JOINT BASKETBALL COMMITTEE ‘The Basketball Rules for 1931 - 1932. The following is-a summary of the Joint Basketball Rules Committee's decisions concerning the basketball rules at the annual meeting, April 10-11, 1931. This information is for the benefit of those desiring the substance of the changes prior to the publication of the Guide. No attempt is made here to give the exact wording of the new rules, The Question and Answers which hereto have appeared as an appendix are to be revised and placed in the Rules, each appearing as an approved ruling under the section to which it applies. The two-minute time-out periods are to be reduced to one minute. This will shorten the delays which are a source of criticism, - and which some feel are not conducive to the best welfare of the play- ers. Even with this change the rules make ample provision for injured or exhausted players. Under Rule 5, Section 6, a"suggestion" will be inserted to the effect that players be numbered both front and rear. This is for the convenience of officials and is not made compulsory. A change in Rule II, Section 1, makes it possible to grant time-out whenever the ball is dead, thus abolishing the exception "after the ball is iniposition for one or more free throws", When a team has no coach or other person authorized to make substitutions, the referee will be required to obtain the approval of the captain for a substitution. A note is to be inserted in the list of personal fouls directing specific attention to the fact that a player may be disquali- fied for fouling an opponent who is in the act of shooting, if the offender is exceptionally rough and makes no attempt to block the ball. The note under Rule 1, Section 4, recommending that space be marked on the free throw lanes is to be made a part of Section 4, these spaces thus becoming mandatory. In connection with the note to Rule 7, Section 3, the back- court will be the half of the court remote from a player's own basket. The recommendation contained in the note to Rule 9, Section 5, with reference to overtime periods for boys of high school age or younger, becomes a part of Section 3 and the provisions thereof compul- sory. If the score is still tied at the end of the second overtime period, the team which first scores two points in the third overtime period shall be the winner unless the teams have agreed to settle it otherwise during the intermission following the first overtime period. On any free throw, if the free thrower consumes more than ten seconds, or crosses the line too soon, or if one of his team mates . enters the lane too soon, or if the players of both teams break this | rule, the ball is to be tossed up at the center instead of at the near- er free throw line. This applies to all free throws, with the obvious exception of multiple throws in which it would apply only to the last throw. An insertion under this same section will forbid players to touch the ball on a free throw until it has touched the basket or back- board. If the ball does not enter the basket, or touch the ring or back- board, it is to be awarded to an opponent of the free thrower out of bounds on the side. This applies only to free throws following which the ball would ordinarily be in play if the free throw is missed. On free throws resulting from double fouls or technical fouls players are not to line up on the free throw lanes, #2 The B&Sketball Rules for 1951-1952. The Committee discussed blocking at great length and ap- pointed a special committee to prepare an article discussing the various phases of blocking. This committee will also attempt to pre- pare diagrams and possibly submit photographs to illustrate blocking, which is always illegal, and "screening", which is often legal. Various proposals were discussed with a view to reducing free throws. These plans would eliminate the free throw penalty in the case of certain personal fouls, and would merely charge 4 personal foul to the offender. This problem was referred to the rules revision committee for further study during the next season. George T. Hepbron, Chairman Rules Revision Committee. Oswald Tower, Editor. Chairman, L. W. St. Joun Vice-Chairman, Wm. McK. BarBer Secretary, Gzorce T. HEPBRON Treasurer, A. E. Mretzporr Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 24 Broad Street, New York City 105 Nassau Street, New York City 97 Elmdorf Ave., Rochester, N. Y, JOINT BASKETBALL COMMITTEE OswaLD Tower, Editor ANDOVER, MASSACHUSETTS BULLETIN NO. 2 ON THE 1932-1933 BASKETBALL RULES Since the first bulletin was issued, numerous questions of sufficient general interest have been raised to warrant a second bulletin. By means of these it is hoped to secure uniform interpretations of the new rules to the end that all sections may operate in harmony. The following interpretations do not change those of Bulletin No. 1, but merely add to them. Rute 14, Section 12. When is a player considered to have his back to the basket? The position of his feet and shoulders determine this. If he is in a half-way position, that is, if his feet point toward the side line and his shoulders are parallel to the side line, his back is not considered to be toward the basket; but if his feet or shoulders are in any degree toward his back court from this position, his back is toward the basket. If a player receives the ball in his free throw lane while his back is not toward the basket, of course the three second count does not affect him; but if he then turns so that his back is toward the basket, the three second count begins and continues, and he must get the ball outside the lane in not less than three seconds. Dribbling the ball in the lane or passing it to another player in the lane is not getting it outside the lane. If he passes the ball within three seconds and it is intercepted in the lane by an opponent, obviously he would not be penalized even though technically he did not get the ball outside the lane. Moreover, if he passes the ball to a teammate who is going in for a shot at the basket, no penalty should be imposed even though the teammate may be in the lane and therefore the ball may be in the lane more than three seconds. In this case, as in others where the players comply with the spirit of the rules, officials must exercise judgment and common sense, regardless of how definitely the rules may be worded. If a player holding the ball with his back to his basket has one foot on or inside the