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, a non-jumper, catches the jump ball with one foot on the floor in frontcourt. A-1 then places his other foot on the floor in the backcourt. The official rules this to be a legal play. Was the official correct?
The official was NOT correct. When A-1 caught the ball with one foot on the floor in frontcourt, this gave the ball frontcourt status. When A-1 placed his other foot on the floor in backcourt, A-1’s status was now backcourt. This made the ball backcourt. This is a backcourt violation since A-1 was the last to touch the ball while it was in frontcourt and was the 1st to touch it in backcourt. The only exception to the backcourt rule during a jump ball occurs when the ball is controlled by an airborne player. That player may land in backcourt. (References: Rule 9.9.1, 4.4.1, 4.4.2)
This play also stresses the importance of all officials being ready to officiate when the jump ball takes place.
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This is very helpful and educational. Thanks, and keep this up. Sincerely, Joseph D. Jones