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[Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.]

Regarding the Hash Marks 28 feet from each End Line and the Lack of Sufficient Action Rule.

Situation #1:

Team A is behind in the score and has Control of the Ball in its Midcourt Area (between the Hash Marks and the Division Line). Team B is not required to come into the Midcourt Area and play defense. (NOTE: Notice that I did not use the term Closely Guarded because even though the CG Rule was adopted while the LSA Rule was still a Rule, CG is not a requirement for the Defense.)

If Team A Holds (A1 Holds or Dribbles the Ball or Team A Passes the Ball between Players in the MCA) for ten seconds while Team B does not play defense in Team A's MCA The Train (Two-Person or Three-Person Crew) shall Warn Team A by moving off of the Side Line into the Team A's MCA, point toward Team A's Basket and announce to Team A to "play".

As long has Team B does not come out to play defense in the MCA Team A has ten seconds (later the Rule was changed five seconds) to advance the Ball from its MCA to its Front Court Area (between the Hash Marks and the End Line). If Team A does not it shall be charged with a TF charged to Team A.


Situation #2:

The score is tied or Team B is behind in the score and Team A has Control of the Ball in its MCA. Team A is not required to advance the Ball from its MCA into its FCA but if Team B remains in Team A's FCA for ten seconds the Trail shall Warn Team B by moving off of the Side Line into Team A's MCA, point toward Team B's Basket and announce to Team B to "play".

As long has Team A Holds the Ball in its MCA the defense has ten seconds (later five seconds) to move into Team A's MCA and play defense. If Team B does not it shall be charged with a TF.


A Team only receives one LSA Warning per game and it does not matter if the Warning was given while the Team was on Offense or Defense. The Warning applies to all subsequent infractions of the LSA Rule whether the Infraction occurs while the Team is on Offense or Defense.

I gave numerous Warnings in my career but I do not ever having a Team fail to heed the Warning and receive a TF.

MTD, Sr.