempt by a player, who is not a team captain, to "argue" with the Referee will result in a technical foul and possible ejection from the game. NO WARNINGS!!!  NOTE: The Game clock is a running clock and any Captain seeking to discuss a call/penalty/rule must call a timeout.  IT IS AT THE SOLE DISCRETION OF THE HEAD OFFICIAL TO CALL AN OFFICIAL'S TIMEOUT.

DEFINITION: Running Clock - The Game Clock will run continuously during the contest and will only stop for team and official timeouts.  The clock will run during Free Throw attempts.  When there is one minute (1:00) or less remaining in the game, the clock will stop for fouls, Free Throws, and turnovers.

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DIMENSIONS AND EQUIPMENT

a. COURT DIMENSIONS: Standard (Questions about specific court dimensions can be directed to the Front Office via email.

b.  (1) The game ball shall be an officially approved ball between 7 1 /2 and 8 1 /2 pounds pressure and will be provided by the League.
(2) 6-8 balls will be made available to each team for pre-game warm-up. <Subject To Change>

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OFFICIALS

a.  The game officials shall consist of a Head Referee and 1-2 additional game referees. They will be assisted by an official scorer and 1-2 trained timers. One timer will operate the game clock and the other will operate the 24-second clock. All officials shall be approved by the Triangle Basketball Association Operations Department.

b. The officials shall wear the uniform prescribed by the TBA.
 

Duties of the Officials
a. The officials shall, prior to the start of the game, inspect and approve all equipment, including court, baskets, balls, backboards, timer's and scorer's equipment.

 
b. The officials shall not permit players to play with any type of hand, arm, face, nose, ear, head or neck jewelry.
 

c. The officials shall not permit any player to wear equipment which, in his judgment, is dangerous to other players. Any equipment which is of hard substance (casts, splints, guards and braces) must be padded or foam covered and have no exposed sharp or cutting edge. All the face masks and eye or nose protectors must conform to the contour of the face and have no sharp or protruding edges. Approval is on a game-to-game basis.
 

d. All equipment used must be appropriate for basketball. Equipment that is unnatural and designed to increase a player's height or reach, or to gain an advantage, shall not be used.
 

e. The officials must check the game ball to see that it is properly inflated. The recommended ball pressure should be between 7 1 /2 and 8 1 /2 pounds.
 

f. The Head Official shall be the official in charge.
 

g. If a captain/coach desires to discuss a rule or interpretation of a rule prior to the start of a game or between halfs, it will be mandatory for the officials to ask the other coach to be present during the discussion. The same procedure shall be followed if the officials wish to discuss a game situation with either coach.
 

h. The designated official shall toss the ball at the start of the game. The Head Official shall decide whether or not a goal shall count if the officials disagree, and he shall decide matters upon which scorers and timers disagree.

i. All officials shall be present during the 5-10-minute pre-game warm-up half to observe and report to the Basketball Operations Department any infractions of rules (ex. hanging on the basket ring) and to review scoring and timing procedures with table personnel. Officials may await the on-court arrival of the first team.

j. Officials must meet with team captains prior to the start of the game.

k. Officials must report any atypical or unique incident to the Basketball Operations Department by E-mail. Flagrant, punching, fighting fouls or a team's failure to have eight players to begin the game must also be reported.

Section III-Elastic Power.
The officials shall have the power to make decisions on any point not specifically covered in the rules. The Basketball Operations Department will be advised of all such decisions at the earliest possible moment.

Section IV-Different Decisions By Officials
a. The Head Official shall have the authority to set aside or question decisions regarding a rule interpretation made by either of the other officials.

b. It is the primary duty of the trail official to determine whether a field goal attempt shall count, if successful. If he does not know, he will ask the other officials for assistance. If none of the officials know, the official timer shall be asked. His decision will be final.
EXCEPTION: Period Ending Score or No-Score in Official's Manual.

c. If the officials give conflicting signals as to who caused the ball to go out-of-bounds, a jump ball shall be called between the two players involved. However, if an official offers assistance, the calling official may change the call.
 

d. In the event that a violation and foul occur at the same time, the foul will take precedence.
 

e. Double Foul (See Rule 12-B-Section VI-f).
 

Section V-Time and Place for Decisions
a. The officials have the power to render decisions for infractions of rules committed inside or outside the boundary lines. This includes halfs when the game may be stopped for any reason.

b. When a personal foul or violation occurs, an official will blow his whistle to terminate play.  If a personal foul has occurred, the official will indicate the number of the offender to the official scorer, the type of foul committed and the number of free throws, if any, to be attempted or indicate the spot of the throw-in. If a violation has occurred the official will indicate (1) the nature of the violation by giving the correct signal (2) the number of the offender, if applicable (3) the direction in which the ball will be advanced.

c. When a team is entitled to a throw-in, an official shall clearly signal (1) the act which caused the ball to become dead (2) the spot of the throw-in (3) the team entitled to the throw-in, unless it follows a successful field goal or free throw.

d. When a whistle is erroneously sounded, whether the ball is in a possession or non-possession status, it is an inadvertent whistle and shall be interpreted as a suspension-of-play.

e. An official may suspend play for any unusual circumstance (Rule 4-Section XV).

Section VI-Correcting Errors
A. FREE THROWS
Officials may correct an error if a rule is inadvertently set aside and results in the following:
(1) A team not shooting a merited free throw that will remain in play.
EXCEPTION: If the offensive team scores or shoots earned free throws as a result of a personal foul prior to possession by the defensive team the error shall be ignored if more than 24 seconds has expired.
 

(2) A team not shooting a merited free throw that will not remain in play. The error shall be corrected, all play shall stand and play will resume from the point of interruption with the clocks remaining the same.
 

(3) A team shooting an unmerited free throw.
 

(4) Permitting the wrong player to attempt a free throw.
a. Officials shall be notified of a possible error at the first dead ball.
 

b. Errors which occur in the first or third halfs must be discovered and rectified prior to the start of the next half.
 

c. Errors which occur in the second half must be discovered and the scorer's table notified prior to the officials leaving the floor at the end of the half. The error(s) must be rectified prior to the start of the third half.
 

d. Errors which occur in the fourth half or overtime(s) must be discovered and rectified prior to the end of the half.
 

e. The ball is not in play on corrected free throw attempt(s). Play is resumed at the same spot and under the same conditions as would have prevailed had the error not been discovered.
 

f. All play that occurs is to be nullified if the error is discovered within a 24-second time half. The game clock shall be reset to the time that the error occurred.
EXCEPTION (1): Acts of unsportsmanlike conduct and all flagrant fouls, and points scored therefrom, shall not be nullified.
EXCEPTION (2): If the error to be corrected is for a free throw attempt where there is to be no line-up of players on the free throw lane (flagrant foul, clear path-to-the-basket foul, punching foul, away-from-the-play foul in last two minutes) the error shall be corrected, all play shall stand and play shall resume from the point of interruption with the clocks remaining the same.
 

B. LINEUP POSITIONS
In any jump ball situation, if the jumpers lined up incorrectly, and the error is discovered:
(1) After more than 24 seconds has elapsed, the teams will continue to shoot for that basket for the remainder of that half and/or overtime. If the error is discovered in the first half, teams will shoot at the proper basket as decided by the opening tap for the second half.
 

