Block or Charge?

[tmp44]

IM Championship Game on Thursday Night. I am C, table side. Deep 3-point FG by A1 hits the back of the rim and leads to the rebound coming all the way out to approximately the 3-point line. B1 jumps high to get the rebound, and in the process of getting the rebound, begins to turn in the air so that he can begin a fast break going the other way. As he is getting the rebound, A2 sets himself to take a charge as B1 comes down. B1 turns while in the air, has his first foot hit the ground, and then the crash occurs. I immediately came with a block, and explained to the defender that he never allowed the rebounder the opportunity to fully come down on the court. I know this may be one of those "had to be there" plays, but what does everyone think?

[Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.]

Originally Posted by tmp44

IM Championship Game on Thursday Night. I am C, table side. Deep 3-point FG by A1 hits the back of the rim and leads to the rebound coming all the way out to approximately the 3-point line. B1 jumps high to get the rebound, and in the process of getting the rebound, begins to turn in the air so that he can begin a fast break going the other way. As he is getting the rebound, A2 sets himself to take a charge as B1 comes down. B1 turns while in the air, has his first foot hit the ground, and then the crash occurs. I immediately came with a block, and explained to the defender that he never allowed the rebounder the opportunity to fully come down on the court. I know this may be one of those "had to be there" plays, but what does everyone think?

CHARGE!! The instand B1 came in the contact with the floor, A2 had obtained/established legal guarding position. Time and distance does not apply to this situation. You will find at least one casebook play in the NFHS Casebook that covers this type of play. The NFHS Casebook play is also applicable to NCAA Men's/Women's rules.

MTD, Sr.

[Texas Aggie]

I agree with Mark, at least as explained.

[tmp44]

OK, then would I be correct in assuming that if contact occurred while the rebounder was in the air we would have a block? And not to be a nit-pick, but what if it is simultaneous? The play was that close that simultaneous could be argued....

[BktBallRef]

tmp, if the foot landing/contact is simultaneous, I've got a block.

If A1 returns to the floor with one foot and then charges, I've got a charge.

If there's any doubt in my mind as to whether the foot land or contact came first, I've got a block. Why? Because B1 has placed himself at a disadvantage be taking this position. He's not playing defense.

[refnrev]

Did the defender give him room to come down or did he undercut the rebounder? I couldn't tell from your description.