JUMP BALL

The game and each extra period is started with a jump ball unless a technical foul occurs or a player violates during the dead ball which precedes the start of the game or each extra period.

The jump ball begins when the ball leaves the tossing official’s hand(s) and ends when the touched ball contacts a non-jumper, the floor, a basket or backboard, or during the jump ball a foul or violation is committed.

A re-jump is necessary if the tossing official makes a bad/inaccurate toss or both teams simultaneously commit a violation during the jump ball. A re-toss is necessary if the ball contacts the floor without being touched by a least one of the jumpers.

A re-jump is necessary between the jumpers or two other players if the ball is contacted simultaneously by both jumpers or two other opponents resulting in an out-of-bounds ruling. In either situation, the jump ball shall be between the two involved players.

The team which gains control of the jump ball will start the alternate possession procedure. In all other jump-ball or held ball situations and the start of the second, third and fourth quarters, the alternating-procedure arrow will determine which team will have the ball for a throw-in.

The alternating-procedure can also be established by a violation or foul prior to control of the jump ball. Once established, the alternating procedure is used for the jump ball resulting from a held ball, an out- of-bounds situation when officials cannot agree on who caused the ball to go out-of-bounds, a double violation occurs, or when the ball lodges between the backboard and the ring or comes to rest on the flange of the basket.

The Toss: May be made by any member of the crew; designated by the Referee. Jumpers must have both feet within her/his half of the center restraining circle. Tossing official shall indicate being ready by sounding the whistle and indicating the direction of play for each team. The ball shall be tossed higher than either jumper can jump. Upon tossing the ball, have an athletic following through – it enhances the result. Doing so eliminates pulling the toss/ball back toward the tosser.

The Jumpers: May not touch the ball before it reaches its highest peak. May not leave the restraining semi-circle until the ball is touched. May not catch the ball. May not touch the ball more than twice. May not strike the ball with a fist. Are not required to jump and attempt to touch the ball. If both jumpers do not touch the ball – re-toss and order the jumpers to jump and try to touch the ball.

The Non-Jumpers: May not move onto, into a space, the center restraining circle once the tossing official is ready (see The Toss above). May not change spaces around the center restraining circle once the tossing official is ready. Teammates may not occupy adjacent spaces if an opponent indicates a desire to occupy one of the spaces prior to the tossing official being ready. Until the toss/ball is touched, may not break the outside plane of the restraining circle. Until the toss/ball is touched, take a position in any occupied space.

The Tossing & Non-Tossing Official(s): Care about the jump ball – the toss; the restrictions of jumpers & non-jumpers; contact. Monitor the play and apply the rules. It matters!!! A possession is at stake. A very well known supervisor said recently – “When will I witness a ruling, by a tossing or non- tossing official, requiring a re-toss?” See that the game begins with a rule abiding toss and overall rule abiding play.

Question 1 On a jump ball, A-1 the jumper catches the ball. Team B will receive the ball because of the violation on Team A and they will also receive the A.P. Arrow. False – Team A receives the A.P. Arrow

Question 2 A-1 the jumper taps the ball to the floor and is the first one to recover the ball. The U-1 rules a jump ball violation. False – The Jump Ball ends when the touched ball contacts a non-jumper, the floor, a basket or backboard.

Question 3 A-1 the jumper taps the ball and A-3 and B-3 are ruled for a held ball. A-3 and B-3 will now jump in the center circle. True - the jump ball shall be between the two involved players.

Question 4 A-1 the jumper touches the ball twice. The U-2 rules a jump ball violation. False – Can’t touch the ball more than twice.

Question 5 In overtime, A-1 the jumper taps the ball and B-1 holds A-3. Team A is in the bonus. The arrow is set towards Team B's basket when the ball is at the disposal of A-3. True – It is the first time we have a live ball following the whistle for the foul.

As two TABO referees walked through the countryside, they noticed some tracks. First said, 'Deer tracks?' Second said 'No, bear tracks.' However, the conversation ended abruptly when a train hit them. Have a Good Night!!!