A closely guarded clarification

[Jurassic Referee]

Originally posted by blindzebra


The key phrase is "maintain legal guarding position" - emphasis on maintain. Defensive players with their back to the offensive player are NOT in legal guarding position.

The rule of thumb and by interpretation is that if the offensive player gets beyond the defensive player, then the count is ended - and the usual criteria is based upon "shoulders past the defense".

This does apply to all directions, and if B is not in legal guarding position (by turning away) then the count ends.

Iow, the defender has to first establish a LGP by getting in the path of the player with the ball, face him and get both feet set. Then when the defender now closes up within 6 feet, we start the count. Maintain the count until the player with the ball either stops or starts dribbling. As long as the defender stays facing the dribbler and continuously within 6 feet of him, no matter what direction the dribbler goes or faces, the count continues- unless the dribbler happens to "beat" the defender.

That sum it up, BZ?

Feel free to continue fighting with Dan though. I bought extra popcorn last night, and I'd hate to see it go to waste.