Foam siding on backboard
 

Twice now I've had a partner, while I have been lead ball-side, call an out-of-bounds when the ball strikes the foam that covers the bottom and sides of the backboard. I was not under the impression that this foam was considered a "support" of the backboard.

I have to assume that I'm missing something because it's happened twice so far this season, both times when I've been lead right behind the basket, and it's getting called by my partners who are 20 feet away from the play.

Help?

Your partner's wrong.

You are correct. The bottom, sides, and top of the backboard (including the padding) are not OOB.

Actually, it's been two different partners, which makes me feel like I'm taking crazy pills or something.

[QUOTE=fiasco]Twice now I've had a partner, while I have been lead ball-side, call an out-of-bounds when the ball strikes the foam that covers the bottom and sides of the backboard. I was not under the impression that this foam was considered a "support" of the backboard.

I have to assume that I'm missing something because it's happened twice so far this season, both times when I've been lead right behind the basket, and it's getting called by my partners who are 20 feet away from the play.

Fiasco, The sides top and bottom of the back board are inbounds. As lead you probably should be focused on the players in your primary anyway-which would not include the back board.

"As lead you probably should be focused on the players in your primary anyway-which would not include the back board." or basket.

While your partner IS wrong, this is good advice.

You are correct this is not OB, however, you should not be looking here as lead, so the fact that they are 20 feet away is not really relevant - it would be their call IF they were correct;)

Fiasco, there is nothing wrong with knowing the ball didn't strike the backside of the backboard while you were focused on your primary. Your understanding of the rule is correct. We all miss one now and then. Chalk it up as your partners turn to miss one. Use tact and judgement to question them you feel comfortable or don't.