North Texas Basketball Officials Association (NTBOA)

Shooting at the wrong basket may seem like a rare occurrence, but I am getting several calls about how often it is actually happening. You might think this only happens in lower level games, but the truth is often times it is players at the Varsity level, typically when players are trying to get a rebound and they un-intentionally tap into the wrong basket.

There are several exceptions and different scenarios when these situations arise. Please read through all of them to ensure you handle the specific situation as outlined in the case plays. Each of these case plays can be found under Rule 5-2-3 which states if a player scores a field goal in the opponent's basket, it is not credited to a player, but is indicated in a footnote or Rule 4.41.2 states a try for field goal is an attempt by a player to score two or three points by throwing the ball into a team's own basket. A player is trying for goal when the player has the ball and in the official's judgment is throwing or attempting to throw for goal. It is not essential that the ball leave the player's hand as a foul could prevent release of the ball.

Here are some other case plays to consider.

Case play 5-2-1F states that during the pregame practice period, the visiting team properly uses the east goal and the home team the west goal. The officials, by mistake, allow the jumpers to face the wrong direction to start the game. Several baskets are scored before it is recognized that both teams are throwing the ball into the opponent's basket. Ruling: All points scored count as if the teams had gone the right direction and scored in their own basket. Once the mistake is recognized, play shall continue with each team attempting to score in its own basket.

A1 completes the throw-in to A2 to begin the second half. A2 is confused and dribbles toward the basket Team A used during the first half and dunks the ball into the basket of Team B. RULING: Legal goal. Two points are awarded to Team B. The ball is bounced to a player of Team A out of bounds at the basket of Team B. Team A may put the ball in play from anywhere along the end line as after any score by B.

A1 becomes confused and throws the ball at the wrong basket. A1 is fouled by B1 and the ball goes into the basket. Is this a successful basket? If A1 missed, would A1 be awarded two free throws for the foul by B1? RULING: No goal. The ball became dead when the foul occurred. When a player throws at the opponent's basket, it is not a try. If the team is in the bonus when B1 fouled A1, A1 is given either a one-and-one attempt or two free throws at Team A's basket. If Team A was not in the bonus, then the ball is awarded to Team A for a throw-in at the out-of-bounds spot nearest the foul.

Click Here for Rule Book Reference 5-2-3