Had a 1st last night
 

Working a girls varsity game as U1 in a 3 person crew. We got ready to start the game and the visiting team players outside the jump circle start running counterclockwise in a circle about 6' outside the jump circle. We were startled for a minute waiting for them to set, and the coach started hollering "let's go". We tossed the ball, they won the tap and off we went.
After the game, we questioned whether this was legal or not, but determined it was, as all players were not within 3' of the circle. Has anyone else seen this before, and do you agree that this is legal ??

If you guys agreed on the bolded part, what is there that would make it illegal?

Nothing that we could figure. Just wanted input as to if we may have overlooked something.

Duck, Duck, Goose ...
 

Why not just say, "Hold your spots."? That should have stopped them in their tracks. I've heard many other officials say that. I don't know why they say it, they just do. Kind of like saying, "Let it hit the rim", before a free throw.

I usually say "pick a spot" rather than "hold your spots" as it is technically more correct. I'm saying this to give notice that I am ready to toss the ball and the jump ball restrictions are in place. After "picking a spot", any legal movement is permitted.

Regarding "Let it hit the rim" ... I almost never say anything, but if I feel like a reminder is needed, I simply say "Let it hit". "Let it hit the rim" in incorrect as the ball hitting the backboard would end the restrictions.

Regarding the original post ... I came up two possible reasons why this could be illegal.
1) Are they changing positions around the center restraining circle? [Anyone know of a case play/definition that explains clarified what "around the restraining circle means? Is it 3 feet as in the OP? I can't find it.]
2) Are they taking a position in an occupied space?

Jump Ball- What if you say "Hold your spots" and they legally move? Do you call a violation? :eek:
Free Throw- What if you say "Don't move until it hits" and they move into the paint area. Or move backwards behind another player? Do you call a violation?

That is why you do not tell them to '"Hold your spots" on a Jump ball.
HokiePaul has a better phrase, "Pick a spot". :)

What about 6-3-2(b)?

When discussing the administration of a Jump-ball it states that 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.

Sounds like 4 players were changing positions to me.

I don't say anything. I blow the whistle, step in, and toss the ball after I spit my whistle out.

Not around the circle they weren't.

My bad...misread the situation. :(

Yes

Please Don't Make Me Break Out The Blue Font ...
 

I was being sarcastic. We have guys who say things like this, and worse.

With Apologies To Maxwell smart, Secret Agent 86 ...
 

It's the old hit the backboard first, and then the rim, trick. Oldest trick in the book.

Duck, Duck, Goose ...
 

Is it? How about the players ten feet away from the circle? Do they have to pick a spot, or can they just keep running around?

Where Have You Been All These Years ...
 

My long lost twin.