Backcourt violation (let's beat this horse again)

[Mailguy]

NFHS rules -- A1 (completely in frontcourt) loses control of the ball; the ball bounces one time on the midcourt line as it heads toward the backcourt; A1 leaps from the frontcourt, grabs the ball while in the air and throws it back to A2 who is in the frontcourt. A1 did not touch the backcourt before throwing the ball to A2. What is the ruling? Please cite Rule Book number and/or Case Book play if known.

A1 and A2 are standing near the midcourt line, both are in the frontcourt. B2 is standing between them. With a back spin A1 bounces the ball to A2. The ball bounces one time in the backcourt then is caught by A2 (still standing in frontcourt). NFHS rules -- Backcourt violation or not? Cite Rule Book number and/or Case Book play if known.

[Smitty]

Your first situation is a backcourt violation. The division line is part of the backcourt. See 4-13-2.

Your second situation is also a backcourt violation and we just had a huge thread about something similar.

[Mailguy]

I tried using the "search" feature to find threads on backdourt violations but the search engine did not function.

[TimTaylor]

It's really not all that difficult a call - don't try to over analyze it.

There are three criteria that must exist for a backcourt violation to occur:
1. There must be team control.
2. The ball must be last touched in front court by a player from the team with team control.
3. After going into back court, the ball must be first touched by a player from the team with team control.

In applying the above, you also need to know:
A. Team control remains with the team that last had it until either the ball becomes dead or control is gained by the other team. (Yes I know it also ends on a try for goal, but that's not typically relevant to this discussion)
B. If the ball touches a player or the floor in front court it immediately gains front court status, and if it touches a player or the floor in back court it immediately gains back court status. The exception is for a player bringing the ball into front court on the dribble - then it requires all 3 points (both feet & the ball) for the ball to gain front court status.

[Edited by TimTaylor on Feb 1st, 2005 at 12:21 PM]

[bob jenkins]

Originally posted by TimTaylor
It's really not all that difficult a call - don't try to over analyze it.

There are three criteria that must exist for a backcourt violation to occur:
1. There must be team control.
2. The ball must be last touched in front court by a player from the team with team control.
3. After going into back court, the ball must be first touched by a player from the team with team control.

Those aren't the correct criteria -- #2 is wrong -- a team doesn not need to touch the ball in the front court before there's a violation.

The correct criteria:

1) Team control
2) Ball has front court status
3) Team A last to touch before ball goes to backcourt
4) Team A first to touch after ball goes to backcourt

How is that different? Play: A1, in the backcourt, throws the ball toward the front court with backspin. The ball hits in the front court and retunrs to the backcourt where A2 grabs the ball. According to Tim's criteria, it's not a violation (the play fails cirterion #2). According to the criteria I posted, it's a violation.

[TimTaylor]

Which is why I shouldn't try to type & talk on the phone at the same time.....poor job of paraphrasing 9-9-1. Thanks for pointing it out.

What I intended to say was.."Ball with front court status must be last touched by player from team with team control before going into backcourt."

[Bart Tyson]

OK Bob, Are you making some assumptions in your play? The throw to the front court did not start a dribble?

[Adam]

Bart,
If A2 grabs A1's throw, it's not the start of a dribble.

[Bart Tyson]

never mind

[tjones1]

Originally posted by bob jenkins

Those aren't the correct criteria -- #2 is wrong -- a team doesn not need to touch the ball in the front court before there's a violation.

The correct criteria:

1) Team control
2) Ball has front court status
3) Team A last to touch before ball goes to backcourt
4) Team A first to touch after ball goes to backcourt

How is that different? Play: A1, in the backcourt, throws the ball toward the front court with backspin. The ball hits in the front court and retunrs to the backcourt where A2 grabs the ball. According to Tim's criteria, it's not a violation (the play fails cirterion #2). According to the criteria I posted, it's a violation.

9-9-2