team/player control @ backcourt

[JRutledge]

Originally posted by BktBallRef


I agree with your logic but in this play, it is critical that you know exactly what the rule states, or you will make the same wrong call that these guys made.

I am not saying not to understand what the rule states. I am saying that you can get so caught up in the wording, that you do not use common sense as to what is really happening. In the definition of a dribble, the rule says that this is an "intentionally strikes the ball with the hand(s)," but the play described here does not have to be what I would call a dribble. And if a player is just batting the ball away from an opponent or batting the ball to try to gain control, I do not feel (without seeing it) that you necessarily have a dribble. That is why officiating directly out of the rulebook can sometimes get you into trouble.

Just an opinion.

Peace

[JeffTheRef]

The rulebook needs fixin'

4.15.1 says: "A dribble is ball movement caused by a player in control . . ."

4.12.1 says: "A player is in control when he/she is holding or dribbling . . ."