(2) If 24 seconds or less has elapsed, all play shall be nullified.
EXCEPTION: Acts of unsportsmanlike conduct, all flagrant fouls, and points scored therefrom, shall not be nullified and play will resume from the original jump ball with players facing the proper direction.
 

C. START OF PERIOD-POSSESSION
If the second, third or fourth half begins with the wrong team being awarded possession, and the error is discovered:
(1) after 24 seconds has elapsed, the error cannot be corrected.
 

(2) with 24 seconds or less having elapsed, all play shall be nullified.
 

EXCEPTION: Acts of unsportsmanlike conduct, all flagrant fouls, and points scored therefrom, shall not be nullified.
 

D. RECORD KEEPING
A record keeping error by the official scorer which involves the score, number of personal fouls and/or timeouts may be corrected by the officials at any time prior to the end of the fourth half. Any such error which occurs in overtime must be corrected prior to the end of that half.
 

Section VII-Duties of Scorers
a. The scorers shall record the field goals made, the free throws made and missed and shall keep a running summary of the points scored. They shall record the personal and technical fouls called on each player and shall notify the officials immediately when a sixth personal foul is called on any player. They shall record the timeouts charged to each team, shall notify a team and its coach through an official whenever that team takes a sixth charged timeout and shall notify the nearest official each time a team is granted a charged timeout in excess of the legal number. In case there is a question about an error in the scoring, the scorer shall check with the Head Official at once to find the discrepancy. If the error cannot be found, the official shall accept the record of the official scorer, unless he has knowledge that forces him to decide otherwise.
 

b. The scorers shall keep a record of the names, numbers and positions of the players who are to start the game and of all substitutes who enter the game. When there is an infraction of the rules pertaining to submission of the lineup, substitutions or numbers of players, they shall notify the nearest official immediately if the ball is dead, or as soon as it becomes dead if it is in play when the infraction is discovered. The scorer shall mark the time at which players are disqualified by reason of receiving six personal fouls, so that it may be easy to ascertain the order in which the players are eligible to go back into the game in accordance with Rule 3-

Section I.
c. The scorers shall use a horn or other device unlike that used by the officials or timers to signal the officials. This may be used when the ball is dead or in certain specified situations when the ball is in control of a given team.
 

d. When a player is disqualified from the game, or whenever a penalty free throw is being awarded, a buzzer, siren or some other clearly audible sound must be used by the scorer or timer to notify the game officials. It is the duty of the score-keeper to be certain the officials have acknowledged the sixth personal foul buzzer and the penalty shot buzzer.
 

e. The scorer shall not signal the officials while the ball is in play, except to notify them of the necessity to correct an error. \

f. Should the scorer sound the horn while the ball is in play, it shall be ignored by the players on the court. The officials must use their judgment in stopping play to consult with the scorer's table.
 

g. Scorers shall record on the scoreboard the number of team fouls up to a total of five, which will indicate that the team is in a penalty situation.
 

h. Scorers shall, immediately, record the name of the team which secures the first possession of the game.
 

Section VIII-Duties of Timers (Subject to Variations Prior To The Start Of The Season)
a. The timers shall note when each half is to start and shall notify the Head Official and both coaches five minutes before this time, or cause them to be notified at least five minutes before the half is to start. They shall signal the scorers two minutes before starting time. They shall record playing time and time of stoppages as provided in the rules. The official timer and the 24-second clock operator shall be provided with digital stop watches to be used with the timing of timeouts and in case the official game clock, 24-second clocks/game clocks located above the backboards fail to work properly.
 

b. At the beginning of the first half, any overtime half or whenever play is resumed by a jump ball, the game clock shall be started when the ball is legally tapped by either of the jumpers. No time will be removed from the game clock and/or 24-second clock if there is an illegal tap.
 

c. If the game clock has been stopped for a violation, successful field goal or free throw attempt and the ball is put in play by a throw-in, the game clock and the 24-second clock shall be started when the ball is legally touched by any player on the court. The starting of the game clock and the 24-second clock will be under the control of the official timer.
 

d. During an unsuccessful free throw attempt, the game clock will be started when the ball is legally touched. The 24-second clock will be reset when player possession of the ball is obtained.
 

e. The game clock shall be stopped at the expiration of time for each half and when an official signals timeout. For a charged timeout, the timer shall start a digital stop watch and shall signal the official when it is time to resume play.
 

f. The game clock and the scoreboard will combine to cause a horn to sound, automatically, when playing time for the half has expired. If the horn or buzzer fails to sound, or is not heard, the official timer shall use any other means to notify the officials immediately. If, in the meantime, a successful field goal has been attempted or a personal foul has occurred, the Head Official shall consult his fellow officials and the official timer. If the official timer states that time expired before the field goal attempt left the player's hand(s), the field goal shall not count. If the official timer states that time expired before the personal foul occurred, the personal foul shall be disregarded, unless it was unsportsmanlike. If there is a disagreement between the officials and the official timer, the field goal shall count and the personal foul shall be penalized unless the officials have other personal knowledge.
 

g. In a dead ball situation, if the clock shows :00.0, the half or game is considered to have ended although the horn may not have sounded.
 

h. Record only the actual playing time in the last minute of the first, second and third halfs.
 

i. Record only the actual playing time in the last two minutes of the fourth half and the last two minutes of any overtime half(s).

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PLAYERS, COACHES, AND SUBSTITUTES

Section I-Team
a. Each team shall consist of minimum of five players that will take to the court. No team may be reduced to less than five players. If a player in the game receives his sixth personal foul and all substitutes have already been disqualified, said player shall remain in the game and shall be charged with a personal and team foul. A technical foul also shall be assessed against his team. All subsequent personal fouls, including offensive fouls, shall be treated similarly. All players who have six or more personal fouls and remain in the game shall be treated similarly.

b. In the event that there are only five eligible players remaining and one of these players is injured and must leave the game or is ejected, he must be replaced by the last player who was disqualified by reason of receiving six personal fouls. Each subsequent requirement to replace an injured or ejected player will be treated in this inverse order. Any such re-entry into a game by a disqualified player shall be penalized by a technical foul.

c. In the event that a player becomes ill and must leave the court while the ball is in play, the official will stop play immediately when his team gains new possession. The player shall be replaced and no technical foul will be assessed. The opposing team is also permitted to substitute one player.

Section II-Starting Line-Ups At least ten minutes before the game is scheduled to begin, the scorers shall be supplied with the name and number of each player who may participate in the game. Starting line-ups will be indicated. Failure to comply with this provision shall be reported to the Basketball Operations Department.

Section III-The Captain
a. A team may have a captain and a co-captain numbering a maximum of two. The designated captain may be anyone on the squad who is in uniform, except a player-coach.

b. The designated captain is the only player who may ask an official about a rule interpretation during a regular or 20-second timeout charged to his team. He may not discuss a judgment decision.

c. If the designated captain continues to sit on the bench, he remains the captain for the entire game.
 

d. In the event that the captain is absent from the court and bench, his coach shall immediately designate a new captain.
 

