The play described below is provided for your review and discussion. The rulings given are based on NFHS rules. NCAA rulings may be different.
During the 2nd quarter A-1 attempts a three-point try. The rebound comes out near the free throw line and is batted around by B-2 and A-2. As they chase the ball, A-2 bats the ball into the backcourt. A-2 is the 1st to touch the ball after it went backcourt. The official rules a backcourt violation. Is the official correct?
The official is NOT correct. In order to have a backcourt violation, Team A must have team control in the frontcourt. Once the try was released, team control ended. Since no player obtained player control after the try was released, there was no team control when the ball went backcourt. Either team was entitled to recover the ball in Team A’s backcourt.
(References: Rule 9-9-1, 4-12-2)
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Paul,
Play 89 is a great play!
To complete this scenario, can you add to the ruling how you put the ball back in play?
Since there was no team control and the whistle was blown initially to indicate a backcourt violation, wouldn’t we after the officials discuss this play on the floor, rule an inadvertent whistle and award the ball to the team who is entitled to the Alternating possession arrow at Point of Interruption which is where A2 touched the ball when the ball is blown dead in the backcourt? Please correct me if I’m wrong.
Michael Gatewood