lane, then pivots so that he is entirely outside the lane, and finally pivots back on or into the lane, he is subject to the three second restriction, and if the whole operation takes more than three seconds he loses the ball. If he pivots out of the lane within three seconds and remains out, the three second rule does not apply. . Rute 8, Section 8. When team A has the ball in its back court, the ten second count is continuous unless team A loses control of the ball, and the ball is touched by team B while out of control of A. If A bounces the ball off B and recovers it, a new ten second count does not start. If a pass by A is touched or even deflected by B, a new count does not start if control of the ball remains with team A. If, however, the ball is fumbled and then touched by B, or if B intercepts it, a new count begins when A regains the ball. When team A gains possession of the ball in its front court after a try for goal, or from out of bounds, or from a jump ball, or by recovering it from the possession of the opponents, team A may cause the ball to go back over the center line once. Note that it must be recovered from the possession of the opponents; it is not sufficient for team B to touch the ball while it is out of A’s control. This distinction is intentional. Having advanced the ball to the front court, team A must keep it there unless one of the four definite plays occurs, as listed in the first sentence of this - paragraph. If team A passes the ball from its back court to its front court and the ball is batted back or deflected back by team B, a new count starts for team A. The reason for this is that team A has done its duty by passing the ball to the front court and the ball has returned to the back court through no fault of team A. A similar ruling would apply when team A has the ball in its front court and the ball is batted or deflected into A’s back court by team B. Team A should not be penalized, because in this case A does not cause the ball to go over the center line. Team A, however, should not be permitted to beat the rule in any of these situations by deliberately bouncing the ball off their opponents, December 1, 1932. Chairman, L. W. St. Joun Vice-Chairman, Wm. McK. Barper Secretary, Gzorcr T. HerBron Treasurer, A. E. Mrerzporr Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 24 Broad Street, New York City 105 Nassau Street, New York City 97 Elmdorf Ave., Rochester, N. Y. + ae? JOINT BASKETBALL COMMITTEE OswaLp Tower, Editor ANDOVER, MASSACHUSETTS March 13, 1933. Dr. Forrest C. Allen, University of Kansas, Lawrence. oo y . | £ I have your letter of March 11 concerning the 4 | changes in the rules which went into effect during the y x past season. Personally I am very much pleased with the %, results, and when I say " personally " I mean the results oy as I have viewed them with my ow eyes, and the testimony \ that has come to me from many and varied sources. Woe the opinion is almost unanimously in favor of the ten- / second rule, and only slightly less favorable toward the / three-second rule./The questionnaires have only just begun . to come in and therefore I cannot give you the verdict from that source, but I anticipate that the questionnaires . will verify the opinions that have been expressed to me _Y in conversations and through direct correspondence, Dear Phog: * * Before the season opened I received a number of strong protests against the changes, but once the season was underway these objections subsided almost entirely. I am still marvelling over the fact that changes which affected so drastically the complexion of the game as _ played in many regions could function so smoothly the “\ first season. The game has been faster, scores higher, AR and the_bucket play has practically disappeared. \ ween or i. You will recall my statement last April to X the effect that I hoped my fears about these unseasoned ’ changes would prove to be groundless, that I intended to support the changes whole-heartedly, and that I hoped to be able to state a year hence that they had accomplished all that their sponsors claimed. My con- fession is now ready and I congretulate you—and others who pushed the ten-second rule. te a fs won hs po if I am counting on you for all material for the Guide from your section, This includes review and photos for the Big Six Conference, as well as articles and photos of other groups in your district which ought to have a place in the Guide. If you prefer to appoint someone to handle the lesser groups, of course you have a free hand in that respect. I note with pleasure that you are now a member of the N. Cc. A. A. delegation and am anticipating a reunion with you in April. With kindest regards, I am, Faithfully yours, Qawold Veuve. THE OHi0 STATE UNIVERSITY George W. Rightnire, President COLUMBUS Department of Physical Education L.W.St.John, Director Hareh i3, 1933 To: The President end Executive Committee of the N. Ge A. A. Gentlemen: The report made to the Executive Committee on February 93, 193% relative to reorganization of the Joint Basketball Rules Committee was accepted as one of progress and 1 was authorized to proceed further with organization plans. Both the Y. BM, U. A. and the A. A. U, have reported that they are not able to accept eny readjustment in membership except such as may give them en equality in numbers with the N. U, 4, 4. It is our belief that the college interest in the game is such that any material reduction in the §. €, A. A. representation is likely to prove quite msatisfactory from the college stendpoint. 1+ is our belief, also, that the secondary school interest should have increased representatives. 