Section IV-The Coach and Others
a. The coach's position may be on or off the bench.  A coach is not permitted to cross the midcourt line and violators will be assessed an unsportsmanlike technical foul immediately. All assistants and trainers must remain on the bench. Coaches and trainers are not permitted to go to the scorer's table, for any reason, except during a deadball.

b. A player-coach will have no special privileges. He is to conduct himself in the same manner as any other player.

c. Any club personnel not seated on the bench must conduct themselves in a manner that would reflect favorably on the dignity of the game or that of the officials.

d. The bench shall be occupied only by a league-approved head coach, a maximum of three assistant coaches, players and trainer (where applicable). During an altercation, the head and assistant coaches are permitted on the court.

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IMPORTANT DEFINITIONS
Section I-Basket/Backboard
a. A team's basket consists of the basket ring and net through which its players try to shoot the ball. The visiting team has the choice of baskets for the first half. The basket selected by the visiting team when it first enters onto the court shall be its basket for the first half.

b. The teams change baskets for the second half. All overtime halfs are considered extensions of the second half.
 

c. Five sides of the backboard (front, two sides, bottom and top) are considered in play when contacted by the basketball. The back of the backboard and the area directly behind it are out-of-bounds.

Section II-Blocking
Blocking is illegal personal contact which impedes the progress of an opponent.
 

Section III-Dribble
A dribble is movement of the ball, caused by a player in control, who throws or taps the ball into the air or to the floor.
a. The dribble ends when the dribbler:
(1) Touches the ball simultaneously with both hands
(2) Permits the ball to come to rest while he is in control of it
(3) Tries for a field goal
(4) Throws a pass
(5) Touches the ball more than once while dribbling, before it touches the floor
(6) Loses control
(7) Allows the ball to become dead

Section IV-Fouls
a. A common personal foul is illegal physical contact which occurs with an opponent after the ball has become live.

b. A technical foul is the penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct or violations by team members on the floor or seated on the bench. It may be assessed for illegal contact which occurs with an opponent before the ball becomes live.
 

c. A double foul is a situation in which two opponents commit personal or technical fouls against each other at approximately the same time.
 

d. An offensive foul is illegal contact, committed by an offensive player, after the ball is live.
 

e. A loose ball foul is illegal contact, after the ball is alive, when team control does not exist.
 

f. An elbow foul is making contact with the elbow in an unsportsmanlike manner whether the ball is dead or alive.
 

g. A flagrant foul is unnecessary and/or excessive contact committed by a player against an opponent whether the ball is dead or alive.
 

h. A punching foul is a punch by a player which makes contact with an opponent whether the ball is dead or alive.
 

i. An away-from-the-play foul is illegal contact by the defense in the last two minutes of the game, and/or overtime, which occurs (1) deliberately away from the immediate area of offensive action, and/or (2) prior to the ball being released on a throw-in.
 

Section V-Free Throw
A free throw is the privilege given a player to score one point by an unhindered attempt for the goal from a position directly behind the free throw line. This attempt must be made within 10 seconds.
 

Section VI-Frontcourt/Backcourt
a. A team's frontcourt consists of that part of the court between its endline and the nearer edge of the midcourt line, including the basket and inbounds part of the backboard.
 

b. A team's backcourt consists of the entire midcourt line and the rest of the court to include the opponent's basket and inbounds part of the backboard.
 

c. A ball being held by a player: (1) is in the frontcourt if neither the ball nor the player is touching the backcourt, (2) is in the backcourt if either the ball or player is touching the backcourt.
 

d. A ball being dribbled is (1) in the frontcourt when the ball and both feet of the player are in the frontcourt, (2) in the backcourt if the ball or either foot of the player is in the backcourt.
 

e. The ball is considered in the frontcourt once it has broken the plane of the midcourt line and is not in player control.
 

f. The team on offense must bring the ball across the midcourt line within 8 seconds. No additional 10-second count is permitted in the backcourt.
EXCEPTION: (1) kicked ball, (2) punched ball, (3) technical foul on the defensive team, (4) delay-of-game warning on the defensive team or (5) infection control.
g. Frontcourt/backcourt status is not attained until a player with the ball has established a positive position in either half during (1) a jump ball, (2) a steal by a defensive player, or (3) a throw-in in the last two minutes of the fourth half and/or any overtime half.
 

Section VII-Held Ball A held ball occurs when two opponents have one or both hands firmly on the ball. A held ball should not be called until both players have hands so firmly on the ball that neither can gain sole possession without undue roughness. If a player is lying or sitting on the floor while in possession, he should have an opportunity to throw the ball, but a held ball should be called if there is danger of injury.
 

Section VIII-Pivot
a. A pivot takes place when a player, who is holding the ball, steps once or more than once in any direction with the same foot, with the other foot (pivot foot) in contact with the floor.
 

b. If the player wishes to dribble after a pivot, the ball must be out of his hand before the pivot foot is raised off the floor. If the player raises his pivot off the floor, he must pass or attempt a field goal. If he fails to follow these guidelines, he has committed a traveling violation.
 

Section IX-Traveling
Traveling is progressing in any direction while in possession of the ball, which is in excess of prescribed limits as noted in Rule 4-Section VIII and Rule 10- Section XIV.
 

Section X-Screen
A screen is the legal action of a player who, without causing undue contact, delays or prevents an opponent from reaching a desired position.
 

Section XI-Field Goal Attempt
A field goal attempt is a player's attempt to shoot the ball into his basket for a field goal. The act of shooting starts when, in the official's judgment, the player has started his shooting motion and continues until the shooting motion ceases and he returns to a normal floor position. It is not essential that the ball leave the shooter's hand. His arm(s) might be held so that he cannot actually make an attempt. The term is also used to include the flight of the ball until it becomes dead or is touched by a player. A tap during a jump ball or rebound is not considered a field goal attempt. However, anytime a live ball is in flight from the playing court, the goal, if made, shall count, even if time expires or the official's whistle sounds. The field goal will not be scored if time on the game clock expires before the ball leaves the player's hand.
 

Section XII-Throw-In
A throw-in is a method of putting the ball in play from out-of-bounds in accordance with Rule 8-Section III. The throw-in begins when the ball is at the disposal of the team or player entitled to it, and ends when the ball is released by the thrower-in.
 

Section XIII-Last Two Minutes
When the game clock shows 2:00, the game is considered to be in the two-minute half.
 

Section XIV-Disconcertion of Free Throw Shooter
Disconcertion of the free throw shooter is any of the following:
a. During multiple free throw attempts which are not going to remain in play, an opponent may not, while located on the lane lines, be allowed to raise his arms above his head.
b. During any free throw attempt, an opponent in the game who is in the visual field of the free throw shooter, may not (1) wave his arms, (2) make a sudden dash upcourt, (3) talk to the free throw shooter, or (4) talk loudly in a disruptive manner.
 

Section XV-Suspension of Play
An official can suspend play for retrieving an errant ball, re-setting the timing devices, delay-of-game warning, inadvertent whistle or any other unusual circumstance. During such a suspension, neither team is permitted to substitute and only the offensive team can request a timeout. Play shall be resumed at the point of interruption.
 

