Official Basketball Statistics Rules With Approved Rulings and Interpretations

(Throughout this manual, Team A players have last names starting with “A” the shooter tries to control and shoot the ball in the and Team B players have last names starting with “B.”) same motion with not enough time to get into a nor- mal shooting position (squared up to the basket). Article 2. A field goal made (FGM) is credited to a play- Basic Interpretations er any time a FGA by the player results in the goal being (Indicated as “B.I.” references throughout manual.) counted or results in an awarded score of two (or three) points except when the field goal is the result of a defen- sive player tipping the ball in the offensive basket. 1. APPROVED RULING—Approved rulings (indicated as A.R.s) are designed to interpret the spirit of the applica- Related rules in the NCAA Men’s and Women’s Basketball tion of the Official Basketball Rules. A thorough under- Rules and Interpretations: standing of the rules is essential to understanding and (1) 4-33: Definition of “Goal” applying the statistics rules in this manual. (2) 4-49.2: Definition of “Penalty for Violation” (3) 4-69: Definition of “Try for Field Goal” and definition of 2. STATISTICIAN’S JOB—The statistician’s responsibility is “Act of Shooting” to judge only what has happened, not to speculate as (4) 4-73: Definition of “Violation” to what would have happened. The statistician should (5) 5-1: “Scoring” not decide who would have gotten the rebound if it had (6) 9-16: “Basket Interference and Goaltending” not been for the foul. The statistician should not guess whether a player had the rebound before a violation Philosophy. A player should not be charged for a shot from caused the ball to become dead. This manual will at- the field influenced by the illegal actions of himself or herself, tempt to give as many hard and fast guidelines as is pos- or any teammates or opponents unless the shot results in a sible and practical to help the statistician avoid guessing. FGM (see B.I. 3). When the statistician has doubts, this manual indicates Refer to the following Approved Rulings in this manual as which way to rule. When there are no doubts, the statisti- they involve FGAs and FGMs: cian is free to make his or her own decision. Section 2, Article 2, A.R. 6 Section 7, A.R. 1 3. SHOOTING ACCURACY—A player should not be Section 3, Article 1, A.R. 10 Section 7, A.R. 2 charged for a shot from the field or from the free-throw Section 3, Article 2, A.R. 2 Section 7, A.R. 3 line influenced by the illegal actions of himself or her- Section 4, Article 2, A.R. 5 Section 7, A.R. 4 self, teammates, or opponents, unless the shot results in Section 4, Article 2, A.R. 23 Section 7, A.R. 5 a field goal or free throw made. Shooting percentages Section 4, Article 2, A.R. 24 should reflect as closely as possible the accuracy of the A.R. 1. Adams shoots but fouls Brown (a) before the player and his or her team. Shooting percentages should ball is in flight or (b) after the ball is in flight but before not reflect shots that failed under the influence of illegal Adams has returned to the floor, or (c) after the ball is in actions. flight and Adams has returned to the floor. RULING: In (a), 4. PLAYER CONTROL—If there is any doubt about whether since the ball was dead before the shot was in flight, do a player had control of the ball at a certain instant, as- not charge Adams with a FGA, but charge Adams with a sume that the player did. Similarly, if there is doubt about turnover. Under men’s rules in (b), charge Adams with a whether two players gained control of the ball simulta- FGA and, if the shot is good, credit a FGM. Under women’s neously, assume that they did. rules in (b), do not charge Adams with a FGA, but charge Adams with a turnover. In (c), charge Adams with a FGA and, if the shot is successful, credit a FGM. If the statistician is in doubt about whether the foul is a player-control foul, SECTION 1—FIELD GOALS the actions of the officials will indicate the correct ruling. Article 1. A field-goal attempt (FGA) is charged to a If the foul is a player-control foul, it will be so indicated by player any time the player shoots, throws or taps a live ball the officials and any shot will be waved off. at his or her own basket, when, in the opinion of the statis- A.R. 2. Adams shoots and the shot hits the rim and tician, the player is attempting to score a goal, with these bounces on it. Allen goes up and dunks the ball (a) while exceptions: the ball still is on the rim or (b) after the ball has bounced (a) A FGA is not charged if the player is fouled in the act of to the side and it is obvious that Adams’ shot will not be shooting before the ball is in flight and the goal is not successful. RULING: In (a), since the try by Adams does not made. end until it is certain the shot will not be successful, the in- (b) A FGA is not charged if there is offensive goaltending or terference was on Adams’ shot. Charge neither Adams nor offensive basket interference on that shot. Allen with a FGA. However, charge Allen with a turnover. In (b), since Adams’ shot obviously had missed, charge Ad- (c) A FGA is not charged if an unsuccessful shot is taken near ams with a FGA. Credit Allen with a