Officials Code of Ethics ....................................................................................................pg. 2
Officials General Duties ...................................................................................................pg. 3
Pre-Game / Starting the Game ..........................................................................................pg. 3
3 Referee Crew Positioning - Starting the Game & Coverage areas ...............................pg. 4
2 Referee Crew Positioning - Starting the Game & Coverage areas ...............................pg. 8
Playing the Game ..............................................................................................................pg. 11
NFHS Official Basketball Signals ...................................................................................pg. 14
Issues, Questions and Answers .........................................................................................pg. 16
Points of Emphasis / Rule Changes .................................................................................pg. 22
SYC Basketball Age Group Rules & Guidelines .............................................................pg. 30
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• This is a training course meant to discuss basketball rules and game management that will benefit you as a Springfield Youth Club basketball referee.
• There is no intent to convince you that this is the same quality of course you would encounter if making application to one of the professional organizations.
• We want to prepare you the best that we can so that you can help our youth play safe, have fun and learn something worthwhile.
SYC Officials during recreation events are truly participants in the educational development of our local youth. As such, we must exercise a high level of self-discipline, independence and responsibility. The purpose of this Code is to establish guidelines for ethical standards of conduct for all SYC Recreational Officials.
1. Officials shall know both the rules of the game and the mechanics necessary to enforce the rules, and shall exercise authority in an impartial, firm and controlled manner.
2. Officials shall work with each other and their Recreational Association Administrators in a constructive and cooperative manner.
3. Officials shall uphold the honor and dignity of the profession in all interactions with youth-athletes, SYC Administrators, parents, coaches and colleagues.
4. Officials shall prepare themselves both physically and mentally, shall dress neatly and appropriately, and shall conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the expectations of the SYC Administrators.
5. Officials shall be punctual and professional in the fulfillment of all contractual obligations.
6. Officials shall remain mindful that their conduct influences the respect that players, coaches and our public hold for the entire organization.
7. Officials shall while enforcing the rules of play, remain aware of the inherent risk of injury that competition poses to players. Where appropriate, they shall inform event management of conditions or situations that appear unreasonably hazardous.
8. Officials shall take reasonable steps to educate themselves in the recognition of emergency conditions that might arise during the course of competition.
Course Objectives
Officials Code of Ethics (modified)
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• Ensuring the Score Table is manned, knowledgeable and ready
• Conducting Facility and Player safety check
• Putting the ball into play
• Determining when the ball becomes dead
• Prohibiting practice during a dead ball
• Administering penalties
• Granting time outs
• Beckoning substitutes to enter the game
• Signaling a three point goal (if allowed)
• Silently & visibly counting seconds
– Throw-in (visible count)
– Free throw (visible count -hand only)
– Back court (visible count)
– Closely guarded (visible count)
– Lane violation (silent count)
Officials General Duties
• Arrive at the game site no later than 15 minutes early
– Remind Coaches to provide score table help
– Check to see if names/numbers are in book
– Ensure table personnel have know-how (most important running score & fouls; also, when/how to start & stop clock)
• Review & discuss with partners & coaches SYC supplemental rules for age group unique items
• Ensure players are warming up opposite their bench
• Select a game ball (SYC provides, but….)
– Circumference 29.5” for most boys games, 28.5” for all girls and some younger boys games.
– Spherical & deeply-pebbled
– Proper inflation (Test: measure bottom of ball to be 6 ft. from playing surface and drop. Rebound should carry top of ball to location 49 to 54 inches from playing surface)
• Start the game on time!!!! (This means tip-off. Sometimes clearing the court two minutes early is the best way to help the coaches get their lineup)
Pre-game Activities / Starting the Game
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1st Half / Start of Game / Jump Ball - 3 Referee Crew Positioning
Ump 1
Scorer’s TableBlue Team Bench White Team Bench
Referee
W
WW
W
W
B
BB
B
B
White Team Basket Blue Team Basket
Referee:1. Whistle to signal game about to start, drop whistle from mouth2. Line them up & freeze them3. Step in; give directions & point to each teams basket4. Toss & you freeze5. Assume trail
Ump 1:1. Ensure Scorer’s table personnel are ready & alert to start of game.2. Raise hand to signal the Ref “ready to start” & prep starting of clock3. Monitor toss; if fair, drop hand when legally touched by jumper, – – if not blow whistle to re-start game.4. Assume lead or “C” positionUmp 2. Watches 8 non jumpers / Assume lead or “C” position
Placement of team benches in relation to 1st half baskets and officials responsibilities to start game
Ump 2
5
Positions After Jump Ball - 3 Referee Crew Positioning
6
Coverage Areas - 3 Referee Crew Positioning
7
D
D
D
D
O
O
O
Ope
nO
pen
Scorer’s Table
Trial and lead officials are on the table side
Any Player, other than the Free-Thrower, who does not occupy a marked lane space must be behind the free-throw line extended and behind the three point line.
Defense may choose to not play four on the lines, but Offense cannot play with more than two (+ Shooter) on the lines.
D
O
O
Foul Shooting Areas of Responsibility - 3 Referee Crew Positioning
Lead administers free throws, watches for lane violations Calling official reports to scorer’s table,
becomes trail.