1 consider that a. That the N. ©. A. A. Basketball Committee withdraw from the present Joint Committee arrangement: b. Thet the 8. G. A. A. committee invite into cooperation | with itself a committee of four from the National High School Federation to prepare and publish basketball rules for the use of schools and colleges; (1 have assurance asecord with our position in this matter and they they will cooperate with us fully and cordielly in this way.) c. That we invite one member of the Canadian Hasketball Associ- ation to join with us in this new organization; a. That we invite two members from the Y. M. C. A. and two from the A. A. U. to join with us in this arrangement; and ratio basis to defray the expenses of the new organization for purposes of meetings and publication of the rules. e. That the royalties from the sale of Guides be used on 4 pro The ebove proposal is hereby placed before the Executive Vommittee of the N. ©. A. A. with the request that sn immediate vote be registered with EE ger EPP re The President and Executive Committee of the N. 6, A. A. #2 March 18, 1933 Secretary Nicholson, preferably by wire, with the understanding thst-- the vote being favorable—we may proceed at once with the organization of a new committee. As noted above, I have definite assurance teak the figh School Association that they will join us in this movement. I have no meens of knowing what the ections of the other organizations mey be. The National Basketball Uoaches Association has made arrange- ments to meet this year on April 6 and 7. The Rules Vommittee plans to meet this year on April 8 and 9. Both neetings are to be held in New York. This explains the need for immediate action. Respectfully submitted, Chairmen, N. ©. B. A, ean tower: PE ee ee bon Te : 3 aa is] 23 8 : Fatia® 2 eae aap i be ea GE ne ty, a i yt oh i fit | cH aa i i, aycat fyi bi a fe TE aie Gay ue (i MBER iieey tay Hi Boe g isty ueity mode falta é re a22. EI : lef tii jel we ee iB uni i i : ii Hy od Day Letter Barch 20, 193% Kir, A, Paul Menton ip, A. EB, ¥etudorf ir, Oswald Tower . The Evening Sun 87 Elmdorf Ave. Phillips Acadeny Baitimere, id. Rochester, BE. Y. fodover, Mass. ir. J. A, Crocker, lr, B. &, Kelleher Univ. of Wester ont. 43 Franklin St. Lendon, Onrte, Canada Boston, Mass. St. Jom advises National Collegiate Athletic Association officially with- draws from Joint Hasketball Committee. Stop. It is organizing a new con- mittee. Stop. Wire whether you cen attend Executive Committee Yerk, Gedlpin Hotel this Saturdey morning nine o'clock. Committee will pay expenses. if you canmet attend ere you willing Executive Committees elect new Chairman and vice-chairman and proceed with plans for the next annual neetings and new basis of representation on Joint Committee. George T. Nephron, Secretary Editor, Oswatp Tower Chairman, L. W. St. Joun Vice-Chairman, Wm. McK. Barer Secretary, GzorGE T. Heppron Treasurer, A. E. Merzporr Andover, Mass. Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 24 Broad St., New York City, N.Y. 105 Nassau St., NewYork City, N.Y. 97 Elmdorf Ave., Rochester, N. Y. PoneR ROCCE canteens, ce oT thin, ma iG hay s hg ey a JOINT BASKETBALL COMMITTEE _ a "BRI Psu ye 2 TE Le a Ce Sarerecen Pa leaee bois ONE EPO EM REN RR RRR LAE ih sirens legen Questionnaire Committee Oswald Tower, Chairman Claude Simons Officials Committee John Brown, Jr.,M.D., Chairman Gustav K. Tebelli Editorial Committee Oswald Tower, Chairman I. C. Matheny Rules Revision Committee George T. Hepbron, Chairman W. E. Meanwell A. P. Menton Executive Committee L. W. St. John, Chairman William McK. Barber, Vice-Chairman George T. Hepbron, Secretary F. ©. Allen F. A. Schmidt H. R. Dana, Jr. W. M. Forbes F. W. Helm A. E. Metzdorf, Treasurer C. E. Beckett H. H. Salmon, Jr. Samuel Rogers George T. Hepbron ‘W. E. Meanwell Oswald Tower, Editor A. E. Metzdorf E. M. Kelleher J. F. Bohler John Brown, Jr.,.M.D. J. H. Crocker E. J. Hickox J. H. Crocker T. Wachenfeld, Jr. H. J. Blum A. Paul Menton E. M. Kelleher Oswald Tower, Secretary National Collegiate Athletic Association March 21] » 1933. L. W. St. John, Chairman Wm, McKinley Barber H. H. Salmon, Jr Gustav K. Tebell Walter E. Meanwell C. L. Brewer F. A. Schmidt E. L. Romney J. F. Bohler Oswald Tower Young Men's Christian Association A. E. Metzdorf, Chairman John Brown, Jr., M.D. Cc. 'E. Beckett I. C. Matheny To Members with of the Joint Basl-etball Committee the exception of N.C.A.A. menbers Gentlemen; IT received a letter yesterday f a ; : y from L.wW.St.John, announc-~ ing “that the N.C.A.A. Bas’etball Committee withdraws tes the resent Joint ni p Committee arranrement," ae A meeting of the "xecutive Committee of é & the Joint Basket- ball Committee is being called for Saturday, March 25th, to which all members of the Rxecutive Committee except those representing the N.C.A. ° h i i 4 . ‘ ee A. have been invited to Consider the situation which has G. A. Richardson E. J. Hickox B; Ke Rowley I am enclosing copies of letter from : Mr. St.John, dat a ipl ivth, addressed to the secretary; letter from hire ot aa, - . oy 13th,. addressed to the President and Executive Camnittes . e "CALA, and copy of a telegram, dated March 20th, calling ¢ meeting of the Executive Committee. Amateur Athletic Union George T. Hepbron, Chairman A. A. Schabinger Daniel J. Kelly H. J. Blum H. G. Immenhausen A. Paul Menton pool ap et Immediately following the Executive Committee meeting, I a pore write you again giving full report of all actions of the Com- i he ak ke. ittee. In the meantime we are going ahead with the assumption that the annual meetings will b wells g ¢ held as voted at the last annual April 8...Conference of Representatives of Chartered Bas!:etball Boards April 9..-Rules Revision Committee meeting April 10..Joint Bas!etball committee meeting Canadian Amateur Basketball Association J. H. Crocker Samuel Rogers Chartered Boards of Officéals E. M. Kelleher oe. we also assume that the Joint Bas':etball Committee will continue although there will be chdn i i g¢s in the constituent i= zations and in the basis of representation, ee I Imow we will have your heart i y support in whatever ma oe ote tan id those who are interested in continuing the hk 1¢ reiationships which have characterized the Joint Basketball Com-~ mittee through all the past years, . | Sincerely yours, A - 3 A Abewa) EA te: George T. Hepbron, - secretary. ° Mr. Oswald Tower, Andover, Mass, \ Dear Oswald: . Thank you very umeh for your dandy letter of the 15th inst, I em glad thaf the rules have turned out so well and I know how happy you are, because as Editor of the Guide it is no small source of worry when the people all over the country are pounding you on the back with their criti- Cisms. As a matter of fact, you are the one that is forced to keep the balence, while these Rules Committee members cause you all the trouble, One nice thing about it was that none of the fundamentals of the game were chenged but the complexion of it was changed very Crastically. I have & notion regarding the bucket play that in my opinion should be cleared up, Oswald. Why per- mit a man with his baek to the basket and in the back area to be given ea semi-free field throw at the basket, just because his