VERTICALITY Rule 4.44 The principle of verticality (POV) applies to legal position. The terms OBTAIN and MAINTAIN also apply to POV, just as they do to guarding. The Defensive Player is to receive the full protection or benefit of the rule regarding his LEGAL POSITION. Officials MUST do a BETTER job of making their RULINGS on POV. Officials who do not know the basic components of POV cannot possibly officiate post play properly

VERTICALITY Rule 4.44 THE DEFENSIVE PLAYER: Is in legal defensive position when he has two feet on the floor and is facing the opponent Is in legal defensive position when he has two feet on the floor and is facing the opponent Is entitled to jump vertically from a legally established position Is entitled to jump vertically from a legally established position Should not be penalized or placed at a disadvantage for leaving the floor, while maintaining a legally obtained position Should not be penalized or placed at a disadvantage for leaving the floor, while maintaining a legally obtained position May raise his hands vertically while standing on the floor – or jump vertically, while raising hands, and be in legal position May raise his hands vertically while standing on the floor – or jump vertically, while raising hands, and be in legal position May NOT “BELLY UP” or use the lower part of the body, by moving into the airborne player – causing contact May NOT “BELLY UP” or use the lower part of the body, by moving into the airborne player – causing contact

VERTICALITY Rule 4.44 OFFENSIVE PLAYER The jump-shooter or offensive player, may not break the plane of the defensive player, who is in a legal defensive position and cause contact. This would result in a foul on the OFFENSIVE and not the DEFENSIVE player. The jump-shooter or offensive player, may not break the plane of the defensive player, who is in a legal defensive position and cause contact. This would result in a foul on the OFFENSIVE and not the DEFENSIVE player. Regardless of how the play may look – the DEFENSIVE player should not be penalized – if the offensive player jumps into the Defensive Player, it is reasonable to expect the ball may come loose and the shooter may even fall to the floor. DO NOT penalize the defense Regardless of how the play may look – the DEFENSIVE player should not be penalized – if the offensive player jumps into the Defensive Player, it is reasonable to expect the ball may come loose and the shooter may even fall to the floor. DO NOT penalize the defense

VERTICALITY Rule 4.44 Players not only have a right to a “spot on the floor” – they also have the right to occupy the “airspace” above that spot. The rules clearly establish the right of the DEFENSIVE and OFFENSIVE Player to raise their hands and also jump into the air while continuing to remain legal. Players not only have a right to a “spot on the floor” – they also have the right to occupy the “airspace” above that spot. The rules clearly establish the right of the DEFENSIVE and OFFENSIVE Player to raise their hands and also jump into the air while continuing to remain legal.