Closely guarded? No. Just throw out your arms.

[Jurassic Referee]

Originally posted by Rick82358
The criteria for a closely guarded count are being within 6' and ACTIVELY Guarding the player with the ball. A defender who is just standing within 6' of the player with the ball should not cause you to start a count.

While I certainly agree with the concept of actively-guarding, by rule you are completely wrong. There is no requirement listed anywhere in the rule or case book listing "actively-guarding" as a criteria. The requirements to start and maintain a closely-guarded count are spelled out in case book 9.10.1Sitc. Nowhere in that case book play is it stated that you must be "actively guarding" someone at any time. Note the wording at the end of the RULING- "The amount of movement or the actual body position of the player is irrelevant".