North Texas Basketball Officials Association (NTBOA)

This week, we are going to examine team control.

Scenario 1
A1 is dribbling in A's backcourt when the ball accidentally strikes his/her ankle and bounces away. Team B is in the bonus. During the interrupted dribble, A1 fouls B1 attempting to continue the dribble. What is the proper ruling?

The proper ruling is a team control foul charged to A1 and no free throws are awarded. Rule 4.12.2 states a team is in control of the ball: during an interrupted dribble.

Scenario 2
A1's missed try rebounds directly to A's backcourt where A2 gains control. Is this a violation? Ruling: No. Both player and team control ended when A1 released the ball on the try. The rebound into A's backcourt was not in control of either team. Rule 9.1.1 states a player shall not be the first to touch a ball after it has been in team control in the frontcourt, if he/she or a teammate last touched or was touched by the ball in the frontcourt before it went to the backcourt. A violation cannot be ruled since team control ended when the shot was released.

Please note that a player is in control only when the player is holding or dribbling a live ball inbounds, but team control includes passing activity. When a team secures control, that team continues to be in control until the ball is in flight on a try or a tap for goal or an opponent has secured control or the ball has become dead.

Click Here for Rule Book Reference 4.12.2