When to stop closely guarded count?

[Jurassic Referee]

Originally Posted by Y2Koach

so if the D is within the 6' range with the O dribbling in place, D is in a defensive stance but not swiping or mirroring the ball, just in stance within 6', do you count? How is "actively guarding the dribbler" defined?

"Actively guarding" has never been defined under the "closely guarded" rule. The only criteria ever needed was that the defender be "continuously guarding". As long as the defender stayed within 6 feet, they met the criteria needed to get a 5-second violation called, by rule.

It's taught differently, depending on local preferences. Some teach that the defender should be actively guarding if that they're at the 6 foot limit. Some go strictly by the rule; if the defender is within 6 feet, the count goes on. Some teach not to start or keep the count going until the defender closes to around 3 feet. Whatever is used in any area should be called consistently.

Jmo.