Florida State/Mississippi State Tech

[Mark Dexter]

A.R. 143. A1 blocks a pass near the end line. The ball falls to the floor inbounds but A1, who is off balance, falls outside the end line. A1 returns, secures control of the ball, and dribbles.

RULING: Legal. A1 has not left the playing court voluntarily and was not in control of the ball when leaving the playing court. This situation is similar to one in which A1 makes a try from under the basket and momentum carries A1 off the playing court. The try is unsuccessful, and A1 comes onto the playing court and regains control of the ball.

[Camron Rust]

This is one of those plays that so many people believe is illegal...even at high levels. I've called T on more than one occassion on a coach/player who went ballistic after I no-called this situation. The number of players, fans, and coaches who believe that a player can't touch the ball, go OOB, and return and be the next to touch the ball is probably a majority (but are all wrong).