How to deal with the 3-sec rule

[wanja]

[QUOTE=Nevadaref;637861]

• When a 3 second count is reached
  • Find the ball. If it is leaving or has left a players hand on a
    try -- no team control, no 3 seconds.
  • Check for movement in the restricted area. If a player starts to move to exit the restricted area, dribble or try for goal -- suspend.
• Be Patient. Be sure. Barely touching the lane boundary is not touching.
  3 seconds is not more than 3 seconds.

Valid concerns. Most of the article addressed the 3-second rule literally and seconded the emphasis of the NCAA and NFHS to consistently enforce the rule. The wording you objected to in 3 of the tips was intended to emphasis that, like with most violations, it is preferable to be patient and sure at the expense of some violations not being penalized.

To your 3 points;

1. Yes, 'delete leaving the hand.' Player and team control ends when the ball has left the hand on a try. However, if there is any doubt about the player still touching the ball, do not call a violation.

2. The count is suspended when a 'player starts to exit the restricted area under FIBA, NCAA and NBA/WNBA rules but not NFHS rules. This should be specified.

3. "A player must clearly, without a doubt touch the boundary line to violate" is an accurate replacement for the the barely touching wording.


I have updated the original post in this thread to reflect these changes. The original article will also be updated.