2 or a 3

[geoff.mayfield]

Using NFHS Rules, what happens in this scenario:

A1 attempts an alley-oop bounce pass to A2. Both A1 and the bounce (of the bounce pass) are behind Team A’s three point line. A2 ignores the pass and the pass goes into the goal. (There is no contact with the ball and any player between the bounce and the goal). Is this a 2 point goal or a 3 point goal?

I ask because Rule 5-2-1 has two sentences which appear to be in potential conflict.

5-2-1 says that a “Try, Tap or Thrown ball” from behind the team’s own 3 point line shall count as 3 points.

In the above scenario, the goal was not scored from the result of a “try” because the ball struck the floor, ending the try (See 4-41-4). The goal was not scored as a “tap” because the intent was to pass, not to direct the ball into the bucket. (See 4-41-5). (yes, there is judgment here, but assume that judgment is solid)

Thus, the only theory that could support the goal being a three point goal would be the “thrown ball” theory in Rule 5-2-1. (unfortunately “Thrown Ball” is not defined.)

However, the second sentence of 5-2-1 says that a ball that “...touches the floor...” shall count as 2 points.

In the above scenario, we have a “thrown ball” and a ball that “touches the floor” prior to entering the goal.

Thus, which sentence controls the character of the goal in the above scenario: (1) the sentence that indicates that a “thrown ball” counts as three; or (2) the sentence that indicates that a ball that “touches the floor” counts as two?