1935-36 BASKETBALL RULE INTERPRETATIONS

(Editor's Note: The interpretations listed here are
taken from a release made from the o’fice of the National
Federation of State High School Athletic Associations, The
most authoritative source of interpretations is Mr. Oswald
Tower, Andover, Mass., editor of the rule book, H.V.Porter,
of the High School Associations, writer of the interpreta-
tions printed here, obtains confirmation from Mr, Tower on
all matters except those which apply to high school play in
those states which have definitely adopted the National Fed-
eration interpretations.)

1. Play: Al is attempting a free throw for a technical foul and steps
over the line too soon. Is the ball tossed at center or is it awarded
to opponents out—of—bounds at the end?

RULING: Center ball.

2. Play: In case a player is fouled in the act of throwing for a goal
and the goal is missed, are three free throws awarded in case it is a
disqualifying foul?

RULING: No. ‘Two free throws.

3. Comment: In the note of page 26 it would appear that the word
"tossed" would be better than "tapped". The sentence is: "On a jump
ball if one of the jumpers has one foot or both feet outside the cir-
cle or on the diameter or in his opponent's nalf of the circle before
the ball is tapped, the official may caution him."

RULING: The word "tossed" should be substituted for "tapped".

4, Play: (1) Al has the ball out-of-bounds at the end of the court
behind his basket. In throwing the ball in, the ball strikes the back
of the backboard and caroms off a teammate who is inbounds, Is the
ball in play?

RULING: Yes.

Play: (2) In the same situation, the ball after striking the back
of the backboard rebounds over the end line without being touched by
any player. To whom should the ball be awarded?

RULING: To Al.

5. QUESTION: Should time keepers notify teams three minutes before
time for the game to begin?

ANSWER: Yes, This is not made compulsory by rule but it was the
sentiment of the Rules Committee that this should be done.

6, QUESTION: Is it permissible for teams to use the huddle method of
giving signals?

ANSWER: The rules specify that not more than three seconds may be
taken for a huddle. However, the Rules Committee is opposed to the
use of the huddle and a number of states have adopted the interpreta-
tion that it is illegal to consume playing time through the use of the
huddle. In such states if there is any delay near the end of a game a
technical foul should be called immediately. Otherwise a team may be
warned and thereafter penalized.

7, Play: Al has eluded his guard and has a clear field for the basket.
ao he is in the act of trying for a goal Bl deliberately pushes
M.
RULING: One free throw for the personal foul and one free throw
for the technical foul, unsportsthanlike conduct, should be awarded.
The technical foul should be thrown first.

8, Play: Al has been in the lane two seconds when he receives the
ball and begins an offensive drive toward the basket. The offensive
play is continuous and the ball remains in the lane for several sec-