Crossing the backboard...

[coachgbert]

Hi, coach here. Question on a basketball message board and I was hoping to get the rule for the following question. Lots of disagreements, as can be expected from parents and fans. Here is the question:

"No impact on the final outcome of the game; just curious about the rule.

If the path of the basketball is over the top of the backboard, is this a violation? Does it make a difference if the ball travels from front to back, or back to front? And does intent matter (i.e. ball bounces off of rim on a shot, and goes over the backboard, versus a shot from behind the backboard over top)?

And if this is a violation, what is the official term? ie. double dribble, traveling? What is the REAL rule?"

Thanks and sorry to bother you guys with a question, but no one believes anything when you get a bunch of coaches, parents and fans on the same board (as you are all well aware!)
Coach Gbert