When to stop closely guarded count?

[Jurassic Referee]

Originally Posted by FrankHtown

Maybe it is a Texas thing, but the interpretation we use is that the defender has to be doing more than standing there, even within 6 feet.

It sounds like Texas follows the rule as written.

Nope, you're following a Texas interpretation. They're definitely not following the rule as written. There is nothing listed anywhere in the rules that states that a defender doesn't have to be doing anything but be within the 6 foot space.

If you still have the 2004-05 rule book, they had a POE on "closely guarded" that laid out the criteria used. Here's the relevant stuff:

1. Closely Guarded.
A: When To Start: A closely guarded situation occurs when a player in control of the ball in his or her team's front court, is guarded by an opponent who is within six feet of that player who is holding or dribbling the ball. It must also be emphasized that the defensive player must obtain a legal guarding position.
When To Stop: A closely-guarded count ends when no defensive player is within six feet.

That's it! They mention the different counts, beating a defender by head and shoulders, multiple defenders, etc.There's no mention anywhere that says that a defender has to be "actively" guarding and there never has been at any time that I know of.