closely guarded
 

Is the closely guarded rule different for womens college basketball? I attend many big ten games and have not observed the officials implementing the 5 second count during a dribble even though the defender is (in my opinion) maintaining the appropriate position.

Women's Closely Guarded
 

Yes it is...closely guarded in NCAA women's ball only pertains to when a player is holding the ball. There is no closely guarded while dribbling.

Rule 4-13

Art. 2. (Women) A player in control anywhere on the playing court while holding (not dribbling) the ball is closely guarded when her opponent is in a guarding stance at a distance not exceeding 3 feet. This distance shall be measured from the forward foot or feet of the defender to the forward foot or feet of the opponent.

And it applies anywhere on the court.