OK, I had a sitch a while back that made me wonder, and I haven't figured out yet exactly the right call. Since not much has been happening, here goes. 8th grade game, NFHS rules. Made basket, B is inbounding and doesn't step out of bounds before making the pass. Play continues up the court. I blow the whistle, but then I'm not sure exactly what to call. Five seconds? Line violation? Normally at lower grade levels, I'll instruct the kids, but these kids were competitive and knew better, they were just eager to push it up court. So what do I call?

The NFHS made a rule change 2-3 years ago whereby this is now a violation. Used to be that you'd give a warning and start the play over again.

I'd prefer a warning at that age, but I can definitely see why the rule was put into place. That extra second can easily lead to a fast break layup.

Rules reference is case book play 9.2.2SitC.

I have been a ref since 1997 and I don't remember this ever being a "do over" (warning). When exactly was this a warning situation?

It was always a violation. They just clarified it 2-3 years ago, after we'd been arguing about on here for weeks. I believe there was only one person on the forum who had the ruling correct at that time.

Up to 5th or 6th grade, depending on the level of play, I'll warn. After that, I always call the violation, because they have been playing for a couple of years and should know that the lines are on the court for a reason.

Mr. Grammar Guy and Mr. Modesty??

Then I assume the legal out of bounds throwing position is just one foot completely out of bounds and the other foot at least in the air or else completely out of bounds. Is this correct?

Many times after a basket I'll see the kids step out of bounds with one foot like that before throwing the ball in.

Actually, there were probably a couple people on my side. I was just trying to be funny, but weren't you in the "immediate violation" camp, too, Mark?

That's correct. However, just remember in this sitch that the OOB line is fair game for the inbounder. Part of the foot that is in question must be touching in the court of play to have a throw-in violation.

Yes, there were a few people on the immediate violation side.

I forgot the smilie, so:

:p

As I remember, I thought it should be a violation, too.

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You assume correctly!