Opening Tip

[BillyMac]

ART. 1 . . . For any jump ball, each jumper shall have both feet within that half
of the center restraining circle which is farther from his/her basket.
ART. 2 . . . When the official is ready and until the ball is tossed, nonjumpers
shall not:
a. Move onto the center restraining circle.
b. Change position around the center restraining circle.
ART. 3 . . . Teammates may not occupy adjacent positions around the center
restraining circle if an opponent indicates a desire for one of these positions
before the referee is ready to toss the ball.
ART. 4 . . . The ball shall be tossed upward between the jumpers in a plane at
right angles to the sidelines. The toss shall be to a height greater than either of
them can jump so that it will drop between them.
ART. 5 . . . Until the tossed ball is touched by one or both jumpers, nonjumpers
shall not:
a. Have either foot break the plane of the center restraining circle cylinder.
b. Take a position in any occupied space.
ART. 6 . . . The tossed ball must be touched by one or both of the jumpers after
it reaches its highest point. If the ball contacts the floor without being touched by
at least one of the jumpers, the referee shall toss it again.
ART. 7 . . . Neither jumper shall:
a. Touch the tossed ball before it reaches its highest point.
b. Leave the center restraining circle until the ball has been touched.
c. Catch the jump ball.
d. Touch the ball more than twice.
ART. 8 . . . The jump ball and the restrictions in 6-3-7 end when the touched
ball contacts one of the eight nonjumpers, an official, the floor, a basket or
backboard.
NOTE: During a jump ball, a jumper is not required to face his/her own basket, provided
he/she is in the proper half of the center restraining circle. The jumper is also not required
to jump and attempt to touch the tossed ball. However, if neither jumper touches the ball
it should be tossed again with both jumpersbeing ordered to jump and try to touch the
ball.