Section XVI-Point of Interruption
Where the ball is located when the whistle sounds.
 

Section XVII-Team Control
A team is in control when a player is holding, dribbling or passing the ball. Team control ends when the defensive team deflects the ball or there is a field goal attempt.
 

Section XVIII-Team Possession
A team is in possession when a player is holding, dribbling or passing the ball. Team possession ends when the defensive team gains possession or there is a field goal attempt.

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SCORING AND TIMING

Section I-Scoring
a. A legal field goal or free throw attempt shall be scored when a live ball from the playing area enters the basket from above and remains in or passes through the net.
 

b. A successful field goal attempt from the area on or inside the three-point field goal line shall count two points.
 

c. A successful field goal attempt from the area outside the three-point field goal line shall count three points.
(1) The shooter must have at least one foot on the floor outside the three-point field goal line prior to the attempt.
(2) The shooter may not be touching the floor on or inside the three-point field goal line.
(3) The shooter may contact the three-point field goal line, or land in the two-point field goal area, after the ball is released.
 

d. A field goal accidentally scored in an opponent's basket shall be added to the opponent's score, credited to the opposing player nearest the shooter and mentioned in a footnote.
 

e. It is a violation for a player to attempt a field goal at an opponent's basket. The opposing team will be awarded the ball at the free throw line extended.
 

f. A successful free throw attempt shall count one point.
 

g. An unsuccessful free throw attempt which is tapped into the basket shall count two points and shall be credited to the player who tapped the ball in.
 

h. If there is a discrepancy in the score and it cannot be resolved, the running score shall be official.
 

Section II-Timing
a. Two (2) halfs of regulation play in the TBA will be 20:00 minute halves, running clock. <Subject to Change>

DEFINITION: Running Clock - The Game Clock will run continuously during the contest and will only stop for team and official timeouts.  The clock will run during Free Throw attempts.  When there is one minute (1:00) or less remaining in the game, the clock will stop for fouls, Free Throws, and turnovers.

b. All overtime halfs of play will be five minutes.
 

c. Five (5) minutes will be permitted between halves of all games.

d. 120 seconds will be permitted between second half and any overtime half/

e. A team is permitted 20 seconds to replace a disqualified player.
 

f. The game is considered to be in the one-minute part when the game clock shows 1:00 or less time remaining in the half.
 

g. The officials are required to announce that there are two minutes remaining in each half.

h. The game clock shall be equipped to show tenths-of-a-second during the last minute of each half. <Subject to Change>

Section III-End of Period
a. Each half ends when time expires.

EXCEPTIONS:
(1) If a live ball is in flight, the half ends when the goal is made, missed or touched by an offensive player.

(2) If the official's whistle sounds prior to the horn or :00.0 on the clock, the half is not over and time must be added to the clock.

(3) If the ball is in the air when the horn sounds ending a half, and it subsequently is touched by: (a) a defensive player, the goal, if successful, shall count; or (b) an offensive player, the half has ended.

(4) If a timeout request is made at approximately the instant time expires for a half, the half ends and the timeout shall not be granted.

b. If the ball is dead and the game clock shows :00.0, the half has ended even though the horn may not have sounded.
 

Section IV-Tie Score-Overtime
If the score is tied at the end of the second half, play shall resume in 120 seconds without change of baskets for any of the overtime halves required. (See Rule 5-Section II-d for the amount of time between overtime halves.)

Section V-Stoppage of Timing Devices
a. The timing devices are running devices and will only be stopped for the following when the game clock is 01:00 minute or less.
(1) A personal or technical foul.

(2) A jump ball.

(3) A floor violation.

(4) An unusual delay.

(5) A suspension-of-play for any other emergency (no substitutions are permitted.)

(6) A regular or 20-second timeout.

b. The timing devices shall be stopped:
(1) During the last minute of the first and second halves following a successful field goal attempt.
(2) During the last minute of regulation play and/or overtime(s) following a successful field goal attempt.

c. Officials may not use official time to permit a player to change or repair equipment.

Section VI-20-Second Timeout
A player's request for a 20-second timeout shall be granted only when the ball is dead or in control of the team making the request. A request at any other time shall be ignored.
EXCEPTION: The head coach may request a 20-second timeout if there is a suspension of play to administer Comments on the Rules-N-Guidelines for Infection Control.
 

a. Each team is entitled to one (1) 20-second timeout per half for a total of two (2) per game, including overtimes.

b. During a 20-second timeout a team may only substitute for one player. If the team calling the 20-second timeout replaces a player, the opposing team may also replace one player.
EXCEPTION: In the last minute of the second half and/or any overtime half, free substitution is permitted by both teams.

c. If a second 20-second timeout is requested during a half (including over-times), it shall be granted. It will automatically become a charged regular timeout. Overtimes are considered to be an extension of the second half.

d. The official shall instruct the timer to record the 20 seconds and to inform him when the time has expired. An additional regular timeout will be charged if play is unable to resume at the expiration of that 20-second time limit.
EXCEPTION: No regular timeout remaining and an injured player on the court.

e. This rule may be used for any reason, including a request for a rule interpretation. If the correction is sustained, no timeout shall be charged.

f. Players should say "20-second timeout" when requesting this time.

g. If a 20-second timeout is requested by the offensive team during the last minute of the second half and/or any overtime half and (1) the ball is out-of-bounds in the backcourt (except for a suspension of play), or (2) after securing the ball from a rebound and prior to any advance of the ball, or (3) after the offensive team secures the ball from a change of possession and prior to any advance of the ball, the timeout should be granted. Upon resumption of play, the team granted the timeout shall have the option of putting the ball into play at the 28' hash mark in the frontcourt or at the designated spot out-of-bounds. If the ball is put into play at the hash mark, the ball may be passed into either the frontcourt or backcourt. If it is passed into the backcourt, the team will receive a new 8-second count.

h. If a 20-second timeout has been granted and a mandatory timeout by the same team is due, only the mandatory timeout will be charged.

i. A 20-second timeout shall not be granted to the defensive team during an official's suspension-of-play for (1) delay-of-game warning, (2) retrieving an errant ball, (3) an inadvertent whistle or (4) any other unusual circumstance.
EXCEPTION: Suspension of play for a player bleeding. See Comments on the Rules-N.
Section VII-Regular Timeout-100/60 Seconds A player's request for a timeout shall be granted only when the ball is dead or in control of the team making the request. A request at any other time shall be ignored.

