Play of the Day 502 (2025-26)

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-1 drives into the lane and B-3 steps in to take the charge.  A collision occurs while A-1 is still dribbling the ball.  The Center official sounds his whistle and signals a player control foul.  The Lead official sounds his whistle and signals a blocking foul.

Handle the situation.

This is the dreaded blarge.  While higher levels have means of adjudicating this play, the high school rules book does not.

By rule, this is a double foul.  Both A-1 and B-3 will be charged with a foul.  

This is a point-of-interruption play.  Since A-1 was dribbling the ball at the time of the double foul, Team A had team control.  Therefore, Team A will be awarded the ball for a designated spot throw-in from the “magic” spot nearest to where the ball was when the double foul occurred.

This type of play occurs from time to time in our games.  When ruling on such plays, officials should be aware of the potential for double whistles.  It is best practice to avoid signaling quickly particularly without first signaling to stop the clock.  This can help to identify the existence of a double whistle situation and prevent this embarrassment from occurring.   It is also helpful to remember that the Lead has primary coverage on all secondary defenders in the lane.

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