Back Court vs. Front Court.

[Camron Rust]

Originally Posted by rwest

No it is the case of a ruling that disagrees with our interpretation of the rule.
Let's break it down.

1. Do you agree that two officials can differ on an interpretation of a given rule?

2. If so, then do you agree that an official interpretation from the rules committee that addresses these differences should be the interp adhered to? For example, if you have one interp that is supported by the rules committee and mine is not, shouldn't we follow your interp?

3. Do you agree that the National Federation of State High School Associations is the official source of interpretations?

4. Is there every a time when an official interp from the rules committee should be followed even when it differs with the rule book?

Answer the above questions in general, not in light of this ruling.

Thanks!
Randall

1. Yes
2. Yes
3. Yes/No....they've had interps issued before where our state interpreters have instructed us to ingore it as it was incorrect.
4. Yes.

However, if the rule book says the sky is blue and the case book says it is purple....it doesn't make it purple.

This is not the case of an "interpretation". The language in the rulebook is unambiguous and has been well understood for decades and I don't think I've seen anyone even dispute what the rule says.

A player shall not be the first to touch a ball which is in team control after it has been in the frontcourt, if he or she or a teammate last touched or was touched by the ball in the frontcourt before it went to the backcourt.

Whow was the last to touch the ball BEFORE it went to the back court? Team A, violation. Otherwise no violation. I choose to rollow this rule.