For newbies - clock start?
 

Heard two refs debate this the other night. On a jump ball to start the game, do you chop the clock when the ball is first touched by one of the jumpers, or do you wait until it's touched by a non-jumper? Also, on a missed free throw that hits the floor, do you start the clock then or wait until it's touched by a player.

Touched by a non-jumper, I think. I'm not 100% sure though.

Touched by a player.

Look at 5-9-2.

First Year
 

OK Mark. Without looking at my rules, I'll fall for that. Clock is chopped at the first touch on the jump ball, and I am sure of that. I seem to remember looking it up about a month ago. I am not nearly as sure on the free throw, but I believe it is first touch there as well. Now, I'll go look it up.

I believe the clock starts when the ball is legally touched, which could be on the tap of the jumper.

On the missed free throw, the clock doesn't start until it is legally touched by a player.

thanks rich, we can add throw ins as well (5-9-4) although the wording is slightly different . right? start the clock when the :
jump ball - is first touched legally
missed free throw - is first touched ( if ball is to remain live )
throw -in - first touched legally , or the ball touches a player

"Legally" is important on the jump, though. If A1 catches the jump, it's touched, but not legally, and the clock doesn't start (it's a violation).

Clock starts when the ball is touched by a jumper.

Clock starts after a free-throw when legally touched by a player on the floor.

The player could be in the air.

I hope you mean the player could be standing on the floor. ;)

On the floor is defined as a player on the playing court (whether standing or in the air).

Regarding the jump ball, this is a good question...

I see most people waiting until the ball is in possession of a non-jumper.

I figured that's what you meant. "On the floor" is redundant: the proper term is 'player'. 4-34-1