2009-2010 - Plays of the Week - Week 8
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The plays/questions described below occurred recently and are provided for your review and discussion. The rulings given are based on NFHS rules. NCAA rulings may be different.

Play #1 - A-1 takes a jump shot from the corner. While the ball is in flight, A-2 fouls B-1 near the end line. The try is successful. U-1 reports the foul and counts the basket.The referee steps in and tells the U-1 that continuous motion does not apply in this situation and cancels the basket. Was the referee correct?

Answer: The referee was NOT correct. It is true that the continuous motion does not apply in this case since the foul was by the offense. In addition, the try was already in flight. However, cancelling the goal was NOT correct because the ball remains live since the try was in flight when the foul occurred. The only foul that can cancel a try in flight is a player control foul. Such a foul would cause the ball to become dead immediately. (References: Rule 6.7.7 Exception a, 4.11.1, 5.1.1)

Play #2 - During the 1st quarter A-3 sets a screen in the middle of the free throw lane. A-1 cuts off the screen, receives a pass near the edge of the lane and jumps to attempt a short bank shot. While in the air and before A-1 releases the ball, B-1 is whistled for a foul for pushing through the screen. The ball goes through the basket. What is the correct procedure?

Answer: This is a continuous motion play. The defense (B-1) has committed a foul while A-1 is the act of shooting. The fact that the foul was against A-3 is not relevant. By rule, A-1 has the right to finish the attempt. The goal should be counted. If Team A is in the bonus, A-3 will attempt the appropriate number of free throws. If not, Team A will be awarded the ball out of bounds on the endline for a designated spot throw-in. (References: 4.11.1, 4.11.2)

Play #3 - The visiting team comes out for pre-game warm-ups and assembles in the center circle where they are jumping up and down on the home team's logo. The referee rules a technical foul for unsporting conduct on the visiting team. What is the correct procedure?

Answer: The game will start with any player from the home team attempting the free throws for the technical foul. The ball will be awarded to the home team for a designated spot throw-in at the division line across from the scorer's table. The AP arrow will be pointed toward Team B's basket when the ball is at the disposal of Team A for the throw-in. The coach of the visiting team is charged with an indirect technical foul and has lost the use of the coaching box. (References: Rule 10.4.1, 10.4.1 Penalty)

Play #4 - Team A is awarded the ball for a throw-in on the sideline. A-1 passes the ball to A-2. A-1 then runs 6 strides up the sideline and then comes back inbounds to receive a pass from A-3. The official rules this to be a technical foul. Was the official correct?

Answer: The official was correct. A-1 must return to the court in the vicinity of where the throw-in was made. (References: Rule 10.3.2, Case Book Play 10.3.2 Situation A)