C official counts for free throw release, watches shooter for lane violation
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**Ump
Scorer’s TableBlue Team Bench White Team Bench
1st Half / Start of Game - 2 Referee Crew
*Referee
W
WW
W
W
B
BB
B
B
White Team Basket Blue Team Basket
*Referee:1. Whistle to signal game about to start, drop whistle from mouth
2. Line them up & freeze them
3. Step in; give directions & point to each teams basket
4. Toss & you freeze
5. Normally assume trail
**Ump:1. Ensure Scorer’s table personnel are ready & alert to start of game.
2. Raise hand to signal the Ref “ready to start” & prep starting of clock
3. Monitor toss; if fair, drop hand when legally touched by jumper, – – if not blow whistle to re-start game.
4. Normally assume lead
Placement of team benches in relation to 1st half baskets and officials responsibilities to start game
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Trail Referee
Playing the game, basic areas of responsibility - 2 Referee Crew
Lead Referee
Trail calls this sidelineTrail calls the half court division line
Lead calls this sideline
Lead
cal
ls th
is e
ndlin
e
D
D
D
D
O
OO
D
O
O
10
D
D
D
D
O
O
Trail Referee
O
Ope
nO
pen
Scorer’s Table
Foul Shooting – Areas of Responsibility - 2 Referee Crew
NOTE: TRAIL REFEREE IS ALWAYS TABLE SIDE
Any Player, other than the Free-Thrower, who does not occupy a marked lane space must be behind the free-throw line extended and behind the three point line.
Lead Referee
Defense may choose to not play four on the lines, but Offense cannot play with more than two (+ Shooter) on the lines.
D
O
O
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Administration of free throws:
• When a foul is called and free throws are to be taken, the referee that made the call has immediate responsibilities:
• Signal for a dead ball by blowing short/sharp whistle, raising closed fist. Signal mechanics to partner & players and raise fingers to show number of shots to be taken.
• Report to the score table for documentation. For SYC purposes the referee need only travel to where he/she is easily seen by table personnel & in a loud/clear voice announce color of fouling team, number (and give sharp hand signals), and announce shots awarded.
• Other referee will secure the ball, move into Lead and manage lining up players.
Playing the game, basic areas of responsibility
• Tip: Try to keep focused in your area of responsibility and resist the temptation to watch the ball. Main focus is on the defense.
• Tip: Move to see between players, i.e. get the angle rather than get closer. Don’t lean or bend move to get a better angle.
• For definition purposes, the “Lead” official is positioned on the end line under the target basket, and has the shaded area.
• The “Trail” official is in the mid court area and has everything else.
• For “out of bounds” calls Lead has the closest end line and the side line on his/her side of the court.
• For “out of bounds” calls Trail has the other sideline and division line in-case the ball goes back court.
• Referee positions, relative to the sidelines, are governed by where the ball is put into play. Obtain eye-contact with partner, and ensure position before making a “live ball”.
• Switch positions on fouls. Do not switch on violations or out of bounds calls.
• Switching is sometimes time consuming, awkward and silly looking on courts where the score table is on the end line. It is permissible to omit this switch. However, the referees need to discuss and agree on this issue prior to game start.
• Trail has the responsibility to watch the net for score.
• Lead should not move his/her eyes from the players to see the net.
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Playing the game, continued
Administration of throw -ins:
• When a violation or a non-shooting foul is called the referee will announce color, spot and point to the location. In SYC it is permissible to play the“bump method” whereas one referee is not required to run the full length of the court. Discussed beforehand.
• During a throw-in, the “spot” is a 3 ft. rectangle along the in bounding line as deep as the player wants/can go. Movement out of this “spot” is another violation.
• If the thrower cannot get adequate depth, the referee must project an imaginary restraining line that the defense cannot violate.
• On a throw-in pass the defense cannot have any part of their person through the inbound side of the boundary line until the ball has been released & in court.
– 1st violation = team warning for Delay of Game (DOG)
– 2nd violation of team = technical foul
– Defense reaches over line & touches ball = automatic technical foul
– Defense reaches over line & touches in-bounding player = intentional personal foul
– Thrower reaches ball over boundary line, and defensive player touches or grasps ball = NO VIOLATION
• After a made basket the in-bounding team is allowed to run the end line and not maintain a “spot”. They can even throw it along the end line to another player, out of bounds. This privilege is not lost when play is disrupted by a time out.
• Never administer a throw-in under a basket or in the lane.
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Playing the game - Throw-In Spots –Proper Locations
It is important that officials put the ball in play at the correct spot for a throw-in.
Coaches design specific plays and offensive/defensive strategies based on where the ball will be put in play. It is therefore essential for game officials to be diligent in administering the ball at the proper throw-in location, particularly following time-outs.
The throw-in spot is the nearest spot out of bounds from where the violation, out of bounds or non-shooting foul occurred.
If the throw-in spot is behind a backboard, the throw-in shall be made from the nearer free-thrown lane line extended.
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NFHS Official Basketball Signals
15
16
Incidental Contact and the Tower PhilosophyThe mere fact that contact occurs does not constitute a foul. When 10 players are moving rapidly in a limited area, some contact is certain to occur. Contact that occurs unintentionally in an effort by an opponent to reach a loose ball, or contact which may result when opponents are in equally favorable positions to perform normal offensive or defensive movements, should not be considered illegal, even though the contact may be severe. Similarly, contact that does not hinder the opponent from participating in normal defensive or offensive movements should be considered incidental.
The Tower Philosophy should continue to be implemented in all contact situations. Did the player causing contact gain an advantage or put an opponent at a disadvantage; or, if a foul is not called, will the contact lead to rough play. If the official can answer “yes”to any of the above when observing contact, then a foul should be called.
