The play described below is provided for your review and discussion. The rulings given are based on NFHS rules. NCAA rulings may be different.
A-5 and B-5 line up for the jump ball. Both are in their half of the jump circle. When the official releases the ball on the jump ball, B-5 steps across the division line going around A-5. A-5, who is much taller than B-5, back taps the jump ball. B-5 catches the ball before it hits the floor or any non-jumper.
Handle the situation.
This is a jump ball violation for catching the ball before the jump ball ended. Although both jumpers must have both feet in their half of the jump circle prior to the toss, once the ball is released by the official, the jumpers are then required to stay within the jump circle until the ball is touched. So, B-5 movements were legal at this point in time. However, B-5 is not allowed to recover the ball until the jump ball ends.
All restrictions on the jumpers end when the jump ball ends. In this instance the restrictions had not ended since the ball had not hit the floor nor been touched by a non-jumper.
(References: Rule 6-3-1, 6-3-7b, 6-3-7c, 6-3-8)
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Correct. B-5 cannot get it before it hits the floor or player/official. Thanks!