stance is in that queer position. Why soul@a's we say that this fellow could be guarded the same as any other man on the floor, regardless of the position he takes, or if you want to go further than that by saying that if he takes that position, he is not permitted to shoot but can pass or dribble as he sees fit and still put the three second limitation on him, That, it seems is entirely fair, This fellow nudges his hips back into the pe and the guard is supposed to observe theone yard or a space limitation and it really gives this generall tall and husky fellow a Gceided edvantage thet he should not have, I want to talk to you sbout this when I get to New York. I think something should be done to clear this up even more than has been done. Thank you for your letter regarding con- tribution to the Guide, We will be happy to handle thissituation and to delegate individuels to handle these lesser groups. I will also talk with you when I am in New York coneerning them, Very cordially yours, PCA:IE Director. Editor, Oswatp TowER Andover, Mass. Chairman, L. W. Sr. Joun Vice-Chairman, Wu. McK. Barser Secretary, Gzorcz T. Hepsron Treasurer, A. E. Metzporr Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio c/o Maynard, Oklay & Lawrence 105 Nassau St., New York City,N.Y. 97 Elmdorf Ave., Rochester, N. Y. y 24 Broad St., New York City, N. Y. JOINT BASKETBALL COMMITTEE Rules Revision Committee George T. Hepbron, Chairman Editorial Committee Oswald Tower, Chairman Executive Committee L. W. St. John, Chairman Officials Committec John Brown, Jr., Chairman Questionnaire Committee . Oswald Tower, Ohairman William McK. Barber, Vice-Chairman W.E.Meanwell Wm. McK. Barber I. C. Matheny Gustav K. Tebell Claude Simons George T. Hepbron, Secretary F.C, Allen F, A. Schmidt H. R. Dana, Jr. W. M. Forbes F. W. Helm A. E. Metzdorf, Treasurer C. E. Beckett H. V. Porter Samuel Rogers George T. Hepbron H. V. Porter Oswald Tower, Editor A. E. Metzdorf 4H. G. Reynolds H. V. Porter KE. M. Kelleher John Brown, Jr. Floyd A. Rowe E. J. Hickox J. H. Crocker H. J. Blum Paul Menton J. H. Crocker Amateur Athletic Union George T. Hepbron, Chairman L. 8. Hill Daniel J. Kelly H. J. Blum H. G. Immenhausen Paul Menton Claude Simons Forrest C. Allen Ernest P. Hunt H. R. Dana, Jr. National Collegiate Athletic Association L. W. St. John, Chairman Wm. McKinley Barber H. H. Salmon, Jr. Gustav K. Tebell- Walter E. Meanwell Cc. L. Brewer F. A. Schmidt E. L. Roberts J. F. Bohler Oswald Tower Young Men's Christian Association A. E. Metzdorf, Chairman W. H. Ball John Brown, Jr. ©. E. Beckett H. D. Edgren . M. Forbes . W. Helm . O. Matheny . A. Richardson . J. Hickox HOM a National Federation of State High School Ashletic Assoctations Floyd A. Rowe H. V. Porter Canadian Amateur Basketball Association J. H. Crocker Samuel Rogers Chartered Boards of Officéals H. G. Reynolds E. M. Kelleher H. G. Immenhausen Noveliber 18, 1931. Mr. Forrest ©. Allen Yniversity of Kansas Lawrence, Kans. Dear Wir, Allen: The basketball examination, #1, has al- ready gone out to the Boards, and we are now be- ginning to think about the re-examination. Several of the Boards have already written in concerning Same. :. _ Will you, therefore, as a member of the Joint Basketball Committee, prepare aset of five original questions - based on the current edition of the guide. They should be concise, clearly stated, not too wordy and so asked that the answer can definitely be given as "yes" or no." Will you also please indicate opposite each question what you believe to be the correct answer. Send the set to me at the earliest date possible. Assuring you of my appreciation of your cooperation, Sincerely, JBIrf : : Chairman, L. W. St. Joun Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio Executive Committee L. W. St. John, Chairman William McK. Barber, Vice-Chairman George T. Hepbron, Secretary A. E. Metzdorf, Treasurer Oswald Tower, Editor John Brown, Jr. Floyd A Rowe Paul Menton J. H. Crocker Amateur Athletic Union George T. Hepbron, Chairman L. S. Hill Daniel J. Kelly H. J. Blum H. G. Immenhausen Paul Menton Claude Simons Forrest ©. Allen Ernest P. Hunt H. R. Dana, Jr. National Collegiate Athletic Association L. W. St. John, Chairman Wm. McKinley Barber H. H. Salmon, Jr. Gustav K. Tebell- Walter E. Meanvwell Cc. L. Brewer F. A. Schmidt E. L. Roberts J. F. Bohler Oswald Tower Young Men's Christian Association A. E. Metzdorf, Chairman W. HH. Ball John Brown, Jr. Cc. E. Beckett H. D. Edgren W. M. Forbes F. W. Helm I. C. Matheny G. A. Richardson E. J. Hickox National Federation of State High School Athletic Associations Floyd A. Rowe H. V. Porter Canadian Amateur Basketball Association J. H. Crocker Samuel Rogers Chartered Boards of Officials H. G. Reynolds E. M. Kelleher Vice-Chairman, Wu. McK. Barser c/o Maynard, Oklay & Lawrence 24 Broad St., New York City, N. Y. Rules Revision Committee George T. Hepbron, Chairman W.E. Meanwell Wm. McK. Barber F. C. Allen F. A. Schmidt C. E. Beckett H. V. Porter A. E. Metzdorf H. G. Reynolds E. J. Hickox J. H. Crocker H. G. Immenhausen Secretary, Gzorcz T. Hepsron 105 Nassau St., New York City, N.Y. Editorial Committee Oswald Tower, Chairman I. C. Matheny H. R. Dana, Jr. Samuel Rogers H. V. Porter December 10, 1921. Mr. Forrest ©.Allen The University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas. Deer Mr. the 15th of this month, it will still be time Allen: Treasurer, A. E. Merzporr 97 Elmdorf Ave., Rochester, N. Y. JOINT BASKETBALL COMMITTEE Officials Committee John Brown, Jr., Chairman Gustav K. Tebell W. M. Forbes George T. Hepbron E. M. Kelleher H. J. Blum In reply to your note of the 7th, if we can heve the set of questions by to have same included in the set which will eventually be sent out to our chartered boards. : Thank you for your interest in this matter, and with kindest regards, Sincerely, JO Brown Jr, 3 Me Sketball Offici Chairman Committee Editor, Oswatp TowER Andover, Mass. Questionnaire Committee Oswald Tower, Chairman Claude Simons F. W. Helm H. V. Porter Dr.’ John Brown, Chairman, Basketball Officials Committee, 347 Madison Aves, 4 Dear Dr. Brown; oe _ Qur Homecoming game with Missouri on November 21st and our charity game with a local college here have absorbed my time so that I have not been able to get down to any eS. sive yes or no original questions. I will try to get this to you in the next week. I am leaving early in the morning for Kansas City, for our athletic directors’ two session to consider reduced itures for the athletic departments, As soon as I return I will strive to get this to you at once, TI hope 4t will not be too late to be of some benefit. Very cordially yours, FCA: TH Chairman, L. W. St. JouHN Vice-Chairman, RaLPpH Morcan Secretary, GEORGE T. HEPBRON Treasurer, A. E. METZDORF Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 1106 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, Pa. 105 Nassau Street, New York City 97 Elmdorf Ave., Rochester, N. Y. JOINT BASKETBALL COMMITTEE Oswatp Tower, Editor ANDOVER, MASSACHUSETTS March 30, 1931. br. F. C, Alien, Hotel Astor, New York, I. Y. Dear Dr. Allen: Perhaps during the next week or ten days you have planned to try to forget basketball, but if you are dis- posed to give the rules a little thought in your spare time, if any, may I suggest that you be thinking along the lines of our @iscussions of last week with particular reference to "legal blocking" and interruptions in the game. I hope you are planning to be present at the meeting of the rules revision committee at 10 a. m. , April 10, at the University of Pennsylvania Club and to give us the benefit of your ideas. At this meeting we shall probably draw up a statement setting forth what is legal and what illegal with respect to screening, posting, positioning, checking, or ‘what have you, meaning "legal blocking". If you feel disposed to prepare a statement brief enough for use in the Guide, yet covering the essential "may" and "may nots", I am sure it will expedite our discussions, It is evident that we must do one of two things in the near future relative to blocking: either throw it wide open and say that only such interference as results in contact shall be construed as blocking, orfevise a way to cut down materially the present forms of "legal Blocking", By the way, as to terminology , I am leaning more and more toward the use of screening, The dictionary defines "to screen": to separate or cut off from inconvenience, injury or danger; shelter;shield;protect;conceal. The noun "screen" is défined as "anything in the nature of a protective curtain, partition, or shield". This comes close to covering what we mean by "legal blocking” and has the added merit of not implying violence, The subject of whistle-blowing and interruptions has always been a favobite one with critics of basketball and we have always admitted that it is a vulnerable spot, yet not as serious as the critics contend. If it were, basketball would not be the great game that it is, But there is room for improvement in this respect. When you and I played the game, Chairman, L. W. St. JoHn Vice-Chairman, RaLpH MorcGan Secretary, GEORGE T. HEPBRON Treasurer, A. E. METZDORF Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 1106 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, Pa. 105 Nassau Street, New York City 97 Elmdorf Ave., Rochester, N. Y. JOINT BASKETBALL COMMITTEE OswaLp Tower, Editor ANDOVER, MASSACHUSETTS ten time out was a rare occurrence. We usually played the entire game without interruption for rest, psychology, or injury, and substitutions were infrequent, I played four years of college basketball, every minute of every game during the last three years, and asked for time out for myself only once in all those games. And there was no delayed offence or zone defence;it was man for man all over the court. Is the present game so strenuous that each team must use three or more time-outs, making six two-minute interruptions in the majority of our games? I am not one of those who think that hockey is going to super§ede basketball, but we can learn some- thing in this respect from hockey. Saturday night on my way home I saw a professional hockey game in Boston. There was not a time out for rest in the entire game; if & player was injured he left the game at once, returning when he had recuperated. Sixty minutes of actual play, and two intermissions of ten minutes each spanned less than an hour and forty minutes from start to finish. My suggestion about personal fouls is prompted in part by this same trouble as well as a desire to make our penalties fit the crime, Probably my present solution is not the best one, but it is something to shoot at. Pardon me for intruding on your vacation. Whether you can give these matters any thought or not before the meetings next week, we shall be glad to have your views at that time. Don't bother to write an answer to this letter. With kindest regards to Mrs, Allen and your- self , Iam, Sincerely yours, Gant’ “Sewer. Supplemental — 1. ‘he bell shell be put a the center by a tip- off in accordance eth t the p ortieial rules, as Peers fs At the beginning of each half bo After all aouble fouls @. After all technical fouls: #» In all other cases, where, according to the ‘orrietel ‘pales, the ball is’ put in ad a tipeoff at the — ball ae be put in my hereinafter prov t - buping the first half | le in & goal is made, the conn scored upon : . ms ‘ shall put the ball in play from out of | | bounds at their opponents end line and at any point not closer than nine feet to the eenter ef the end line, except as in Pule 16 and 1C above, ge Ball must be pod in pley within & seconds after | ree b. During the seeond half (calls "ple '/ le Two S-inch restraining lines shall be drawn 7 aoreee 7? court. ee os the end am and ss jae mo reueeesnen ne, and with ry center on the ining line anc equidistant between the aiae lines. | F S Se When a goal is meade each team shell sage wg ie: | it a. the area between the restrain. ) t's end line until the Senha in play. 4. One yg cat each team shall get in the circle 5. The veteune shall os hence or throw the ball to siieh bas. yer in the restraining circle of the team woe has been scored upon and shall When eall 6. the ball may be put in play by a pass, a enbndes or a try for g0fie REPORT OF THE BASKETBALL INTERPRETATION MEETING OF THE MISSOURI VALLEY INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION AT THE KANSAS CITY ATHLETIC CLUB DECEMBER 6, 1929 In executive session the coaches discussed details of their playing schedules and conduct of the games as well as covering the rules. Regarding the playing code as written in the 1929 guide, the opinion prevailed that the coaches should make no changes; that the code is satisfactory and has been clearly and exhaustively stated for almost all conditions. Some interpretation and amplification of vague points was