Hand Checking / Illegal use of the handsDisplacement is the key word. If a player is displaced, it is a foul. Displacement applies to both offensive and defensive players. Observe the entire play, especially when responsible for off-ball coverage. When a ball handlers rhythm, speed, balance or quickness are affected it is a foul.
• When a defensive player keeps a hand on an opponent, it is a foul
• When a defensive player puts two hands on a dribbler, it is a foul
• When a defensive player continually jabs by extending his/her arm and placing a hand on the opponent, it is a foul.
• When a defensive player contacts an offensive player more than once with the same hand or alternating hands, it is a foul.
Correctable Errors: (2-10)Art. 1 Officials may correct an error if a rule is inadvertently set aside and results in: a. Failure to award a merited free throw. b. Awarding an unmerited free throw. c. Permitting the wrong player to attempt a free throw. d. Attempting a free throw at the wrong basket. Erroneously counting or canceling a score.
Art. 2 In order to correct any of the official’s errors listed in article 1, such error must be recognized by an official during the first dead ball after the clock has properly started.Art. 3 If in Article 1 the error is made while the clock is running and the ball is dead, it must be recognized by an official before the second live ball.Art. 4 If the error is a free throw by the wrong player or at the wrong basket, or the awarding of an unmerited free throw, the free throw and the activity during it, other than unsporting, flagrant, intentional or technical fouls, shall be cancelled.
Issues, Questions and Answers
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Issues, Questions and Answers, continued
Art. 5 Points scored, consumed time and additional activity, which may occur prior to the recognition of an error, shall not be nullified. Errors because of free-throw attempts by the wrong player or at the wrong basket shall be corrected by applying 8-1 & 2.Art. 6 If an error is corrected, play shall be resumed from the point at which it was interrupted to rectify the error, unless it involves awarding a merited free throw(s) and there has been no change of team possession since the error was made, in which case play shall resume as after any free-throws attempt(s).
Verticality and the ShooterOfficials must stay with the shooter until he/she returns to the floor, to ensure no illegal activity has occurred. However, officials must not reward the offensive player when he/she initiates contact and the defender has established and maintained his/her legal guarding position.
Coach and Bench DecorumIt is important for officials to communicate with coaches and it is appropriate for this to occur on occasion during the game. Coaches must understand that every call cannot be explained and a continuous dialogue cannot occur. It is okay for coaches and players to ask questions provided it is done in a courteous and respectful manner. However, if a coach or player begins to move towards unsporting comments or behavior, then it is imperative that the official be firm. Sometimes a warning is appropriate and sometimes a technical foul is necessary.
Officials must remain vigilant of taunting, baiting and unsporting behavior of players, bench personnel and fans.
Can a personal foul be called if there is no contact:In order for a personal foul to be called, there must be contact.
How a can a defender draw a charge on the offense?The defender must establish a legal guarding position by having both feet on the court with his/her torso facing the offensive player. The defender does not have to be stationary; he/she can be moving laterally, backwards and/or can be jumping vertically, and can turn to absorb contact,and does not move into the offensive player.
What if a player shoots an air ball?If a player takes a legitimate shot and the result is an air ball, it is not a violation if he/she is the first to touch or catch the ball.
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Issues, Questions and Answers, continued
On a rebound, PUSHING, commonly called “over the back”is a foul: “On the back”, ie pushing, may be a foul; “over the back”is not a foul. A player can out jump or reach over the top of another without causing contact and legally secure a rebound. Contact that displaces a player, who is in an established rebounding position and prohibits that player from securing the rebound, is a foul.
Moving Screen / Foul: A moving screen is a foul only when there is illegal contact. A moving screen without contact is not a foul.
During a throw-in if the thrower-in steps on the line is it a violation?Since the sidelines and end lines are out of bounds, the thrower-in may step on the line (but not over it onto the floor) during the throw-in.
If the ball hits a player’s foot or leg is it a violation?Kicking the ball with any part of the leg, is a violation only when it is an intentional act. Accidentally striking the ball with the foot or leg is not a violation.
If a player remains in the lane for 3 seconds is it a violation?Allowance shall be made for a player who, having been in the lane for less than 3 seconds, dribbles in or makes a move to try for a goal. There can be no 3-second violation during rebounding action or while the ball is in the back court.
Is it a back court violation, if, in the front court, one offensive player passes to another and the ball is deflected by the defense and then touches an offensive player prior to going into the back court, and then is first touched by an offensive player?
No. If the offense is the last to touch the ball in the front court and the first to touch it in the back court, it is a back court violation. However, during a throw-in if the offense does not gain possession in the front court, but merely touches the ball in the front court and then recovers it in the back court, it is not a violation.
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Issues, Questions and Answers, continued
A Referee shall not permit any team member to wear equipment or apparel which, in his/her judgment is dangerous or confusing to other players. Examples:
• A guard cast or brace made of hard & unyielding substances -even though covered with soft padding -when worn on the elbow, hand , fingers, wrist or forearm.
• Head wear -medical, cosmetic or religious -allowable if not abrasive, hard or dangerous to other players and which is attached in such a way it is highly unlikely that it will come off during play.
• Jewelry shall not be worn. Religious & medical alert medals are not considered jewelry. A religious medal must be taped and worn under the uniform. A medical alert must be taped and may be visible.
• The referee shall not permit any team member to participate if in his/her judgment items such as a players fingernails or hair style may constitute a safety concern.
• Officials should check players during pre-game warm-up to prevent delays during the game.