rebound. Since Allen’s the expiration of time for a period or for the shot clock, dunk began with the ball outside the cylinder above the and it is the statistician’s opinion that the shot was a des- rim, it will be legal. Charge Allen with a FGA and credit with peration shot and not a reasonable attempt to make a a FGM. field goal. One or more of the following factors should exist in order to classify a shot as a desperation shot. The A.R. 3. Adams shoots a FGA and misses. Allen tips the shooter: missed shot and, while Allen’s tip still is on the rim, Adler (1) Is outside the normal shooting range. A shot from tips it in. Due to Adler’s interference, the goal is nullified just beyond the three-point line would usually be and the ball is awarded to Team B out of bounds. RULING: considered in normal shooting range while a shot at Charge Adams with a FGA and credit Allen with a rebound. or beyond the division line would be outside normal Do not charge Allen with a FGA but charge Adler with a shooting range. turnover. (2) Uses an abnormal shooting motion, such as an over- A.R. 4. With two seconds remaining in the period, Ad- hand baseball toss. ams (a) shoots a jump shot from the top of the circle, (b) shoots from just on the other side of the division line or (c) (3) Rushes or hurries the shot to beat the expiration of shoots from the free-throw line of the opponents’ court. time. A shot could be considered rushed or hurried if RULING: In (a), charge Adams with a FGA and, if the shot will count and a FGA must be charged and a FGM credited. If is good, credit Adams with a FGM. In (b) and (c), do not the shot does not score, the number of free throws awarded, if charge Adams with a FGA unless the shot is good, in which any, may help indicate if the shot was in flight. case credit Adams with a FGM as well. If no free throws are awarded or if the shooter is awarded A.R. 5. As the shot clock is about to run out, Adams one and the bonus, this indicates the foul was after the shot shoots and the ball clearly is in flight before the horn. (a) and a FGA should be charged. The shot-clock horn sounds while the ball is in the air and If two (or three) free throws are awarded, these are the the ball strikes the basket ring or enters the basket. (b) The possibilities: shot-clock horn sounds while the ball is in the air, the ball (a) The foul was before the ball was in flight; do not charge a fails to hit the ring, and Allen rebounds. The officials call FGA. the violation and Team B is awarded the ball for a throw- in. (c) The shot-clock horn sounds while the ball is in the (b) The foul was after the ball was in flight but the shooter air, the ball fails to hit the ring, and Brown rebounds. The was airborne and had not returned to the floor; charge officials call the violation and Team B is awarded the ball the shooter with a FGA. for a throw-in. (d) The ball fails to hit the ring and the shot- (c) There is some other reason for the free throws (e.g., the clock horn sounds as Brown rebounds. The officials call the foul is ruled intentional, or the defensive team has had at violation and Team B is awarded the ball for a throw-in. (e) least 10 fouls, etc.). Charge the shooter with a FGA. The ball fails to hit the ring and the shot-clock horn sounds If there still is doubt as to whether the ball was in flight, the as Brown rebounds. The officials do not call a violation and interpretation shall be that it was not. Team B continues control of the ball. RULING: In all cases, A.R. 1. (This also appears in Section 7, A.R. 5.) Adams no turnover is charged. In (a), the horn is ignored. Charge shoots and is fouled by Brown. (a) The foul occurs before Adams with a FGA and, if the shot is good, credit Adams the ball clearly is in flight and the shot is made; (b) the foul with a FGM. In (b), (c) and (d), charge Adams with a FGA occurs before the ball clearly is in flight and the shot is and credit Team B with a dead-ball rebound. In (e), charge missed; (c) the foul occurs before the ball clearly is in flight Adams with a FGA and credit Brown with a rebound. and the shot is blocked by Benton; (d) the foul occurs af- A.R. 6. As the shot clock is about to run out, Adams ter the ball clearly is in flight and the shot is made; (e) the shoots and the shot is blocked by Brown and is recovered foul occurs after the ball clearly is in flight and the shot is by Allen. (a) Allen gets control of the ball as the shot- missed; or (f) the foul occurs after the ball clearly is in flight clock horn sounds, or (b) Allen barely has time to turn and the shot is blocked by Benton. RULING: In (a) and (d), and shoot and the shot misses the rim and the shot-clock charge Adams with a FGA and credit with a FGM. In (b) and horn sounds. In both cases, the ball is awarded to Team B (c), do not charge Adams with a FGA. Without a FGA, there for a throw-in. RULING: In both cases, charge Adams with can be no blocked shot credited in (c). In (e) and (f), charge a FGA, credit Brown with a blocked shot, and credit Al- Adams with a FGA and credit Team A with a dead-ball re- len with a rebound. In (a), charge a turnover to Team A. bound. Also, in (f), credit Benton with a blocked shot. In (b), unless Allen had a reasonable chance to score, do A.R. 2. Adams