cond@idered necessary in a few cases. These interpretations together with suggestions to officials and coaches follow. RULES INTERPRETATIONS Rule 4 Section 1 --- Any official ball may be used, Air pressure shall be twelve pounds. The home team is to submit to the officials tow new balls for each game. In home games each of the fapLowing schools will use the balls deshgnated: Iowa State -~- Wilson (laced) or Goldsmith (laceless) Kansas «-<+--= "Phog” Allen Kansas State-- Spalding (laced) or Goldsmith (laced) Missouri @-<--- Goldsmith @lace or laceless) Nebraska ~ Spalding (lace) or Wilson (lace) Oklahoma ----- Wilson or Spalding (lace) or Goldsmith {laceless) Rule 6 Section NOTE -- Conference officials are to wear shirts or coats of alternate white and black stripes (vertical) Trousers are to be navy blue or gray. The doubhe officiating system is to be used. The officials. are to move up and down opposite side lines and around the end lines, one ahead of She wel. and one + germ — official ahead of the bald manok adval ¥ he end 1 | a@ position near the goal as 5 ches ; The official behind the ball me d interference with © 3 Rule 7 Section 11 Note wo When two players june for an everhaed ball, the one who is behind should be fmled if he makes contact from the rear on his upward jump. The player in front shall be fouled if he backs under a jumping man except in an obvious attempt to play the Ball. Rule 11 Section 1 NOTE -- The referee shall signal "time out" by lifting the clenched fist. "Time in" shall be motioned by opening the hand oie tise: lil - ee ee ee ee ad Sida REPORT OF THE BASKETBALL INTERPRETATION MEETING TOR Tits EIGHTH DISTRICT oo Ee ee ee ee Kansas City Athletic Club December 7,1929 ——— a ee ee eee ere The meeting convened at 1:00 p.m. with C. L. Brewer, representative from this district to the National Rules Committee, as chairman. About seventy-five coaches, of- ficials, school executives, and followers of the sport were in'attendance. The chairman explained that the meeting was Limited to discussion and interpretation of the code. The rules could not*be changed, but doubtful points could be cleared or more definite interpretations could be requested from the Rules Committee. ‘ A. A.-Schabinger, Director of Athletics at Creighton University, urged all coaches to affiliate with the National Association of Basketball Coaches in order that that organi- zation might become more valuable in fostering the best inter- ests of the game. Mr. Brewer led an interpretation of the code by taking each rule in order and requesting discussion of any vague section. RULE 1 Section 3 -- The line drawn through the center circle parallel to the end line should be ONE INCH wide. The exact width is not specified in the rules, but the above measurement has been a dopted by the Missouri Valley and the Big Six conferences. RULE 4 -- The ball should be inflated to an air pressure of thirteen pounds. This is recommended by manufacturers although the Big Six specifies twelve pounds in its games. Mr. Quigley called attention to the provision which requires the game ball shall not be used for practice before the game nor during any time out period. RULE 5 -- Attention was called to the fact that the CAPTAIN is a team's representative. RULE 6 -- Position and duties of the referee and umpire were discussed. The "double officiating" system is now recog- nized by the Committee. It was described by Coach Don White of Washington University, St. Louis. The scheme calls for equal authority on the part of the two officials in regard to fouls, held balls, out-of- bounds plays, etc. aD The officials move uy and down opposite side-lines one ahead and one behind the ball. The official ahead of the ball advances around the end line to a position near the goal as the-play approaches the basket. The official behind the ball moves in as close as possible and yet avoid inter- ference with the players. RULE 6 Sections 12, 13 -- Suggested that those parts dealing with the duties of the timers and scorekeepers be typed and pasted in the vack of each team" s scorebook for ready reference. Bi RULE 7 Section 9, Note -- It was believed generally that the new rule in regard to steps is clearly stated. However, there was some confusion which resulted from the failure to read that the note applies only in conditions in which A PLAYEK RECEIVES THE BALL ON A PASS WHILE HE IS IN RAPID MOTION and does not apply in many dribble situations. RULE 11 Section 2 (last clause top of page 17) Doubt was ex- pressed as to the interpretation of “if the Referee con- siders these additional time-out periods necessary". Gen-~ eral opinion expressed that time-out should be given whenever a captain requests it. RULE 12 -- attention was called to variation among officials as to when a ball is "held". The two extremes of “tagging ‘and "wrestling" were discussed. The section on page 24 dealing with HELD BALL was recommended as covering the situation. | RULE 13 Section 6. -~- Rule does not state when time shall start after the freethrows when a player fouled in the act of throwing for goal makes his field goal. Mr..Tower, secre- tary to the Rules Committee has ruled that time starts when the Referee hands the player the ball for his second freethrow,. RULE 14 Section 7 (Special condition covered by Q@ & A No.58) Mr. Lewis expressed the opinion that the penalty never was inflicted on the player who jumped into the freethrow lane and caught a short freethrow before it touched the floor. RULE 14° Section 11 -- Ruling was requested in case‘where one of two jumpers taps the ball against the basket or back- stop, and plays it again. . iG Was G@ere¢cda that the spirit of the rule inciuded the « basket and backstop, as well as the floor and other eight and that no violation should be called. Chairman, L. W. St. Joun Vice-Chairman, RALPH MorGan Secretary, GEORGE T. HEPBRON Treasurer, A. E. METZDORF Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 1106 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, Pa. 105 Nassau Street, New York City Central Y.M. C. A., Rochester, N. Y. JOINT BASKETBALL COMMITTEE OswaLp ToweEr, Editor ANDOVER, MASSACHUSETTS MAY 10, 1929. CHANGES IN THE BASKETBALL RULES FOR 1929-1930. The following changes in the basketball rules will go into effect next season. No attempt is made here to give the final wording of these changes as they will appear in the next Guide, this being merely a summary for the benefit of those who need this information prior to the publication of the Guide. 