Tom and I attended a sort of informal CYM coaches' clinic at Ursuline Academy on December 2, 2009. Part of the presentation was a "going over" of certain game rules that seem to trip a lot of folks up. Layne Drexel from IAABO Board 11 distributed the following handout which I think would benefit everyone who follows the game - parents (especially), coaches, players, and yes, even game officials.  Anyway, Tom & I found the handout very informative and helpful. We hope you do as well.

COMMONLY MISUNDERSTOOD CALLS / NO CALLS

 

Kicking the Ball

Accidental kicking of the ball is NOT a violation.  However, intentionally blocking the ball with any part of the leg is a violation. 

 

Fumble the Ball

Fumbling the ball is NOT a violation, regardless of how many times you fumble and/or steps are involved before CONTROL is established. You can Fumble, Dribble, Fumble, but you can NOT Dribble, Fumble, Dribble.  "Intentionally" making a ball appear to be fumbled is a traveling violation.

 

Edges of the Backboard

All edges of the backboard, including the top, are in play.  If the ball strikes the back of the backboard or passes over the backboard from either side, the ball is out of bounds.

 

High Dribble

A high dribble (above the dribbler’s head) is NOT a violation as long as the palm of the hand is facing down.  If the ball comes to rest in a player’s hand, or the player’s hand passes the plane perpendicular to the floor while the hand is in contact with the ball, it is a palming violation.

 

Over the Back

This is NOT an Automatic foul.  A player behind another player on a rebound may jump higher and secure ball control without committing a foul.  If there is slight contact while players are attempting to secure rebounds and the contact does not take away either players advantage, officials are instructed to rule this as "incidental contact."

 

Out of Bounds Throw-in

On a throw-in, a player has 5 seconds to release the ball onto the court.  Once the ball has been released onto the court, the count stops.

 

Backcourt to Frontcourt

A team in possession of the ball has 10 seconds to advance the ball from the backcourt to the frontcourt.  The mid-court or divisional line is considered to be in the backcourt.  Therefore, if a player is on the line, that player is still in the backcourt.  A player is NOT in the frontcourt until BOTH FEET and the BALL are in the frontcourt.

  

And a DGB.com "add-on"...

Three Seconds in the Key

Perhaps THE most misunderstood call in the game.  Even refs get it wrong, from time to time.  No one player on the offensive team may remain in the key for more than 3 seconds while her team controls the ball.  However, when a shot is released, no team has the ball until either a basket is made or the ball is securely rebounded.  Therefore, the counting of seconds (for the 3-second rule) resets to zero with every shot attempt and does not begin again until a player on the shooting team gains control of the ball.

DelGirlsHoops@delawaregirlsbasketball.com