If a diving player secures a loose ball and slides on the floor is it a traveling violation?A player has not traveled if his/her momentum causes them to slide on he floor while diving for a loose ball.
The following are guidelines to help address some problem areas:
Illegal use of the hands• When a defensive player keeps a hand on an opponent, it is a foul
• When a defensive player puts two hands on a dribbler, it is a foul
• When a defensive player continually jabs by extending his/her arm and placing a hand on the opponent, it is a foul.
• When a defensive player contacts an offensive player more than once with the same hand or alternating hands, it is a foul.
Post play• The key word is displacement. If a player is displaced, it is a foul. Displacement applies to offensive & defensive players (pushing).
• When a offensive player uses a swim move, elbows, forearms or backs down the opponent, it is a foul on the offensive player.
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Issues, Questions and Answers, continued
• When a defensive player holds, undercuts, displaces by a knee or a forearm in the back, it is a foul on the defensive player.
If the ball hits the top of the backboard is it out of bounds? • NO. The top and bottom, and sides of the backboard are in bounds. A ball is out of bounds if it crosses over the top of the backboard, or if it hits the supports. It is also an out of bounds violation if the ball contacts the back of the backboard or wiring.
Screening• When a player uses arms, hands, hips or shoulders to force through a screen or to hold or push a screener, it is a team control foul.
• When contact results because a player sets a screen while moving, it is a team control foul
• When a screener takes a position so close to a moving opponent that this opponent cannot avoid contact by stopping or changing direction it is a team control foul.
• When a player sets a screen outside the visual field of a stationary opponent and does not allow this opponent a normal step to move, it is a team control foul.
• A player who is screened within his/her visual field is expected to avoid contact by going around the screener.
• There cannot be a foul unless there is illegal contact.
Protect the shooter• Referees must stay with the shooter until he/she returns to the floor, to ensure no illegal activity occurs.
• Contact that does not permit the shooter to return to the floor in his/her entitled space is illegal. (VERTICALITY)
Time-outs (Rule 5 -8, 9 &12)• Time-outs can only be called by a player (not bench personnel) or the Head Coach during a dead ball or the calling team’s possession.
• Time-outs in excess of the allotted number may be requested and shall be granted at the expense of a technical foul for each occasion. (Administered after the Time out)
• Make it a point to visit each Coach and let them know if they have no time outs remaining .
Held ball (Definition 4-25) A held ball occurs when:• Opponents have their hands so firmly on the ball that control cannot be obtained without undue roughness.
• An opponent places his/her hands on the ball and prevents an airborne player from throwing the ball or releasing it on a try.
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Issues, Questions and Answers, continued
Rebounding (Definition 4-36) To obtain or maintain legal rebounding position, a player may not:• Displace, charge, or push an opponent.
• Extend shoulders, hips, knees or extend the arms or elbow fully or partially in a position other than vertical so that the freedom of movement of an opponent is hindered when contact with the arms or elbows occurs.
• Every player is entitled to a spot on the floor, provided the player gets there first without illegally contacting an opponent.
Verticality (Definition 4-44) applies to a legal position• The defender should not be penalized for leaving the floor vertically or having his/her hands & arms extended within his/her vertical plane.
• The offensive player whether on the floor or airborne, may not clear out or cause contact within the defender’s vertical plane which is a foul.
• The defender may not “belly up”or use the lower part of the body or arms to cause contact outside his/her vertical plane which is a foul.
• The player with the ball is to be given no more protection or consideration than the defender in judging which player has violated the rules.
Continuous motion (CM) (Definition 4-11) • Applies to a try for goal, but has no significance unless there is a foul by the defense during the interval which begins the habitual throwing movement of the try start and ends when the ball is clearly in flight.
• If an opponent fouls after a player has started a try for goal, he/she is permitted to complete the customary arm movement, and if pivoting or stepping when fouled, may complete the usual foot or body movement in any activity while holding the ball.
• However, it is not a violation of CM if another dribble is taken before the attempt for try is made.
• CM does not apply if a teammate fouls after a player has started a try for goal and before the ball is in flight. The ball becomes dead immediately.
Closely-guarded:• Is a five second count when a player in control of the ball in his/her team’s front court, is guarded by an opponent who is within 6 feet of the player who is holding or dribbling the ball. If the dribbler switches defenders, you continue the count.
Direction error:• If a mistake is made (theirs or yours) Rule 4.5.4 states the Officials shall correct the error when observed and everything counts as if they were always going in the correct direction.
Back court:• A player is in his/her back court until both feet and the ball have crossed into the front court.
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2017 - 18 Points of Emphasis
TEAM CONTROL, THROW-IN. The relevance of team control during a throw-in only applies when a member of the throw- in team fouls. Such fouls shall be ruled team control fouls. Team control during a throw-in is NOT intended to be the same as player control/team control inbounds. Team control inbounds is established when a player from either team who has inbound status gains control of the ball. During the throw-in, 10-seconds, 3-seconds, frontcourt status, backcourt status, closely guarded, etc., are NOT factors as there has yet to be player control/team control obtained inbounds. With specific regard to the backcourt violation; a team may not be the last to touch a live ball in the front court and then be the first to touch a live ball in the backcourt, provided that team has establish player control/team control on the playing court (either in the backcourt or frontcourt). BY RULE EXCEPTION, during a throw-in a team may leave the front court, establish player control/team control while airborne and land in the backcourt. This is a legal play and ONLY applies to the first player of the offense who touches the ball PRIOR to the end of the throw-in.