1. Rule 15, Section 1 d. The technical fouls on the jump ball, such as tapping it on the way up, or leaving the circle, have been changed to violations. . 2. Rule 8, Section 5. On a jump ball at center or elsewhere, the jumpers will be forbidden to touch the ball after it has been tapped until it has touched the floor or another player, except that the jumpers may tap the ball a second time if the first tap does not carry the ball to one of the other eight players or to the floor outside the circle. The penalty for infraction of this rule is a violation—ball goes to opponents out of bounds. 3. Rule 15, Penalty for Personal Foul. When a player has been fouled in the act of shooting, the ball 1s to go to center after the second free throw, if the field goal is made. If the field goal is missed, the old rule holds, viz., the ball is in play if the last free throw is missed. 4. Rule 9, Section 1. A goal from the field shall count for the team into whose basket the ball is thrown. A question and answer will be inserted covering free throws into the wrong basket. It is intended to place the responsibility on the referee in the latter instance. If a free throw is made at the wrong basket, and if the mistake is discovered before play has been resumed, the throw is to be disregarded and the player given a throw at the proper basket. 5. Rule 6. Duties of Officials. The umpire is to have authority to call held balls, out-of-bounds, all fouls and violations, and to toss the ball when held ball occurs near him. This amounts to sanction of the “double ref- eree system” with an official always ahead of the ball, each covering one side and one end of the court. The desig- nations “referee” and “umpire” are to be retained, however. 6. No change was made in the method of putting the ball into play, but the Committee felt that there is suf- ficient demand for such a change to warrant experiments with the various proposed methods. Hence an article will appear in the Guide suggesting that the proposed plans bé tried in practice games, and describing briefly one or two of the best proposals. One of these will be that of putting the ball in play at the ends of the court from out- of-bounds after goals and at the beginning of halves. Another plan suggests two circles either side of the present center circle. The player who is to put the ball in play stands in the circle which is farther from his basket with his team behind him, the other team being behind the other circle. Some of the plans provide for abolishing the jump ball entirely, even after held ball. 7, Rule 7, Section 9, last sentence: “Due allowance is to be made for a player who catches the ball while ” The following statement is to be inserted to explain what is considered to be due allowance: running In general, a player who is in rapid motion when he receives the ball should be permitted a two count rhythm in coming to a stop or in getting rid of the ball, the first count occurring as one foot strikes the floor after he re- ceives the ball, and the other count as the other foot strikes the floor, or as both feet strike the floor simultaneously. If after so doing, one foot is in advance of the other, the rear foot shall be considered the pivot foot; but if neither foot is in advance of the other, he may lift either foot, but must get rid of the ball before that foot touches the floor again, or he may jump with both feet, but must get rid of the ball before either foot touches the floor again. The foregoing is not an attempt to rule more strictly, but is in line with the interpretation of the best offi- cials and is intended to aid toward uniformity in decisions on running with the ball. It is probable that many officials interpret the rule more strictly than outlined in the foregoing statement, and in many cases too strictly for the good of the game. It is felt that in general the allowance outlined should be granted, but no more than this. GEORGE T. HEPBRON Chairman Rules Revision Committee. OSWALD TOWER, Editor. September 19 + & 2 9 lir., He Ge Olsen, Director of Basketball, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio. Dear Thank you very much for your good letter of the 3 inst. I have been over the state on a good will tour; hence my terdiness in replying. I appreciete very much your sending me the changes in basketball rules for 1929-30. I was interested in Mrs Sts John's state- ment concerning the mind of the committee. I have _ just received the minutes of the annual meeting of _ the joint basketball committee which I imagine will add to our store of basketball knowledge. I just nad a visit with lieLeen's of Columbus, Ohio so I feel that I know ail things Ohio State. - Dean He We Arant of your Sehool of Law was on our athletic board while ne was Dean here of our School of Lawes : Every good wish to you, Big Fellow. Very cordially yours, FCA:RC THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY i Gerorce W. RicuHTMiRE, PresIDENT DEPARTMENT oF PuysicaL EDUCATION L. W. ST. JOHN, DIRECTOR COLUMBUS September 35,1929, Dr. Forrest C, Allen, Director of Athletics, The University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas. Dear $= I am enclosing another copy of the changes in the basketball rules for 1929 and 50, In regard to the question concerning the inter~ pretation of the pivot which is covered in rule seven, section nine at the bottom of this Bheet, Mr. St. John is of the opinion that the statement as found there,is in accordance with the concensus of opinion as expressed in the Rules Committee Meeting ami Dr. Meanwell is giving an interpretation which is not correct, Mr. St. John feels that while this is the true statement of the mind of the Committee, nevertheless there is brought in some difficulty of administration. For example, the official under this new interpretation must decide whether or not one foot is behind the other. That in itself is a diffi- cult thing when the official is viewing the player from an angle, There is the other difficulty of deciding such a question as this; the player comes to a stride stand with one foot, let us say four or five inches behind the other. A situation such as this is going to make basket-= ball fea more technical and that is something Mr, St. John is anxious to get away from but in spite of this, his judgment is that the statement as given out in the mule changes