EXCEPTION: The head coach may request a regular timeout if there is a suspension of play to administer Comments on the Rules-N-Guidelines for Infection Control.
a. Each team is entitled to six (6) charged timeouts during regulation play. Each team is limited to no more than three (3) timeouts in the second half and no more than two (2) timeouts in the last minute of regulation play. (This is in addition to one 20-second timeout per half.)

b. During a regular timeout, both teams may have unlimited substitutions.

c. In overtime halves each team shall be allowed three (2) 60-second timeouts regardless of the number of timeouts called or remaining during regulation play or previous overtimes. Teams are permitted no more than two timeouts in the last two minutes of the half.

d. There must be two 100-second mandatory timeouts in the first and second halves occurring at 12:59 and under and at 7:59 remaining and under.

e. If a regular or mandatory timeout is awarded the offensive team during the last minute of the second half and/or any overtime half and (1) the ball is out-of-bounds in the backcourt (except for a suspension of play), or (2) after securing the ball from a rebound and prior to any advance of the ball, or (3) after securing the ball from a change of possession and prior to any advance of the ball, the timeout shall be granted. Upon resumption of play, the team granted the timeout shall have the option of putting the ball into play at the 28' hash mark in the frontcourt, or at the designated spot out-of-bounds. If the ball is put into play at the hash mark, the ball may be passed into either the frontcourt or backcourt. If the ball is passed into the backcourt, the team will receive a new 8-second count. However, once the ball is (1) thrown in from out-of-bounds, or (2) dribbled or passed after receiving it from a rebound or a change of possession, the timeout shall be granted, and, upon resumption of play, the ball shall be in-bounded on the side- line where play was interrupted. The time on the game clock and the 24-second clock shall remain as when the timeout was called. In order for the option to be available under the conditions in paragraph #2 above, the offensive team must call two successive timeouts.

f. No timeout shall be charged if it is called to question a rule interpretation and the correction is sustained.

g. Requests for a timeout in excess of the authorized number shall be granted and a technical foul shall be assessed. Following the timeout, the ball will be awarded to the opposing team and play shall resume with a throw-in nearest the spot where play was interrupted.
 

Section VIII-Timeout Requests
a. If an official, upon receiving a timeout request (regular or 20-second) by the defensive team, inadvertently signals while the play is in progress, play shall be suspended and the team in possession shall put the ball in play immediately at the sideline nearest where the ball was when the signal was given. The team in possession shall have only the time remaining of the original eight seconds in which to move the ball into the frontcourt. The 24-second clock shall remain the same.

b. If an official, upon receiving a timeout request (regular or 20-second) from the defensive team, inadvertently signals for a timeout during: (1) a successful field goal or free throw attempt, the point(s) shall be scored; (2) an unsuccessful field goal attempt, play shall be resumed with a jump ball at the center circle between any two opponents; (3) an unsuccessful free throw attempt, the official shall rule disconcerting and award a substitute free throw.
 

c. If an official inadvertently blows his whistle during (1) a successful field goal or free throw attempt, the points shall be scored, or (2) an unsuccessful field goal or free throw attempt, play shall be resumed with a jump ball at the center circle between any two opponents.
 

d. When a team is granted a regular or 20-second time-out, play shall not resume until the full 100 seconds, 60 seconds, or 20 seconds have elapsed. The throw-in shall be nearest the spot where play was suspended. The throw-in shall be on the sideline, if the ball was in play when the request was granted.
 

e. A player shall not be granted a timeout (regular or 20-second) if both of his feet are in the air and any part of his body has broken the vertical plane of the boundary line (including the midcourt line).
 

Section IX-Time-In
a. After time has been out, the game clock shall be started when the ball is legally touched by any player within the playing area of the court.
 

b. On a free throw that is unsuccessful and the ball continues in play, the game clock shall be started when the missed free throw is legally touched by any player.
 

c. If play is resumed by a throw-in from out-of-bounds, the game clock shall be started when the ball is legally touched by any player within the playing area of the court.
 

d. If play is resumed with a jump ball, the game clock shall be started when the ball is legally tapped.

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LIVE/DEAD BALL

Section I-Start of Games/Halves and Others
a. The game and overtimes shall be started with a jump ball in the center circle.

b. The team which gains first possession of the game will put the ball into play at their opponent's endline to begin the fourth period. The other team will put the ball into play at their opponent's endline at the beginning of the second and third periods.
 

c. In putting the ball into play, the thrower-in may run along the endline or pass it to a teammate who is also out-of-bounds at the endline-as after a score.
 

d. After any dead ball, play shall be resumed by a jump ball, a throw-in or by placing the ball at the disposal of a free-thrower.
 

e. On the following infractions, the ball shall be awarded to the opposing team out-of-bounds on the nearest sideline at the free throw line extended:
(1) Three-seconds (offensive)
(2) Ball entering basket from below
(3) Illegal assist in scoring
(4) Offensive screen set out-of-bounds
(5) Free throw violation by the offensive team
(6) Flagrant foul-penalty (1) or (2)
(7) Defensive three-seconds
(8) Jump ball violation at free throw circle
(9) Ball passing directly behind backboard
(10) Offensive basket interference
(11) Ball hitting horizontal basket support
(12) Loose ball fouls which occur inside the free throw line extended
(13) Five second back-to-the-basket violation
 

f. On the following infractions, the ball shall be awarded to the opposing team on the baseline at the nearest spot outside the three-second area extended:
(1) Ball out-of-bounds on baseline
(2) Ball hitting vertical basket support
(3) Defensive goaltending (all privileges remain)
(4) During a throw-in violation on the baseline
 

g. On the following infractions, the ball shall be awarded to the opposing team on the sideline at the nearest spot but no nearer to the baseline than the free throw line extended:
(1) Traveling
(2) Double dribble
(3) Striking or kicking the ball on any situation except a throw-in
(4) Swinging of elbows
(5) 24-second violation
 

h. If the ball is kicked or punched during any throw-in, the ball will be returned to the original throw-in spot with all privileges, if any, remaining.
 

i. On any play where the ball goes out-of-bounds on the sideline, the ball shall be awarded to the opposing team at that spot.
 

j. Following a regular or 20-second timeout that was called while the ball was alive, the ball shall be awarded out-of-bounds on the sideline at the nearest spot upon resumption of play. For all other timeouts, play shall resume where it was interrupted.
EXCEPTION: Rule 5-Section VII-e.
 

k. On a violation which requires putting the ball in play in the backcourt, the official will give the ball to the offensive player as soon as he is in a position out-of-bounds and ready to accept the ball.
EXCEPTION: In the last minute of each half or overtime, a reasonable amount of time shall be allowed for a substitution.
 

Section II-Live Ball
a. The ball becomes live when:
(1) It is tossed by an official on any jump ball
(2) It is at the disposal of the offensive player for a throw-in
(3) It is placed at the disposal of a free throw shooter
 

Section III-Ball is Alive
a. The ball becomes alive when:
(1) It is legally tapped by one of the participants of a jump ball
(2) It is released by the thrower-in
(3) It is released by the free throw shooter on a free throw which will remain in play
 

Section IV-Dead Ball
a. The ball becomes dead and/or remains dead when the following occurs:
(1) Official blows his/her whistle
(2) Free throw which will not remain in play (free throw which will be followed by another free throw, technical, flagrant, etc.)
(3) Following a successful field goal or free throw that will remain in play, until player possession out-of-bounds. Contact which is NOT considered unsportsmanlike shall be ignored. (Rule 12A-Section VII-i)
(4) Time expires for the end of any period
EXCEPTION: If a live ball is in flight, the ball becomes dead when the goal is made, missed or touched by an offensive player.
 

