Prone Player–NCAA vs. NFHS

[BigCat]

Originally Posted by Camron Rust

I don't have the reference handy, but you are right. NFHS is different than NCAA. A prone player (stationary) has a legal spot.

I do think, however, that the prone player would have to meet some amount of time/distance requirements in order to be legal. Not sure if that is stated anywhere but I doubt they intend to make it legal for a player to dive across an opponent's path and be legal just by getting to the floor before contact.

You and I have debated this before. I believe the college interpretation is correct. I dont think a "spot" on the floor is ever the length of a player lying down. Game is played on feet. The legal guarding rule assumes that, the screening rule assumes that etc.

You and I probably arent that far apart in reality. Suppose A1 is holding ball at top of key and B1 is in front of him. A2 comes up to set a pick(screen). At very last second he drops to the floor sprawled out. Immediately A1 goes that way and B1 does also and trips over A2. Time and distance arent a factor since B1 was stationary. But I will call a foul on A2 every time in that situation. I'm thinking you would also. When a player sets a pick standing we make him stay within his shoulders. Elbows out is an illegal position. Lying down has the effect of expanding the pick beyond what rules allow.

On the other hand, if a kid is down and hurt or just down and somebody can clearly avoid him and simply chooses not to, tries to jump over him and doesnt make it...im not likely to bail him out. These are "id have to see it" plays for me. At times i may think its incidental. This may be the OP play.

I just wouldnt defend a no call by saying lying down is his "spot....and every player is entitled to his spot if he gets there first."