sent out by Tower is a correct statement and unless there is some change, that is the ruling which we will have to follow unless, of course, some of our various conferences decide on a different interpretation for their own body. I trust you had a pleasant summer and will look forward to seeing you in Chicago again. ~S Lets yours, HGO*RM H, G. Olsen, Director of Basketball, THE CHANGES IN THE BASKET BALL RULES for 1929-30 The Joint Committee sanctions the double referee system. In this case the umpire is to have authority to call held ball, out of bounds, all fouls and violations and to toss the pall when a held ball occurs near him. Note: The Big Six has been using this system for the past twp years.) The Committee has called special attention to the rule defining running with the ball. As it is now, the rules do not state how many steps may be taken by a player who receives the ball while in motion. This has been left largely to the judgment of the official. A statement has been added to this section to cover the clause, . "aue allowance shall be made for a player who receives the ball while in motion". Ruling on the pivot rule and dribble must be drastic if interpretations are followed. According to a general agreement the Rules Committee has put its approval upon the following pivot or running with the ball rule. First; If a player is in the air at the time of the catch, after his stop, he has the privilege of lifting either foot in the act of passing but must get rid of the ball before that foot touches the floor. Second: & player, who has one foot on the floa at the time the ball is caught, may complete his step by allowing the other foot to strike the floor and may pivot, but on the rear foot only,- that is the foot that ée has been in contact with the floor all the time. Note: This mallifies the so called pivot and block rule that has caused so much discussion by the pivoter blocking the guard out with his hips and then passing the ball.before that rear foot touches the floor again. In other words the pivoter steps toward the guard and as the guard rushes in, the player with the ball or the pivoter pivots on the front foot and throws his hip into the guard but releases the ball before that rear foot strikes the floor. The chief argument against this @.is that it is designated as a blocker, a contact blockér. It has often been called by the familiar misnomer, legal block. The Committee emphasized last year that when a player is dribbling the ball, he should go clearly around his guard. This is predicated on the theory that in basket ball, you play the ball and not the man. By allowing a player to pivot off the front foot and to throw his hips and shoulder down into his guard, this is clearly violating the principle of basket ball. The sole function of the pivot theoretically, is that you should be able to introduce yourself to the other half of the court when your progress has been stopped or your passing blocked. The emphasis upon the game of basket ball since its origination by Dr. Naismith has always been that you shall play the ball and not the man. When you play the man, you have con- #2 tact needlessly and it degenerates into a wrestling match. The limited floor area is justification for this rule. On a jump ball at center, or elsewhere, the jumpers are forbidden to touch the ball after it has been tapped until it has touched the floor or one of the other eight players, except that the jumpers may tap the ball more than once in attempting to make it @rop outside the jumping circle. The penalty is loss of the ball as in other violations. A goal from the field counts for the team into whose basket it is thrown. Again an answer has been inserted to cover free throws into the wrong basket, placing the responsibility on the feferee in the latter instance. Formerly fouls on the jump ball such as tapping it on the way up or leaving the center circle have been changed to violations. Noté: The ball goes to the opponent out of bounds.) Another change of importance has been the so called five point rule, namely,- when a player has been fouled in the act of shooting the ball is to go to center after the second free throw if the field goal is made. If the field goal is missed, the old rule holds; viz, the ball is in play if the last free throw is missed. This change makes it impossible for a player to score five points when fouled in the actof shooting. That is he cannot get a follow-up shot if he misses his second free throw, provided he makes his field goal. © Note: If a player is fouled in the act of shooting and the goal should be allowed, should the player miss his first #&esé free throw, the ball must go up at center, following the second attempt whether it is made or missed. In this ease, it is only possible for the player to make three points. Coaches contend that this would be sufficient by allowing the goal,and one free throw would be ample. Other coaches held that the player should have two trys but certainly the possibility of five points for a single try was too much. The Committee diecussed stalling but it is becoming less of a problem, due to the fact that the cash customers or spec- ‘tators, are strong in their denunciation of the team that does not provide action. The public is getting a better understanding of the game and they realize that the team not in possession of the ball, the defensive team, 1s responsible for stalling. Possession is nine points in basket ball, as in law, and it is up to the de- fensive team to play the ball or try to obtain it. All of these things were discussed at the Nati onal Basket Ball Coaches Association, which met in Chicago last April prior to the meeting of the Joint Committee in New York. Certain recommendations were made to the Joint Committee by the Board of Directors of the National Basket Ball Coaches Association. #5 There was much discussion regarding the elimination of the tip off play at center and the coaches association recom- mended that various teams actually try out the no tip off rule at center, playing regulation matched games and report back to the coaches association at their meeting this next year. They will then make their recommendation to the joint Committee. It is thoroughly understood that the National Basket Ball Coaches Association has not legislative power. It is purely an advisory and cooperative one in its relationship with the Join Basket Ball Rules Gommittee. FORREST C. ALLEN