shoots and misses a FGA, without leav- not charge a FGA, but charge Team A with a turnover. If ing the floor. Adams is fouled by Brown and it is obviously the statistician feels Allen did have a reasonable chance to after Adams is in the act of shooting, but there is doubt score, charge Allen with a FGA and credit Team B with a about whether it was before or after the shot was in flight; dead-ball rebound. (a) Adams is awarded two (or three) free throws or (b) Ad- A.R. 7. As the shot clock is about to run out, Adams (a) ams is awarded one free throw (with a bonus possible) or throws a bad pass, (b) throws a pass that Brown tips, (c) Team A is awarded the ball for a throw-in. In both cases, throws a good pass that Allen mishandles or (d) has the there is no other reason to award free throws. RULING: In ball stripped away. In all cases, Allen recovers the loose ball (a), apparently Adams was in the act of shooting before and shoots a desperation shot that misses the rim as the the ball was in flight when fouled. Do not charge a FGA. shot-clock horn sounds. The ball is awarded to Team B for In (b), apparently Adams was fouled after the ball was in a throw-in. RULING: In all cases, do not charge Allen with flight. Charge Adams with a FGA. Credit Team A witha a FGA. In (a), (b) and (d), charge Adams with a turnover. In dead-ball rebound. Do not charge Brown with a turnover. (c), charge Allen with a turnover. A.R. 3. Adams leaves the floor, shoots and misses a A.R. 8. As the shot clock is about to run out, Adams FGA. After the ball clearly is in flight, and as Adams is re- takes a desperation shot for reasons such as those illus- turning to the floor from the shot, he or she is fouled by trated in A.R. 6 and A.R. 7. The shot hits the rim but does Brown. (a) Adams is awarded two (or three) free throws or not go into the basket. (a) Adams rebounds, or (b) Brown (b) Adams is awarded one free throw (with a bonus pos- rebounds, or (c) the rebound goes out of bounds and is sible) or Team A is awarded the ball for a throw-in. In both awarded to Team A for a throw-in, or (d) the rebound goes cases, there is no other reason to award free throws. RUL- out of bounds and is awarded to Team B for a throw-in. ING: In both (a) and (b), the foul came after the ball was RULING: In all cases, if the opinion of the statistician is in flight. Charge Adams with a FGA. Credit Team A with a that the shot was a desperation shot, do not charge Allen dead-ball rebound. with a FGA and do not credit any rebound. In (b) and (d), A.R. 4. Adams leaves the floor and shoots a FGA. After charge a turnover. Depending on what preceded the shot, the ball is in flight and after Adams has returned to the the turnover could be charged to Allen or to Team A. In (b), floor from the shot, he or she is fouled by Brown. The offi- it might be appropriate to credit Brown with a steal. In (a) cial rules that the foul by Brown is intentional (or flagrant) and (c), if no FGA is charged, then no rebound is credited. and awards Adams two free throws. RULING: Charge Ad- Article 3. When a player is fouled in the act of shooting be- ams with a FGA. The statistician must be careful to avoid fore the ball is in flight and the shot results in a FGM, then a FGA thinking that Adams was awarded two free throws be- also must be charged. cause he or she was in the act of shooting. If the shot is A.R. 1. Adams is fouled in the act of shooting before the made, credit Adams with a FGM. If the foul occurs after the ball is in flight. While the ball still is on the rim from Ad- shot is made, charge Brown with a turnover. If the shot is ams’ shot, Brown bats it away, which is ruled goaltending, not made, credit Team A with a dead-ball rebound. and Adams is awarded two points. RULING: Charge Adams A.R. 5. Adams shoots a FGA; (a) after the ball is in flight, with a FGA and credit with a FGM. Adams is fouled by Brown and, while the ball still is on the Article 4. When a player shoots and is fouled after the ball rim, Allen interferes with it or (b) after the ball is in flight clearly is in flight, a FGA is charged. If the shot is made, then and above the rim, Allen interferes with it and is fouled whether it was in flight is not important; either way, the shot by Brown. RULING: In both cases, do not charge Adams with a FGA since Allen’s interference nullified the shot. And since Team A will retain the ball for either a free throw or a in, (b) Brown tips the ball in or (c) it appears that both play- throw-in, do not charge Allen with a turnover. ers tip the ball in. RULING: In (a) and (c), charge Allen with Article 5. Tip-ups count as attempts when, in the opinion of a FGA and charge Adams with a FGA and credit with a the statistician, the player has sufficient control. FGM. Also credit Adams with an individual rebound. In (b), charge Allen with a FGA, credit Team A with a dead-ball Article 6. Blocked shots are counted as attempts when, rebound and credit Team A with two points in the form of in the opinion of the statistician, the ball clearly was in flight a footnote as described in Article 8-(b). before being blocked; or the player was in the obvious act of shooting with the shooting hand moving toward the basket; A.R. 3. Allen attempts to pass the ball to Adams. Brown