Myth ...
 

This myth probably comes from this old IAABO Manual graphic (no longer in the current IAABO Manual).

https://live.staticflickr.com/5791/2...cffc1093_n.jpg

Twelve "pieces of pie" shaped unmarked spaces around the center circle, appearing not to allow any player to straddle the division line.

Actual rule language only talks about “adjacent positions”, “occupied space”, and "spaces for non-jumpers around the center circle are 36 inches deep".

Three Feet ...
 

Jump Ball Administration
6.3.2 SITUATION: The referee is ready to toss the ball to start the game. (a) A1 who was on the center restraining circle backs off; (b) B1 moves onto the restraining circle into an unoccupied spot; (c) B2 moves off the circle and goes behind A2 and is within 3 feet of the circle; or (d) B3 moves off the circle about 5 feet and moves around behind A3 and A4 who are occupying spaces on the circle. RULING: Legal in (a) and (d), but a violation in both (b) and (c). Moving off the restraining circle in (a), and around the circle when more than 3 feet away as in (d), is permissible. It is a violation to move onto the circle as in (b), until the ball leaves the official's hand, or into an occupied space as in (c), until the ball is touched. The violation by B results in a throw-in for Team A. (4-3)

Center Restraining Circle, Division Line
1-3-1: A restraining circle must be drawn at the center of the court with a radius of 6 feet measured to the outside edge. The edge of the circle must be designated with a minimum of a ¼-inch-wide single line but no wider than 2 inches. See Table 1-1, Number 3 if the use of contrasting colored-floor areas instead of a line is desirable. Spaces for non-jumpers around the center circle are 36 inches deep.

Depth is three feet.

What about width?

Traditional ...
 

YES!! IT SHOULD STAY IN THE GAME!!

Ain't I a stinker! ;)

MTD, Sr.