In each issue, The Coaches’ Clipboard will look at one aspect of the game and how it is officiated.  Our answers will be supplied by Bill Denney, the Rules Interpreter for the BC Basketball Officials Association.

As British Columbia Boys’ and Girls’ High School Basketball Associations make the transition to FIBA rules the “Understanding the Rules” section of The Coaches Clipboard will focus on the differences between FIBA rules and the NCAA rules used in the past.  This season we will answer two questions each month as the season progresses.

Question:  Can you explain the rule(s) for a ball contacting the backboard, and/or passing over the backboard in either direction.  How is this different from NCAA rules?

Answer:  Once the ball strikes the backboard and the ball is completely above the level of the ring, no player(s) shall touch the ball regardless if the ball is still on its upward flight.  If the ball is touched by a defender Goaltending is called and 2 points are awarded; the ball is put back in play on the end line.  If an offensive player touches the ball no points are given and the ball is awarded to the opponent at free-throw line extended.

Under NCAA rules the ball cannot pass over the backboard in either direction. 

Under FIBA rules the ball is permitted to pass over the backboard in either direction, even from a throw-in.  The ball remains in play unless it touches the backside of the board or any of its supports.  The top, bottom and sides of the backboard are in play.

Question:  Can either coach call a time out after the basketball has been given to the shooter?

Answer:   Yes, but the time-out shall be granted only when the free thrower’s final attempt is successful unless there is another set of free throws or the ball is to be put in play at centre (technical foul, unsportsmanlike or disqualifying foul).

Time-outs shall not be granted between any set of free-throws (2 shots or 3 shots).