Section V-Jump Balls in Center Circle
a. The ball shall be put into play in the center circle by a jump ball between any two opponents:
(1) At the start of the game
(2) At the start of each overtime period
(3) A double free throw violation
(4) Double foul during a loose ball situation
(5) The ball becomes dead when neither team is in control and no field goal or infraction is involved
(6) The ball comes to rest on the basket flange or becomes lodged between the basket ring and the backboard
(7) A double foul which occurs as a result of a difference in opinion between officials
(8) A suspension of play occurs during a loose ball
(9) A fighting foul occurs during a loose ball situation
b. In all cases above, the jump ball shall be between any two opponents in the game at that time. If injury, ejection or disqualification makes it necessary for any player to be replaced, his substitute may not participate in the jump ball.
 

Section VI-Other Jump Balls
a. The ball shall be put into play by a jump ball at the circle which is closest to the spot where:
(1) A held ball occurs
(2) A ball out-of-bounds caused by both teams
(3) An official is in doubt as to who last touched the ball
b. The jump ball shall be between the two involved players unless injury or ejection precludes one of the jumpers from participation. If the injured or ejected player must leave the game, the coach of the opposing team shall select from his opponent's bench a player who will replace the injured or ejected player. The injured player will not be permitted to re-enter the game.
 

Section VII-Restrictions Governing Jump Balls
a. Each jumper must have at least one foot on or inside that half of the jumping circle which is farthest from his own basket. Each jumper must have both feet with-in the restraining circle.
b. The ball must be tapped by one or both of the players participating in the jump ball after it reaches its highest point. If the ball falls to the floor without being tapped by at least one of the jumpers, the official off the ball shall whistle the ball dead and signal another toss.
c. Neither jumper may tap the tossed ball before it reaches its highest point.
d. Neither jumper may leave his half of the jumping circle until the ball has been tapped.
e. Neither jumper may catch the tossed or tapped ball until it touches one of the eight non-jumpers, the floor, the basket or the backboard.
f. Neither jumper is permitted to tap the ball more than twice on any jump ball.
g. The eight non-jumpers will remain outside the restraining circle until the ball has been tapped. Teammates may not occupy adjacent positions around the restraining circle if an opponent desires one of the positions. No player may position himself immediately behind an opponent on the restraining circle. Penalty for c., d., e., f., g.: Ball awarded out-of-bounds to the opponent.
h. Player position on the restraining circle is determined by the direction of a player's basket. The player whose basket is nearest shall have first choice of position, with position being alternated thereafter.

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24-SECOND CLOCK

Section I-Definition For the purpose of clarification the 24-second device shall be referred to as "the 24-second clock."

Section II-Starting and Stopping of 24-Second Clock
a. The 24-second clock will start when a team gains new possession of a ball which is in play.
 

b. On a throw-in, the 24-second clock shall start when the ball is legally touched on the court by a player.
c. A team must attempt a field goal within 24 seconds after gaining possession of the ball. To constitute a legal field goal attempt, the following conditions must be complied with:
(1) The ball must leave the player's hand prior to the expiration of 24 seconds.
 

(2) After leaving the player's hand(s), the ball must make contact with the basket ring.
 

d. A team is considered in possession of the ball when holding, passing or dribbling. The team is considered in possession of the ball even though the ball has been batted away but the opponent has not gained possession.
 

e. Team possession ends when:
(1) There is a legal field goal attempt
 

(2) The opponent gains possession
 

f. If a ball is touched by a defensive player who does not gain possession of the ball, the 24-second clock shall continue to run.
 

g. If a defensive player causes the ball to go out-of-bounds or causes the ball to enter the basket ring from below, the 24-second clock is stopped and the offensive team shall be awarded the ball. The offensive team shall have only the unexpired time remaining on the 24-second clock in which to attempt a field goal. If the 24-second clock reads 0, a 24-second violation has occurred, even though the horn may not have sounded.
 

h. If during any period there are 24 seconds OR LESS left to play in the half, the 24-second clock shall not function following a change of possession.
 

i. If an official inadvertently blows his whistle and the 24-second clock buzzer sounds while the ball is in the air, play shall be suspended and play resumed by a jump ball between any two opponents at the center circle, if the shot hits the rim and is unsuccessful. If the shot does not hit the rim, a 24-second violation has occurred. If the shot is successful, the goal shall count and the ball inbounded as after any successful field goal. It should be noted that even though the official blows his whistle, all provisions of the above rule apply.

 
j. If there is a question whether or not an attempt to score has been made within the 24 seconds allowed, the final decision shall be made by the officials.
 

k. Whenever the 24-second clock reads 0 and the ball is dead for any reason other than a defensive three-second violation, kicking violation, punched ball violation, personal foul or a technical foul by the defensive team, a 24-second violation has occurred.
 

Section III-Putting Ball In Play After Violation

If a team fails to attempt a field goal within the time allotted, a 24-second violation shall be called. The ball is awarded to the defensive team at the sideline, nearest the spot where play was suspended but no nearer to the baseline than the free throw line extended.
 

Section IV-Resetting 24-Second Clock
a. The 24-second clock shall be reset when a special situation occurs which warrants such action.
 

b. The 24-second clock is never reset on technical fouls called on the offensive team.
 

c. The 24-second clock shall be reset to 24 seconds anytime the following occurs:
(1) Change of possession
 

(2) Ball contacting the basket ring of the team which is in possession
 

(3) Personal foul where ball is being inbounded in backcourt
 

(4) Violation where ball is being inbounded in backcourt
 

(5) Jump balls which are not the result of a held ball caused by the defense
 

d. The 24-second clock shall remain the same as when play was interrupted or reset to 14 seconds, whichever is greater, anytime the following occurs:
(1) Personal foul by the defense where ball is being inbounded in frontcourt
(2) Defensive three-second violation
(3) Technical fouls and/or delay-of-game warnings on the defensive team
(4) Kicked or punched ball by the defensive team with the ball being inbounded in the offensive team's front-court
(5) Infection control
(6) Jump balls retained by the offensive team as the result of a held ball caused by the defense
(7) All flagrant and punching fouls

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OUT OF BOUNDS AND THROW-IN

Section I-Player

The player is out-of-bounds when he touches the floor or any object on or outside a boundary. For location of a player in the air, his position is that from which he last touched the floor.
 

Section II-Ball
a. The ball is out-of-bounds when it touches a player who is out-of-bounds or any other person, the floor, or any object on, above or outside of a boundary or the supports or back of the backboard.
 

b. Any ball that rebounds or passes directly behind the backboard, in either direction, from any point is considered out-of-bounds.
 

c. The ball is caused to go out-of-bounds by the last player to touch it before it goes out, provided it is out-of-bounds because of touching something other than a player. If the ball is out-of-bounds because of touching a player who is on or outside a boundary, such player caused it to go out.
 

d. If the ball goes out-of-bounds and was last touched simultaneously by two opponents, both of whom are inbounds or out-of-bounds, or if the official is in doubt as to who last touched the ball, or if the officials disagree, play shall be resumed by a jump ball between the two involved players in the nearest restraining circle.
 

e. After the ball is out-of-bounds, the team shall designate a player to make the throw-in. He shall make the throw-in at the spot out-of-bounds nearest where the ball crossed the boundary. The designated thrower-in shall not be changed unless the offensive team makes a substitution or there is a regular or 20-second timeout.
 

f. If the ball is interfered with by an opponent seated on the bench or standing on the sideline (Rule 12A-Section IV-a[7]), it shall be awarded to the offended team out-of-bounds nearest the spot of the violation.
 