INTENTIONAL FOULS. The committee is concerned about the lack of enforcement for intentional fouls during any part of the game but especially at the end of a game. The intentional foul rule has evolved into misapplication and personal interpretations. An intentional foul is a personal or technical foul that may or may not be premeditated and is not based solely on the severity of the act, it is contact that:
• Neutralizes an opponent’s obvious advantageous position.• Contact on an opponent who is clearly not in the play.• May be excessive contact.• Contact that is not necessarily premeditated or based solely on the severity of the act.
This type of foul may be strategic to stop the clock or create a situation that may be tactically done for the team taking action. This foul may be innocent in severity, but without any playing of the ball, it becomes an intentional act such as a player wrapping their arms around an opponent. The act may be excessive in its intensity and force of the action. These actions are all intentional fouls and are to be called as such. Officials must be aware of the game situations as the probability of fouling late in the game is an accepted coaching strategy and is utilized by many coaches in some form. Officials must have the courage to enforce the intentional foul rule properly.
GUARDING. The addition of rule 10.7.12, has been successful in its intent to clean up illegal contact on the ballhandler/dribbler and post players. Players are attempting to replace this illegal contact with contact observed as “body bumping”. Illegal contact with the body must be ruled a foul however, officials must accurately identify if the defense or offense causes the contact and penalize the player causing the illegal contact. Once a defensive player obtains legal guarding position by facing an opponent with both feet of the floor inbounds, he/she may move to maintain that position in any direction except toward the offensive player being guarded when contact occurs. The defense is not required to keep both feet on the playing court and may jump vertically or laterally to maintain the legal position. If contact occurs prior to the offensive player getting head and shoulders past the defender the responsibility is on the offensive player.
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2017 -18 Rule Changes
1-13-2 The coaching box shall be outlined outside the side of the court on which the scorer’s and timer’s table and team benches are located. The area shall be bounded by a line drawn 28 feet from the end line towards the Division line. At this point a line drawn from the sideline toward the team bench becomes the end of the coaching box going towards the end line.
RATIONALE: The restriction of the coaching box penalizes the level of communication between coach and player. Allowing a coach freedom to move within the new box between the 28’ mark and the end line provides a coach more access to coach his/her players.
2-9-1 When a foul occurs, an official shall signal the timer to stop the clock. The official shall verbally inform the offender, then with finger(s) of two hands, indicate to the scorer the number of the offender and the number of free throws.
RATIONALE: To minimize foul reporting errors, that occur between the officials and the scorekeepers when the information gets lost in the translation. Two handed reporting is easier for the scorekeepers to see and comprehend in addition to being less confusing.
NEW - WARNING FOR COACH/TEAM CONDUCT A warning to a coach/team for misconduct is an administrative procedure by an official, which is recorded in the scorebook by the scorer and reported to the Head Coach:
ART. 1 . . . For conduct, such as that described in rule 10-5-1a,b,d,e,f; 10-5-2; 10-5-4 the official shall warn the head coach unless the offense is judged to be major, in which case a technical foul shall be assessed. Note: A warning is not required prior to calling a technical foul.
ART. 2 . . . For the first violation of rule 10-6-1, the official shall warn the head coach unless the offense is judged to be major, in which case a technical foul shall be assessed. Note: A warning is not required prior to calling a technical foul.
RATIONALE: Stopping play and making sure that the bench and the coach know that an official warning has been given, sends a clear message to everyone in the gym and impacts the behavior of the coach, and in some cases the behavior of the opposing coach. This change in behavior creates a better atmosphere and many times avoids the need to administer a technical foul.
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2018 - 19 Points of Emphasis
ESTABLISHING PIVOT FOOT AND TRAVELINGAt least eight times in the last thirty years, traveling has been a point of emphasis at the high school level. By definition, traveling is moving a foot or feet in any direction more than prescribed limits while holding the ball.
The strategies for properly enforcing the rules require officials to first and foremost, determine that player’s options for the use of a pivot foot. Officials must be in the proper position with a good, wide-angle view of the player’s feet and body.
With the advent of popular moves such as the “euro step,” officials at times appear to call infractions that are not violations because they “look funny” and at the same time, miss violations that should be called. A great deal of this can be solved by reminders concerning what is allowed by the player with his/her pivot foot.
After coming to a stop and establishing a pivot foot, a pivot foot may be lifted, but not returned to the floor, before the ball is released on a pass or try for goal. If the player jumps, neither foot may be returned to the floor before the ball is released on a pass or try for goal. The pivot foot may not be lifted before the ball is released to start a dribble.
Knowing the rules will better allow the officials to administer the rules related to traveling.
LEGAL GUARDING POSITION, BLOCK/CHARGE, SCREENING, VERTICALITYFor 2018-19, the NFHS Basketball Rules Committee feels it imperative to remind coaches, officials and players about the restrictions in specific contact situations. Fundamental to each of these is the establishment of a legal guarding position with these reminders: Rule 4-23 defines guarding position.• Once established, the defense can adjust to absorb contact or react to play while maintaining that position.• Once established and maintained legally, block/charge must be ruled when occurring.• Many times, a no call is not appropriate as a determination must be made.• A defender does NOT have to remain stationary for a player control foul to occur. After obtaining a legal position, a defender may move laterally, even, diagonally to maintain position but may NOT move toward an opponent.• Blocking is illegal personal contact with impedes the progress of an opponent with or without the ball.• Charging is illegal personal contact caused by pushing or moving into an opponent’s torso.• There must be reasonable space between two defensive players or a defensive player and a boundary line to allow the dribbler to continue in her path.• If there is less than 3 feet of space, the dribbler has the greater responsibility for the conduct.• A player with the ball is to expect no leniency regarding space.• A player without the ball is to be given distance to find and avoid the defender (two strides by rule).• A player must be in-bounds to have a legal guarding position.• If an opponent is airborne (whether or not he/she has the ball), legal guarding position must be obtained before the opponent left the floor.Diligence and constant review of game video and the rules code will help officials be consistent in the application of these rules.
