Pregame running under the basket...

[Adam]

Looks like tournament rules only?

[representing]

I believe it is a State thing. In PA, no full court circle running is allowed. You are only allowed to run a circle around your own half of the court during warmup and halftime shooting. The other thing is during introductions, you are not allowed to gather around the center circle after introductions are done for your team. Fights have been known to break out during the race to the center circle. Most teams (as I've seen) now gather around the circle at the foul line.

[grunewar]

Originally Posted by representing

I believe it is a State thing. In VA, no full court circle running is allowed. You are only allowed to run a circle around your own half of the court during warmup and halftime shooting. The other thing is during introductions, you are not allowed to gather around the center circle after introductions are done for your team. Fights have been known to break out during the race to the center circle. Most teams (as I've seen) now gather around the circle at the foul line.

I've had to move several teams away from the center circle during pre-game introductions.

[CMHCoachNRef]

Originally Posted by representing

I believe it is a State thing. In PA, no full court circle running is allowed. You are only allowed to run a circle around your own half of the court during warmup and halftime shooting. The other thing is during introductions, you are not allowed to gather around the center circle after introductions are done for your team. Fights have been known to break out during the race to the center circle. Most teams (as I've seen) now gather around the circle at the foul line.

It is a State-based rule. In Ohio, such activity was automatically penalized by a technical foul for several years. This year, it is not automatic (I have not seen a single team do it), but can still be called if we view the activity as being a form of taunting or intimidating. Perhaps that concern serves as a deterent from the activity.

[brainbrian]

I'm also Missouri and I remember this being talked about at the rules meeting I believe 2 years ago.

[BillyMac]

This is the only limit we have here in Connecticut. It's from our high school athletics governing body:

Team members are not allowed to congregate at midcourt during introductions. Officials will direct players to free throw line area in front of respective benches.

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by brainbrian

I'm also Missouri.

Isn't "Show Me" some kind of law in Missouri?

[Rich]

In WI starters are introduced visitors first and then home. They are required to stay on their sides of the court. No handshakes during introductions (they all do it before the opening jump).

[Zoochy]

Keith,
This ruling is not just for tournaments. It also applies to regular games. As mentioned by others, Missouri also wants the players to gather on their side of the court during introductions. No Midcourt gathering.