Bounce pass to self

[just another ref]

Originally Posted by rainmaker

J.A.R. -- I e-mailed my assignor who is also our state rules interpreter, who also used to be on the NFHS rules committee, the nationally renowned Howard Mayo, and he said,

"Two things that occur to me: A1 completes her dribble - drops the ball but does not touch it - legal - You could also rule that it was a bounce pass to a teammate or you could also rule a fumble."

In other words, it's not a dribble unless the player touches it after it has bounced on the floor. Notice that the word "intent" appears nowhere.

I appreciate your efforts but I think the play I have been describing differs greatly. When the phrase "drops the ball" is used, we must indeed wait to see what happens next.

If you get a chance, e-mail this one to him and see what he says:

Player A1 forgets he has already used his dribble. He pushes the ball straight down to the floor. Defender B1 slaps the ball out of bounds on its return flight straight up toward the illegal dribbler's hand?
Would you give the ball back to the offense citing "That might have been a pass."??

[Nevadaref]

Originally Posted by just another ref

When the phrase "drops the ball" is used, we must indeed wait to see what happens next.

In past documentation that I am familiar with NFHS has treated "dropping" the ball to be a controlled, purposeful action by a player. (For example, see case play 4.44.3 SitA (d) which I just cited) When speaking of a fumble the NFHS uses the word "slips" to mean accidental loss of control.

Of course, "drops" is NOT one of the ways listed in 4-15-3 to start a dribble. (I've debated this before with BktBallRef as it applies to one of his backcourt scenarios.) However, 4.44.3 SitA (d) tells us that a dribble may be started in this manner as the ruling clearly states that this action is "a violation for starting a dribble with the pivot foot off the floor."