Lodged ball.

[ChuckElias]

Originally posted by BktBallRef
What term would you use to describe everything overhead?

How about instead of "overhead equipment", we substitute the phrase "any object above the level of the top of the backboard"? That's explicit.

Whether the item has something to do with the game or not, it's OOB, if the ball hits it.

I agree. I've agreed all along. I'm merely pointing out another possible, plausible interpretation based on the wording of the rule.

Why does it need to be anymore explicit?

Precisely b/c it's not explicit.

Chuck (Debil's Advocate, Esq.)