North Texas Basketball Officials Association (NTBOA)

This week's rule is going to focus on game scenarios where the clock has three-tenths of a second or less displayed on the clock.

Scenario 1
The game clock shows three-tenths of a second or less at the end of the 3rd quarter when A2 receives an inbounds pass from A1. A2 catches the ball and quickly shoots. The ball leaves A2's hands before the end of the period signal horn sounds. The ball goes through A's basket. What is the proper ruling?

Per Rule 5.2.5 the goal is not counted as when play is resumed with a throw-in or free throw and three-tenths of a second or less remain on the clock, a player may not gain control of the ball and try for a field goal. In this situation, only a tap could score. However, keep in mind this rule obviously only applies if the clock displays tenths of a second.

Scenario 2
The game clock shows three-tenths of a second or less at the end of the 3rd quarter. After a missed free throw by A1, A2 legally taps the ball toward the basket and is fouled by B2. The ball had left A2's hand and the foul occurred before the end of the period signal. The tap is unsuccessful. What is the proper ruling?

B2's foul is considered in the act of tapping and will result in two free throws for A2. The lane will be cleared and the period ends after A2's free throw attempts.

Scenario 3
In this play, there are three-tenths of a second left at the end of the 3rd quarter and each team is in the bonus. Team A has a throw-in on the end line near their basket. A1 throws the ball to A2 who catches the ball and quickly shoots a ball inside the three point line. A2 is fouled by B2 just prior to the end of the period signal. The ball goes through A's basket. What is the proper ruling?

Since A2 may not control the ball and attempt a try with three-tenths of a second or less as per the rule cited in Scenario 1, A2 cannot score a goal and is not considered in the act of shooting. However, B2's foul cannot be ignored and is considered a common foul. A2 is awarded a one-and-one bonus free-throw situation with the lane cleared.