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LOOSE BALL RECOVERYThe final rules reminder emphasis deals with contact recovering a loose ball and options for the person recovering the ball. The committee feels that with these reminders, excessive physical contact while recovering a loose ball can be properly administered and prevent situations from escalating into more egregious acts. Also, the rules about recovery of the ball require constant review to ensure that acts are not deemed as violations that are in fact legal.
Officials need to concentrate on possession of the ball and the players being hindered or obstructed from their legal path to the loose ball in determining infractions. If the loose ball is possessed by opponents, blow the whistle immediately. If a player is impeded by an opponent, rule a foul immediately.
A fumble is the accidental loss of player control when the ball unintentionally drops or slips from a player’s grasp. After losing control of the ball, distance is not a factor in going to recover the ball.
If a player dives for a loose ball, gets control of it and his or her momentum causes the player to slide with the ball, there is no violation. It does not matter how much distance the slide covered. Once the sliding player has stopped, the player may sit up, but the player cannot roll over or attempt to rise from the floor while holding the ball.
A defender trying to recover the ball from the player in possession has a responsibility to avoid illegal contact. If there is illegal contact, then the appropri-ate foul should be ruled.
If a player is going for a loose ball and an opponent dives or throws his or her body which changes the direction of the player going for the loose ball, this must be considered illegal contact and a foul ruled. If a player is in possession of a loose ball and an opponent dives on top of that player, a foul must be ruled.
Without question, incidental contact is part of the judgment in loose ball situations. However, much contact is not incidental to getting the ball, but rather is violent contact with no chance to get the ball. The loose ball situation with players diving or rolling on the floor is a situation where the potential for in-jury increases in proportion to the number of players involved and the amount of time the ball is loose. The player who gains possession while on the floor is often fouled two or three times before passing the ball or before a held ball is called.
A review of past situations shows that in some cases, officials have also erroneously called a “held ball” prematurely to stop action rather than calling the contact foul before a player gains possession. A player going after a loose ball should not expect to be pushed, grabbed, elbowed, blocked or tackled as a penalty for going after the ball.
The committee feels that the rules of the game in these three areas are in good shape, as evidenced by the very limited number of proposals for additional change. The constant review will allow for consistent understanding by players and coaches, and consistent application by contest officials.
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OFFICIATING PROFESSIONALISM AND USE OF PROPER TERMINOLOGYThe final point of emphasis by the committee deals with professionalism by officials. In an era where officials are more needed than ever, it is important that officials maintain professionalism that leaves no one questioning their motivations. Key in this professionalism is the use of proper terminology. In an era of round-the-clock commentators using today’s latest lingo to describe game situations to entertain, officials cannot be caught up in that shift to less than professional terminology. A few examples of using the proper terminology include:
• Backboard (NOT Glass)
• Division Line (NOT Center, Mid-Court, or Time Line)
• End Line (NOT Baseline)
• Fumble (NOT a Muff)
• Goal (NOT Basket)
• Grant Time-Out (NOT Call Time-Out)
• Held Ball (NOT Jump Ball)
• Obtain (NOT establish)
• Officiate Game (NOT Call, Control, Manage, Ref, Work; Officials Officiate the Game)
• Request Time-Out (NOT Call Time-Out)
• Ring (NOT Rim)
• Screen (NOT Pick)
• 60-Second Time-Out (NOT Full Time-Out)
• Traveling (NOT Walk)
The use of proper terminology is one of many steps to ensure that the perception of game officials and the reality of their actions, remains on a higher plane and a critical part of the game. Also, wearing the proper uniform is critical. A neatly groomed official instantly has more credibility with the coaches, game administration, and even the patrons at the game. This includes the proper uniform, properly maintained shoes, a neatly maintained pre-game jacket if worn, and the wearing of only approved items by all contest officials.
Lastly, this professionalism is always on display when the officials interact with others at the site. Professional interaction with the other contest officials while on the court, with the game management and table crew, and with the coaches involved in the game are a vital step in “selling” yourself as an offi-cial. As the saying goes, you never get a second chance to make a first impression.
2018 - 19 Points of Emphasis Contd.
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2018 -19 Rule Changes
9-9-1: A player shall not be the first to touch the ball after it has been in team control in the frontcourt, if he/she or a teammate last touched or was touched by the ball in the frontcourt before it went to the backcourt. EXCEPTION: Any player located in the backcourt may recover a ball deflected from the front-court by the defense. Rationale: To ensure that a team is not unfairly disadvantaged on a deflected pass.
Maintaining a level tone of voice in all conversations, professionally addressing and interacting with the table crew are very visible signs of your profes-sionalism. Those individuals are key to your maintaining a good game atmosphere and will help ensure the accuracy of all of the necessary elements in managing the games.
All interactions with coaches must be professional, and the conduct of the officials during these situations must be above reproach. Game officials must ensure that no matter the situation, professional actions carry the day!
