NTBOA

North Texas Basketball Officials Association (NTBOA)

The Chapter of Choice

Traveling

Last week we looked at one of the basic fundamentals of the game: dribbling. This week, we will continue our focus on the fundamentals, specifically traveling violations on plays that involve players falling to the floor. When a player hits the floor, for whatever reason, and has the ball in their hands or gains control of the ball, you need to know what they can and can’t do with the ball. Please keep the following rule and case plays in mind when players fall to the floor.

Rule 4.44.5 states: a player holding the ball: may not touch the floor with a knee or any other part of the body other than hand or foot and after gaining control while on the floor and touching with other than hand or foot, may not attempt to get up or stand.

In this play, A1 dives for a loose ball and slides after gaining control. A1 is in a position either on his/her back or stomach. What can A1 do without ¬violating? RULING: A1 may pass, shoot, start a dribble or call a time-out. Once A1 has the ball and is no longer sliding, he/she may not roll over. If flat on his/her back, A1 may sit up without violating. Any attempt to get to the feet is ¬traveling unless A1 is dribbling.

A1 secures possession of the ball with one knee in contact with the floor. May A1 assume a standing position without committing a traveling violation? RULING: It depends on what A1 does. If A1 attempts to stand up while holding the ball, a traveling violation occurs. However, if A1 starts a dribble and then rises, no violation has occurred.

Is it traveling if A1 falls to the floor: (a) while holding the ball; or (b) after being airborne to catch a pass or control a rebound? RULING: Yes in both (a) and (b).

A1 is dribbling when he/she: (a) drops to a position with a knee on the floor and then ends the dribble; or (b) drops one knee to the floor and then stands again while continuing the dribble. RULING: The action in both (a) and (b) is legal. However, if A1 touches a knee to the floor while holding the ball, it would be traveling as A1 has touched the floor with something other than a hand or foot.

Click Here for Rule Book Reference 4.44.5

Rule of the Week

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