Closely Guarded Dilemma

[Camron Rust]

Originally Posted by ILMalti

2004-05 NFHS Basketball Rules
POINTS OF EMPHASIS

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 should also be emphasized that the defensive player must obtain a legal guarding position.

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Well I guess you are "right" even though neither the casebook nor rulebook actually directly support that ruling.

Recent editions of the rules committee have been notorious about making rulings/interpretations that have no actual basis in the rulebook (i.e., backcourt situation from a couple seasons ago). Call it an editorial change if they must, but the wording for the closely guarded rule should, if that is the desired interpretation, say that LGP is required....not just that the player be guarding and within 6'. One shouldn't have to dig up 5 year old POE's to find it.