A good relationship with game management is also critical. Officials must identify their “go to” person in the event of a situation such as the need to ad-dress a conduct situation involving fans. Officials should not, as a rule, have any dealings with fans but must rely on the game administration to intercede in these cases. Therefore, the development and nurturing of that positive relationship with game management are essential to the conduct of a contest.
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1) Throw-in Violations: The throw-in and the throw-in count begin when the ball is at the disposal of a player of the team entitled to it.
The throw-in ends when:
a. The passed ball touches or is touched by another player in-bounds.
b. The passed ball touches or is touched by another player out-of-bounds. except as in 7-5-7.
c. The throw-in team commits a violation.
The designated throw-in spot is 3 feet wide with no depth limitation and is established and signaled by the official prior to putting the ball at the thrower’s disposal. Pivot foot restrictions are not in affect for a designated throw-in. The thrower must keep one foot on or over the designated spot until the ball is released.
- Violation - To leave the designated throw-in spot prior to releasing the ball
- Violation - To not pass the ball directly into the court so it touches or is touched by another player (in-bounds or out-of-bounds) on the court before going out of bounds untouched.
- Violation - To pass the ball so it goes directly out of bounds prior to touching another player.
- Violation - To not release the ball on a pass directly into the court before five seconds have elapsed.
After ruling and signaling a violation, team-control foul, player-control foul held ball or time-out, it is vital that the ruling official, at the site of the ruling, indicate the designated throw-in spot (see Manual page 65, diagram 5-6).
2) Pre-Game Meeting with Administrator on Supervision and Crowd Control: It is a necessity to have game an administration representative to meet with the official crew. This meeting will allow for communicating the expectations of each group. The contest officials are there to manage the contest which includes the players and coaches. It is the expectation that school administration will manage the student body, parents and all other spectators.
Game administration is responsible to be proactive in crowd supervision and control. Administration should address inappropriate spectator behavior before it escalates.
Spectator behavior remains a critical concern. Too often, spectators are using abusive language toward coaches, players and officials. Spectators are also approaching the court, team areas and locker rooms - places that used to be “off limits” - to confront participants.
Game administrators must create and follow security procedures and support efforts to have offending spectators removed from the premises. Proactive policies lead to fewer problems. It is the game administrator’s ultimate responsibility to provide a safe environment for coaches, players and officials. Do not wait for the official to point out the problem.
2019 - 20 Points of Emphasis
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2019 - 20 Rule Changes
9-9-1, A ball in team control of Team A in the front court that is deflected by a defensive player, which causes the ball to go into the backcourt, may be recovered by either team unless the offense was the last to touch the ball before it went into the
backcourt. If the offense was last to touch the ball in its frontcourt, only the defense
can legally recover the basketball.
Rationale: This was the original intent of the proposal from 2017-18 and 2018-19.
Despite the committee’s best efforts, the wording adopted, which mirrored the intent, has caused issues. This wording is identical to the exception at other levels of play and easier to teach and understand.
10-5-5 Note, The head coach and any number of assistant coaches may enter the court in the
situation where a fight may break out - or has broken out - to prevent the situation from escalating.
Rationale: Based on some fight situations that I have seen and heard about over the last couple years at the high school level, I believe that this change, which was instituted at the NCAA level, is a change that is good for the game of basketball and in regard to player safety. It is difficult in our society for officials to be able to help to separate players involved in a fight since our society has become very litigious. Changing the rule to allow the head coach and assistant coaches to assist in these types of situations will help the officials to regain control of the entire situation more quickly and especially in regard to player safety.
When a held ball occurs, covering official(s) shall stop the clock using signal #2 (straight arm, open palm extended) while simultaneously sounding their whistle. Then both arms are extended straight out, at chest level, with fist clinched. Thumbs are displayed as a part of the signal. Signal is given with both arms moving in an upward motion. Should be followed with a directional signal (See #6) indicating team possession.
*Occurs when opponents both have their hands on the ball and neither can gain control
*When an opponent places their hand on the ball and prevents an airborne shooter
from passing or releasing the try.
Rationale: This change should help in the alleviation of conflicting calls by officials
when a held ball occurs, ie jump ball and foul both called on the same play. We
currently raise one arm to stop the clock for everything except the jump/held ball.
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Excerpts from the SYC Basketball Program GuideVII METHOD OF PLAY ZONE DEFENSE: Zone defenses will only be allowed in age groups 11u and older. It is the philosophy of SYC Basketball to promote and encourage the teaching of man-to-man defense (see the following) and offense in the younger age groups. Therefore the use of zone defense in the Boys and Girls 8u Program and the 9u and 10u house leagues is prohibited. Referees will issue one warning regarding zone play, and then each subsequent violation shall result in the assessment of a technical foul on the offending team. NOTE: One player’s violation of the man-to-man rule may constitute a violation of this rule; it does not have to be the entire team. Accordingly, one player standing in the lane playing the ball, rather than his or her man, constitutes a violation of this rule just as much as one-two-two zone played by all five players.
PRESSING DEFENSE: In age groups 11u and older, pressing defenses of any form, including full court presses, are allowed, so long as the pressing team is not leading by 15 points or more. Once a team obtains a lead of 15 points or more, that team may not press. Boys and Girls 9 and 10 Year Old Leagues are permitted to use a man-to-man press (the prohibition against zones and double teams remains) in the back court only in the last 2 minutes of the game. Zone or trapping presses are prohibited at these younger age groups. No back court defense or zone of any kind is allowed in the 8u Program.
