Jinxed ...
 

Agree. For me it's no longer about getting the interpretation correct on my list, but it's now about getting the interpretation correct when it happens in my game.

My contention is that you do not have to pick up this part at all. If you have not started a dribble, this is illegal the minute you release the ball. If a player did a split foot travel we would not wait until they picked up the ball again.

Peace

Underestimate ...
 

Don't underestimate the rules knowledge and experience of Raymond and Camron Rust. It would be a big mistake to ignore either of them.

It has nothing to do with that, it goes to the fact I can't point to a case play or rule to PROVE it to a coach.

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Literal Interpretation ...
 

By a literal interpretation of the rule, JRutledge is 100% correct. If one deems it to be the start of a dribble, it is a dribble. If one deems it to be the start of a bounce pass, it is a pass.

However, I believe that both JRutledge and I are on the same page in terms of the illegality of dropping the ball intentionally, and the legality of unintentionally fumbling the ball and recovering it.

Pick A Card, Any Card ...
 

You've got proof either way.

Illegal: He moved his pivot foot before starting a dribble.

Legal: One can always pick up a fumble.

So why is the play under question?

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Two Different Interpretations ...
 

Because we have two different interpretations.

And from respected officials. That's my issue.

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Trust But Verify ...
 

When both Raymond and Camron Rust disagree with me, I have to take pause.

https://tse3.mm.bing.net/th?id=OIP.O...=0&w=264&h=165

Split Foot Travel ..
 

Note: Took me some time to figure out what a split foot travel is, as we have never used that term here in my little corner of Connecticut.

Again, JRutledge is 100% correct in his literal interpretation of the rule. By the time the play registers in my mind and I sound my whistle the ball has usually bounced off the floor and back into the player's hand. Could it have been the start of a bounce pass, sure, I guess, but JRutledge is right in his contention that experienced officials have enough good judgment to differentiate between the start of a bounce pass and the start of a dribble. Context is everything. If I'm unsure, I can wait a second and be sure.

There are gaps and blind spots in the rules where differing interpretations can be justified.

Knowing how to explain one's particular interpretation requires communication skills and knowledge of the rule & case books.

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Blind Spots ...
 

Is Raymond saying that this situation may be one of those blind spots?

... with differing evidence used to show that this situation could be legal, or illegal.

If that's what he is saying, then I can agree with him, and this controversial situation will remain off of my list.

Stupid NFHS.

https://tse2.mm.bing.net/th?id=OIP.7...=0&w=250&h=150

Purpose And Intent ...
 

If this happens in my next game, and I hope that it doesn't, I'm calling it like this:

While old adages are certainly no substitute for rule or interpretation citations, fumbles are probably covered by purpose and intent.

The problem is that there is no rule that says anything about a player always being able to pick up a fumble but there is a rule that says a player only has two options once he/she jumps.

This is not unlike the situation where a player throws the ball off his/her own backboard....it is treated as if it were a try for most purposes even though it actually isn't a try since the player wasn't actually trying to throw the ball into the basket.

Consider also the case where a player lying on the floor sits the ball down, gets up while not holding the ball, then picks up the ball. This is considered a travel. Why? It is deemed that the player is circumventing the intended rules.

The fumble on a try is essentially the same thing. Players will make it appear to be a fumble to circumvent the rules once they go airborne and find they have nowhere to go. Once they jump, they have two options by rule: pass or shoot. Anything else is considered a de facto dribble.