Section III-The Throw-In
a. The throw-in starts when the ball is at the disposal of a player entitled to the throw-in. He shall release the ball inbounds within 5 seconds from the time the throw-in starts. Until the passed ball has crossed the plane of the boundary, no player shall have any part of his person over the boundary line and teammates shall not occupy positions parallel or adjacent to the baseline if an opponent desires one of those positions. The defensive man shall have the right to be between his man and the basket.
 

b. On a throw-in which is not touched inbounds, the ball is returned to the original throw-in spot.
 

c. After a score, field goal or free throw, the latter coming as the result of a personal foul, any player of the team not credited with the score shall put the ball into play from any point out-of-bounds at the endline of the court where the point(s) were scored. He may pass the ball to a teammate behind the endline; however, the five-second throw-in rule applies.
 

d. After a free throw violation by the shooter or his teammate, the throw-in is made from out-of-bounds at either end of the free throw line extended.
 

e. Any ball out-of-bounds in a team's frontcourt or at the midcourt line cannot be passed into the backcourt. On all backcourt and midcourt violations, the ball shall be awarded to the opposing team at the midcourt line, and must be passed into the frontcourt.
EXCEPTION: During the last two minutes of the fourth period and/or any overtime period, the ball may be passed anywhere (frontcourt or backcourt) on the court.
 

f. A throw-in which touches the floor, or any object on or outside the boundary line, or touches anything above the playing surface is a violation. The ball must be thrown directly inbounds.
EXCEPTION: Rule 8-Section III-c.
PENALTY: Violation of this rule is loss of possession, and the ball must be inbounded at the previous spot of the throw-in.

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VIOLATIONS AND PENALTIES
Section I-Free Throw
a. After the ball is placed at the disposal of a free throw shooter, his attempt shall be within 10 seconds in such a way that the ball enters the basket or touches the ring before it is touched by a player. The shooter shall be within that part of the free throw circle behind the free throw line.
 

b. A player shall not touch the ball or basket while the ball is on or within the basket.
 

c. A player who occupies a free throw lane space shall not touch the floor on or across the free throw lane line, nor shall any player 'back out' more than 3' from the free throw lane line. A player who does not occupy a free throw lane space must remain behind the three-point line. This restriction applies until the ball leaves the free thrower's hands.
 

d. The free throw shooter may not cross the plane of the free throw line until the ball touches the basket ring, backboard, or the free throw ends.
 

e. No player shall deflect or catch the ball before it reaches the basket or backboard on a free throw attempt.
 

f. The free throw shooter shall not purposely fake a free throw attempt.
 

g. An opponent in the game shall not disconcert the free thrower in any way, once the ball has been placed at the disposal of the shooter.
 

h. No violation can occur if the ball is not released by the free throw shooter.
EXCEPTION: Rule 10-Section I-f.
 

PENALTY:
(1) In (a-f) above, if the violation is by the offense, no point can be scored. The ball is awarded out-of-bounds to the opposing team at the free throw line extended.
(2) In (b) above, a violation by the defense shall be disregarded if the free throw attempt is successful. If the free throw attempt is unsuccessful, one point shall be awarded.
(3) In (c), a violation by the defense shall be disregarded if the free throw attempt is successful. If the free throw attempt is unsuccessful, a substitute free throw attempt is awarded.
(4) In (g), the violation shall be disregarded if the free throw attempt is successful. If the free throw attempt is unsuccessful, a substitute free throw attempt shall be awarded.
(5) In (e), if the violation is by the defensive team, the point is scored and the same player receives another free throw attempt. The additional free throw attempt is considered a new play. This can only occur when the ball will remain in play after the free throw attempt. If it occurs on a free throw attempt which is to be followed by another free throw attempt, only the single point is awarded, and the remaining free throw(s) shall be attempted.
(6) If there is a free throw violation by each team, on a free throw which is to remain in play, the ball becomes dead, no point can be scored and play shall be resumed by a jump ball between any two opponents at the center circle.
(7) The "out-of-bounds" and "jump ball" provisions above do not apply if the free throw is to be followed by another free throw.
(8) If the free throw shooter violates (a) above after disconcertion by an opponent, a substitute free throw shall be awarded.

Section II-Out-of-Bounds
a. A player shall not cause the ball to go out-of-bounds.
PENALTY: Loss of ball. The ball is awarded to the opposing team at the boundary line nearest the spot of the violation.
EXCEPTION: On a throw-in which is not touched inbounds, the ball is returned to the original throw-in spot.

Section III-Dribble
a. A player shall not run with the ball without dribbling it.
 

b. A player in control of a dribble who steps on or outside a boundary line, even though not touching the ball while on or outside that boundary line, shall not be allowed to return inbounds and continue his dribble. He may not even be the first player to touch the ball after he has re-established a position inbounds.
 

c. A player may not dribble a second time after he has voluntarily ended his first dribble.
 

d. A player may dribble a second time if he lost control of the ball because of:
(1) A field goal attempt at his basket, provided the ball touches the backboard or basket ring
(2) An opponent touching the ball
(3) A pass or fumble which has then touched another player
PENALTY: Loss of ball. Ball is awarded to the opposing team at the sideline nearest the spot of the violation but no nearer the baseline than the foul line extended.

Section IV-Thrower-in
a. A thrower-in shall not (1) carry the ball onto the court; (2) fail to release the ball within 5 seconds; (3) touch it on the court before it has touched another player; (4) leave the designated throw-in spot; (5) throw the ball so that it enters the basket before touching anyone on the court; (6) step over the boundary line while inbounding the ball; (7) cause the ball to go out-of-bounds without being touched inbounds; (8) leave the playing surface to gain an advantage on a throw-in; (9) hand the ball to a player on the court.
EXCEPTION: After a field goal or free throw as a result of a personal foul, the thrower-in may run the end line or pass to a teammate behind the end line.
 

b. Once an official recognizes the designated player to throw the ball in, there shall be no change of the thrower-in unless the offensive team makes a substitution, there is a regular or 20-second timeout or a suspension of play.
PENALTY: Loss of ball. The ball is awarded to the opposing team at the original spot of the throw-in.

Section V-Strike the Ball
a. A player shall not kick the ball or strike it with the fist.
 

b. Kicking the ball or striking it with any part of the leg is a violation when it is an intentional act. The ball accidentally striking the foot, the leg or fist is not a violation.
PENALTY:
(1) If the violation is by the offense, the ball is awarded to the opposing team at the sideline nearest the spot of the violation but no nearer to the base-line than the free throw line extended.
(2) If the violation is by the defense while the ball is in play, the offensive team retains possession of the ball at the sideline nearest the spot of the violation but no nearer the baseline than the foul line extended.
(3) If the violation occurs during a throw-in, the opposing team retains possession at the spot of the original throw-in with all privileges, if any, remaining.

