Closely guarded while on the move?
 

Realize the definition and stipulations for "closely guarded" calls but looking for some clarity on something.

I "get" that closely guarded is commonly called for guard play that lingers near the division line or simply moves laterally. But seeing these two observations in another forum today reminds me of a question from an earlier posting here:
• Once the offensive player gets head/shoulders past the defensive player, the count shall stop.
• If the defensive player backs away (more than six feet) the count shall stop.

It almost sounds like this call can be whistled if a player is closely guarded but never gets his head and shoulders past a defensive player on a slow (OK, very, very slow) dribble to the basket, or, say, if he/she backs the opponent down toward the basket for 5 seconds.

What's the rationale for not calling this? Can't remember seeing this called this way. Nothing popped out from the books just now, though it is pre-coffee time, so apologies if it's waiting right there, ready to knock me on the head.

There is no rationale for not calling this. Call it.

There isn't any rationale for not calling it. The rule does apply to those cases, and it should be called. The defender is doing a good job.

I agree with everyone who posted a response in this thread two minutes ago.

Sometimes it's light-bulb-goes-off and sometimes it's just confirmation. But it's all about learning. Thanks all.

IMHO, it's just like a pass from BC to FC when the official has a 10-second count going.

In this case, if 10 seconds is reached while the ball is airborne, call it. Reward the defense with the turnover they deserve. But if the ball obtains FC soooo close to the 10 seconds, I'd skip the violation call.

Same thing with your sitch: call it. Reward the defense with the turnover they deserve. If the 5 seconds is reached soooo close to the head and shoulders clearly being past the defender, I'd skip the violation call.

My partner made this call last night.

(hoping)
 

50% of this correct call is that your P actually had a visible count! :)

Was at a local HS BV quarterfinal game last night. A bringing the ball in on the endline. B playing good defense. I'm watching the R visibly count and when he hit 5.....TWEEEEET! Great call - and right on time! The coach was beside himself in disbelief......against his team!

100% of it being correct was that it took the team over 10 seconds for the team to get the ball past the division line. :D