NOTE: Players in the Boys and Girls 8, 9 and 10 Year Old Leagues can always defend in the Back court against a pass for an attempted fast break or against dribbling for an attempted breakaway. “Pressing Defense” means extending defensive pressure to the back court in an attempt to defend against a player/team that is advancing the ball normally.
MAN-TO-MAN DEFENSE: Over the years various definitions of man-to-man defense have been used, cited, and debated in the house program. This has caused substantial confusion for coaches, players, referees, and fans. In order to bring some consistency to this subject the following Rules are the only guidelines to be used by the referees: MAN TO MAN DEFENSE: Each defensive player must guard a different offensive player. The distance between the defensive guarding player and the offensive guarded player will be dependent on whether the guarded player has the ball or not and the position of the guarded player to the ball as well as the guarded players position on the floor. There is no requirement that the 2 best players guard each other.
1. DOUBLE-TEAMING: Double-teaming occurs when two defensive players guard the same offensive player whether he has the ball or not. Double-teaming at any time is permitted in the Boys 11, 12, 13, 14-15 and 18&Under Leagues and Girls 11-12, and 13-18 leagues. In the Boys 8 & 9 year old and 10 year old leagues and the Girls 8 & 9-10 year old league, double-teaming is permitted in the key area on a player with the ball.
2. SPREAD OFFENSES: Spread offenses and clear outs designed to isolate a team’s best player to take advantage of the requirement of man-to-man defenses in the younger leagues (10 & Under), and which emphasize one-on-one basketball at the expense of team basketball, are prohibited. The defensive players may establish positions to be able to assist the defensive player guarding the player with the ball.
3. DISTANCE: There is no requirement that at all times a defensive player be within any set distance of the offensive player he is guarding. However, the defensive player must move with the man he or she is guarding, rather than simply occupying an area of the court. If a player does not move with his or her man, this constitutes a violation of the prohibition against zone defenses in the 10u and younger leagues.
SYC Basketball Age Group Rules & Guidelines
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4. SWITCHING OR HELP DEFENSE: Defensive players may switch in the event of a screen or a pick. Furthermore, a player may leave the player he or she is guarding to switch to or help on a player with the ball who has beaten the player who was guarding him or her.
VIII. GAME TIME LIMIT All leagues will use a “running clock” -- clock stops only on foul shots and time outs except for the last 2 minutes of the game when the clock stops on all whistles. (all dead balls - all out-of-bounds, fouls and time outs). Time limit between scheduled games shall be at least five minutes. Playing time limits for regular games shall be as follows:
All Leagues for 2020 Season
4 Quarters: 10 Min. Each
Between Quarters: 1 Min. Half: 3 Min Between
Time Outs: 30 seconds.
IX TIME OUTS In house leagues 9u and above, each team will have two 30-second timeouts per half. These timeouts are non-cumulative; if not used in the first half, the first half time-outs do NOT carry over to the second half.
X OVERTIME Tie game after two halves of play shall be continued in overtime for 3-minute periods with one additional time out per team. Successive overtime periods shall be played until a team has won. The game clock stops at all dead ball situations (all whistles) in overtime.
XI GAME SCHEDULES AND LOCATIONS The SYC Basketball Commissioner or his designee must approve all SYC basketball game schedules and locations of play.
XII GAME POSTPONEMENTS Agreements between coaches to postpone a scheduled game shall be effected only with the approval of the League Director concerned and with the approval of the SYC Basketball Commissioner or his designee. Gym use is controlled by the individual schools through Fairfax County Recreational Services. Games or practices may be postponed when the school facilities are closed because of inclement weather and when SYC use interferes with school functions. In the event of questionable weather, call the Fairfax County Inclement Weather Hotline at 703-324-5264 or monitor Cox Cable Channel 21. If no announcement is made, SYC use will go forward as scheduled. The SYC basketball website will also be updated as soon as any information is received from County Recreational Services.
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XIII FORFEITURES A game shall be declared forfeited when:
• A team is not ready to play within five minutes after a scheduled time or after the termination of a preceding game as the case may be (e.g., not having five players to start a game or not having three players to continue a game).
• A team plays an ineligible player.
• A team fails to comply with the player participation rule.
• A team receives three technical fouls in any one game (not counting illegal defense).
XIV SUSPENSIONS When a player or coach is ordered out of a game by a referee for misconduct, he is automatically suspended and is ineligible to play the next game.
Any participant: coach, assistant coach, or player hitting, shoving, or causing verbal abuse to a referee, SYC or League Official, shall be suspended for the remainder of the season.
Any parent or guardian of a participant hitting, shoving, or causing verbal abuse to a referee, SYC or League Official, will be banned from attending SYC sponsored activities. In addition, the participant may also be suspended for the remainder of the season.
XV PROTESTS(Officials should not get involved in enforcing or disseminating the player participation or illegal player rules. The Officials should keep the game going and allow the coach to take it up with the league later. However, the official can send a note to the league on what they may have observed.)
A coach may protest the eligibility of a player or the participation rule only. Protests must be written and filed with the League Director and SYC Basketball Commissioner within forty-eight hours after the completion of the game being protested.
XVI BASKET HEIGHT Basket height for the 6u Skills Clinic & 7u and 8u Programs will be 8 feet. Basket height for the 9u and 10u house leagues will be 9 feet. All other age groups will play with a 10¬foot basket.