Section VI-Jump Ball
a. A player shall not violate the jump ball rule (Rule 6-Section VII).
 

b. During a jump ball, a personal foul committed prior to either team obtaining possession, shall be ruled a "loose ball" foul. In all violations of this rule, neither the game clock nor the 24-second clock shall be started until the ball is legally tapped.
PENALTY:
(1) In (a) above, the ball is awarded to the opposing team at the sideline nearest the spot of the violation.
(2) In (a) above, if there is a violation by each team, or if the official makes a bad toss, the toss shall be repeated with the same jumpers.
(3) In (b) above, free throws may or may not be awarded, consistent with whether the penalty is in effect (Rule 12B-Section VIII).

Section VII-Offensive Three-Second Rule
a. An offensive player shall not remain for more than three seconds in that part of his free throw lane between the endline and extended 4' (imaginary) off the court and the farther edge of the free throw line while the ball is in control of his team.
 

b. Allowance may be made for a player who, having been in this area for less than three seconds, is in the act of shooting at the end of the third second. Under these conditions, the 3-second count is discontinued while his continuous motion is toward the basket. If that continuous motion ceases, the previous 3-second count is continued.
 

c. The 3-second count shall not begin until the ball is in control in the offensive team's frontcourt. No violation can occur if the ball is batted away by an opponent.
PENALTY: Loss of ball. The ball is awarded to the opposing team at the sideline at the free throw line extended.

Section VIII-Defensive Three-Second Rule
a. The count starts when the offensive team is in control of the ball in the front-court.
 

b. Any defensive player, who is positioned in the 16-foot lane or the area extending 4 feet past the lane endline, must be actively guarding an opponent within three seconds. Actively guarding means being within arms length of an offensive player and in a guarding position.
 

c. Any defensive player may play any offensive player. The defenders may double-team any player.
 

d. The defensive three-second count is suspended when: (1) there is a field goal attempt, (2) there is a loss of team control, (3) the defender is actively guarding an opponent or (4) the defender completely clears the 16-foot lane.
 

e. If the defender is guarding the player with the ball, he may be located in the 16-foot lane. This defender is not required to be in an actively guarding/arms dis-tance position. If another defender actively guards the player with the ball, the original defender must actively guard an opponent or exit the 16-foot lane. Once the offensive player passes the ball, the defender must actively guard an opponent or exit the 16-foot lane.
PENALTY: A technical foul shall be assessed. The offensive team retains pos-session at the free throw line extended. The shot clock shall remain the same as when play was interrupted or reset to 14 seconds, whichever is greater.

Section IX-Eight-Second Rule
A team shall not be in continuous possession of a ball which is in its backcourt for more than 8 consecutive seconds.
EXCEPTION (1): A new 8 seconds is awarded if the defense: (1) kicks or punches the ball, (2) is assessed a technical foul, or (3) is issued a delay of game warning.
EXCEPTION (2): A new 8 seconds is awarded if play is suspended to administer Comments on the Rules-N-Infection Control.
PENALTY: Loss of ball. The ball is awarded to the opposing team at the mid-court line.

Section X-Ball in Backcourt
a. A player shall not be the first to touch a ball which he or a teammate caused to go from frontcourt to backcourt while his team was in control of the ball. EXCEPTION: Rule 8-Section III-e (EXCEPTION).
 

b. During a jump ball, a try for a goal, or a situation in which a player taps the ball away from a congested area, as during rebounding, in an attempt to get the ball out where player control may be secured, the ball is not in control of either team. Hence, the restriction on first touching does not apply.
 

c. Following a jump ball, a player who secures a positive position and control of the ball in his frontcourt cannot pass the ball to a teammate or dribble the ball into the backcourt.
PENALTY: Loss of ball. The ball is awarded to the opposing team at the mid-court line.

Section XI-Swinging of Elbows
A player shall not be allowed excessive and/or vigorous swinging of the elbows in a swinging motion (no contact) when a defensive player is nearby and the offensive player has the ball.
PENALTY: Loss of ball. The ball is awarded to the opposing team at the side-line, nearest the spot of the violation but no nearer the baseline than the foul line extended. If the violation occurs on a throw-in, the game clock shall not be started.

Section XII-Entering Basket From Below
A player shall not cause the ball to enter the basket from below.
PENALTY: Loss of ball. The ball is awarded to the opposing team at the side-line, at the free throw line extended.

Section XIII-Illegal Assist in Scoring
a. A player may not assist himself to score by using the basket ring or back-board to lift, hold or raise himself.
 

b. A player may not assist a teammate to gain height while attempting to score.
PENALTY: Loss of ball. The ball is awarded to the opposing team at the free throw line extended.

Section XIV-Traveling
a. A player who receives the ball while standing still may pivot, using either foot as the pivot foot.
 

b. A player who receives the ball while he is progressing or upon completion of a dribble, may use a two-count rhythm in coming to a stop, passing or shooting the ball.
The first count occurs:
(1) As he receives the ball, if either foot is touching the floor at the time he receives it.
(2) As the foot touches the floor, or as both feet touch the floor simultane- ously after he receives the ball, if both feet are off the floor when he receives it.
The second occurs:
(1) After the count of one when either foot touches the floor, or both feet touch the floor simultaneously.
 

c. A player who comes to a stop on the count of one may pivot, using either foot as the pivot foot.
 

d. A player who comes to a stop on the count of two, with one foot in advance of the other, may pivot using only the rear foot as the pivot foot.
 

e. A player who comes to a stop on the count of two, with neither foot in advance of the other, may use either foot as the pivot foot.
 

f. In starting a dribble after (1) receiving the ball while standing still, or (2) coming to a legal stop, the ball must be out of the player's hand before the pivot foot is raised off the floor.
 

g. If a player, with the ball in his possession, raises his pivot foot off the floor, he must pass or shoot before his pivot foot returns to the floor. If he drops the ball while in the air, he may not be the first to touch the ball.
 

h. A player who falls to the floor while holding the ball, or while coming to a stop, may not gain an advantage by sliding.
 

i. A player who attempts a field goal may not be the first to touch the ball if it fails to touch the backboard, basket ring or another player.
PENALTY: Loss of ball. The ball is awarded to the opposing team at the sideline, nearest spot of the violation but no nearer the baseline than the foul line extended.

Section XV-Offensive Screen Set Out-of-Bounds
An offensive player shall not leave the playing area of the floor on the endline in the frontcourt for the purpose of setting a screen.
PENALTY: Loss of ball. The ball is awarded to the opposing team at the side-line at the free throw line extended.

Section XVI-Five-Second Back-to-the-Basket Violation
An offensive player in his frontcourt below the free throw line extended shall not be permitted to dribble with his back or side to the basket for more than five seconds.
The count ends when (1) the player picks up the ball, (2) dribbles above the free throw line extended or (3) a defensive player deflects the ball away.
PENALTY: Loss of ball. The ball is awarded to the opposing team out-of-bounds on the nearest sideline at the free throw line extended.

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