Jump Ball: Possession Arrow vs. Actual Jump Ball

[Bobby]

The arrow was added in 1982, and then in 1983, the 5-second closely guarded was changed to a violation.

Also, for reference, the NBA dropped jump balls per quarter in 1976, going to the present Quarter Possession format. In Quarter Possession, the loser of the jump ball gains the ball in the second and third period, and the winner the fourth period. The Union of European Basketball Leagues (ULEB, sanctions the Euroleague) adopted the NBA rule in 2001. Some rec leagues do not use a possession arrow, and use the NBA form of quarter possession.

In FIBA, the arrow is NOT used to start the third quarter -- they jump again.

[SHellmueller]

I like the coin flip. In fact, I have always done a coin flip in those wonderful times I've worked a rec league solo. There's no way I can work the first 5 seconds standing at midcourt with one hand over my face, one over my groin, and my whistle hanging out.

[Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.]

The NCAA Men's Rules Committee adopted the Alternating Possession Rule for the 1981-82 season, and the NFHS Rules Committee adopted the rule for the 1985-86 season. Dick Schindler, Editor of the NFHS Basketball Rules gave the following reasons for its adoption: "I think all the reasons for the alternating jump ball rule have been pretty well hashed out by the coaches, officials and media in recent years. Basically it eleminates the very difficult administration of the jump ball situation and allow for a smoother flow in action." This quote by Dick Schindler is from the Focus On The Rules section of the May 1985 (Vol. 2, No. 9) of the National Federation News. The National Federation News is the predecessor to the NFHS Officials Quarterly.

The difficult administration of the jump ball situation meant that too many officials were not doing a competent job of tossing the ball. Smoother flow in action meant to shorten the time from the held ball was called to getting the ball back into play and therefore the game will go quicker.

Even today, too many officials do a poor job of tossing the ball for the only jump ball during the game, but I still do not think that this was a valid reason for going to the AP Rule. As for smoother flow in action I never felt put out by having to get the players lined up for the jump ball.

MTD, Sr.

[Larks]

MTD - I disagree with you on this one. I think the AP is a fair way to manage this portion of the game. Can you imagine the 437 jumps we'd have to line up for in a girls reserve game? The other thing is what about situations where you have a 5'2" guy that ties up a 6"7" guy? Why bother jumping?

I've heard the idea that we have a coin toss to start the game for the very reasons mentioned....tosses are so inconsistent etc. Personally, I think we should keep it out of tradition.

Larks - Crooked too high of a toss rookie guy

[Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.]

Originally posted by Larks
MTD - I disagree with you on this one. I think the AP is a fair way to manage this portion of the game. Can you imagine the 437 jumps we'd have to line up for in a girls reserve game? The other thing is what about situations where you have a 5'2" guy that ties up a 6"7" guy? Why bother jumping?

I've heard the idea that we have a coin toss to start the game for the very reasons mentioned....tosses are so inconsistent etc. Personally, I think we should keep it out of tradition.

Larks - Crooked too high of a toss rookie guy

With what do you disagree? My latest post or my earlier post?

MTD, Sr.

[bob jenkins]

Originally posted by Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.


With what do you disagree? My latest post or my earlier post?

MTD, Sr.

Does he have to pick only one?

[Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.]

Originally posted by bob jenkins

Does he have to pick only one?

Not really, I will still give a free hair style. LOL

MTD, Sr.