First to touch ball after stepping out of bounds

[blindzebra]

Originally posted by ridavis13
B1 steals the ball from A1 near the sideline. B1 while losing her balance pushes the ball forward toward her basket. In an attempt to regain her balance she steps out of bounds. She returns to the court and after 5 or 6 steps is the first to touch the ball. I have asked a number of officials about this play an have received different interpretations. I did not stop play. I know that the rule reads if you voluntarily step out of bounds you can not be the first to touch the ball. Level of play was NCAA womens.

If B1 had control and then released the ball to the floor you have a pass/start of a dribble, and thus an interrupted dribble.

B1 may re-enter and continue her dribble or gather the ball. If she gathers the ball and dribbles it is an illegal dribble(double dribble).

If she saved or batted the ball forward WITHOUT controlling it first, she may re-enter and do whatever she wants.