A good rules question.......
 

:rolleyes: A fellow official asked me this question. Just for fun, answer the question just as it would happen in the game.......in other words don’t check your rulebook first. Jump ball to start the game. A1 and B1 jump and simultaneously tip the ball straight up. (very high tip) Both jumpers return to the floor. B1 leaves the center circle while A1 jumps and tips the ball again. B1 has both feet outside the center circle and catches the ball after the second tip. Legal or not?

Did the jump ball end?.....;)

The play actually happened just as described. I admit that I answered the question incorrectly. It is an interesting play that I learned from, and I am just asking the question. If you see the play as it is described is it legal.....

No, the jump ball has not ended. violation on the jumper who caught the tip.

A jumper may not catch the ball until a non-jumper touches it, until it touches the floor, or for some strange reason it touches the backboard/rim.

This is a holdover from when we had true jump balls instead of the AP. You could have a jump in the free throw circle. In some instances, the ball would hit the rim or backboard.

At least that's what I remember from when I played with Dr. Naismith. :o

That's the only thing I could think of as well.

Just curious...when does a jumper become a non-jumper?

You are correct. Are you quoting the rule book or did you know this rule by heart? (just curious):rolleyes: :rolleyes:

What if the A1 fumbles the SECOND tap from one hand to another prior to B1 receiving the ball outside the circle?:D :D

Being outside the circle has nothing to do with it. A jumper can tap the ball twice. That is all he can do until the ball touches the floor, a non-jumper or the backboard/rim. Makes no difference where he's standing.

And yes, I knew that.

After the jump ball ends.

When is that?

When the ball touches the floor, a non-jumper or the backboard/rim.

Good job and good explaination. :D

Violation on the 3rd contact by A1.

My first thought is when A1 touches the ball for a second time without it first touching a nonjumper, floor, a basket or backboard-it is a violation on A1. Ball awarded to team B for throw in.

No. It's not a violation unless he catches the ball or taps it three times. Tapping the ball twice is not illegal.

What BBR said; and rule reference:

6-3-7 Neither jumper shall:
a. Touch the tossed ball before it reaches its highest point.
b. Leave the center restraining circle until the ball has been touched.
c. Catch the jump ball.
d. Touch the ball more than twice.
The jump ball and these restrictions end when the touched ball contacts one of the eight nonjumpers, the floor, a basket or backboard.