Would you call held ball on this play?

[Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

I would have called a held ball. Fits the definition perfectly IMO.

Peace

1) The wording of the definition of Held Ball is literally the same, word-for-word in all Rules Codes (NFHS, NCAA Men's and Women's, NBA and WNBA, and FIBA). That said....

2) Because of the Alternation Possession Rule it is my opinion that far too many Held Balls are called either a) too soon or b) when there is no Held Ball but the calling Official(s) want to avoid letting it play out to avoid having to call a Foul (We see this nonsense far too often in JrHS games, both boys' and girls', but especially girls' games at all levels, JrHS, FR, JV, and VAR.). Therefore...

3a) In the Play that we see in the video. W2 clearly intercepts B7's Pass to B3 with B3's right arm and hand caught between the Ball and W2's chest with B3 bringing her left arm and hand up onto the Ball.

3b) The covering Official has to make the following decision: Did B3's left hand: i) have a firm grip on the Ball or ii) not have a firm grip on the Ball and that B3 was spun around when W2 pivoted away from her because her right hand and arm were pinned between the Ball and W2's chest.

3c) Furthermore, from what I see in the video, W2 has the more advantageous position against B3 as she intercepts B7's Pass. The quality of the video is the best but it appears that B3 may have committed a PF with her right arm making contact with W2 left shoulder and upper left arm in her effort to put her right arm between the Ball and W2's chest.

4) What does this particular play tell us? Have a patient whistle when judging Held Balls. It is better to be 1.5 seconds late than being 0.75 seconds late.

5) And to be honest, I had a PF by B3 against W2 for what I said in (3c). But I would not question either a Held Ball or no Held Ball in this play.

MTD, Sr.