[LSams]

Just to throw another thought out on this rule. The rule has been modified in NCAA women's rules this year.

Rule 9-13 art. 1 b (2) -- A player in control of the ball, but not dribbling, is closely guarded when an opponet is in a guarding stance within 3 feet. A closely guarded violation shall occur when the player in control of the ball holds the ball for more than five seconds.

The rule for women for the past several years only includes a player that is holding the ball (no 5 second count when dribbling). The changes this year include the space requirement going down to 3 feet instead of 6, and the wording "guarding stance" describing the defender. Thus the defender must be actively guarding the ball holder.

One more reminder about this rule difference in womens, mens and NF -- you can have a 5 second count in the backcourt in women's ball -- not men's or NF.