or the player was airborne and moving toward the basket with deflects the ball into Team A’s basket. RULING: Do not cred- the intention of a dunk or layup and the ball in position for the it a FGM, but add the two points in the form of a footnote shot. If there is doubt about whether the player was in the act as described in Article 8-(b). of shooting, the interpretation shall be that he or she was not. A.R. 4. Brown’s pass to Benton is deflected by Adams. Article 7. A shot on which there is defensive goaltending or In the scramble for the ball, Baker accidentally tips the defensive basket interference is treated as though there was no ball into A’s basket. RULING: Do not credit a FGM, but add violation and the shot had been made. That is, an attempt is two points in the form of a footnote as described in Article charged and a FGM is credited. 8-(b). Also, charge Brown with a turnover. Do not credit Adams with a steal. A.R. 1. Adams shoots and, while the ball is in flight toward the basket, (a) Allen is guilty of goaltending or A.R. 5. Allen gets confused and attempts a shot at (b) Brown is guilty of goaltending. RULING: In (a), do not Team B’s basket. The shot is missed and rebounded by charge Adams with a FGA but charge Allen with a turnover. (a) Allen, (b) Adams or (c) Brown. RULING: Since the shot In (b), charge Adams with a FGA and credit with a FGM. was not taken at the player’s own basket, there is no FGA charged and no rebound credited. However, in (c), charge A.R. 2. Allen shoots and, while the ball still is on the rim, Allen with a turnover. Brown bats it away, which is ruled goaltending, and Allen is awarded two points. RULING: Charge Allen with a FGA Article 9. When a field goal is scored in Team A’s basket after and credit with a FGM. last being touched by a player on Team A, but was not an at- tempt to score, there is no FGA charged. The situation is han- A.R. 3. Adams shoots and, during the shot, Brown hangs dled with a footnote as described in Article 8-(b). on the rim. The official calls a technical foul on Brown, but does not call basket interference. Team A is awarded the A.R. 1. Allen passes the ball to Adams. The ball (a) de- ball for a free throw and then gets the ball out of bounds flects off Adams or (b) goes over Adams’ reach and bounc- for a throw-in. RULING: Since the official did not rule bas- es on the floor. The ball then goes through Team A’s basket. ket interference, then it must be the official’s judgment that RULING: In both cases, do not charge a FGA or credit a Brown in no way affected the shot. The technical foul did FGM. Credit Team A with two (or three) points in the form not cause the ball to become dead until it obviously was of a footnote as described in Article 8-(b). not a successful shot. Therefore, charge Adams with a FGA A.R. 2. Allen shoots and the shot is unsuccessful. The and credit Team A with a dead-ball rebound. ball deflects off Adams’ head and then through Team A’s Article 8. When a field goal is scored in Team A’s basket af- basket. RULING: Charge Allen with a FGA. Do not charge ter last being touched by a player on Team B, score the play as Adams with a FGA. Do not credit either player with a FGM. follows: Credit Team A with two points in the form of a footnote as described in Article 8-(b). Credit Team A with a dead-ball (a) If the touching by Team B was an attempt to block a shot rebound. by Team A and did not appreciably alter its flight, then such touching is ignored. A.R. 3. Allen shoots and (a) the shot is well short, hits (b) If the touching by Team B came after an attempt, either the floor and bounces through the basket, or (b) the ball a FGA or a FTA, by Team A that had obviously missed hits the rim, bounces off the floor and back through the and there was no control by Team B, then a FGA or FTA is basket. RULING: In both cases, charge Allen with a FGA and charged to Team A on the original shot. No FGM is cred- credit a FGM. ited or FGA charged on the tip-in to either team. Instead, two points are added to Team A’s score and a footnote is added to explain the extra points. Also, a dead-ball SECTION 2—FREE THROWS rebound is credited to Team A. On the box score, the Article 1. A free-throw attempt (FTA) is charged any time a two points should appear on the line used for team re- player shoots a free throw and there is no violation (or technical bounds, an asterisk should be placed by the two points for goaltending) during the throw, with these exceptions: and an explanation for the asterisk should be written in the form of a footnote. (a) An attempt as well as a free throw made is credited if the shot is made and there is a violation by the defense. (c) If the touching by Team B was a deflection of a ball last in control of Team A but was not a shot by Team A, then (b) An attempt is charged if the only penalized violation is no FGA is charged or FGM credited to either team. The for the failure of the throw to touch the rim. procedure for accounting for the two points is the same Article 2. A free throw made (FTM) is credited to a player any as in (b) above. time a FTA by that player results in the throw being counted or (d) If the ball was last in control of Team B, then no FGA is results in an awarded score of one point. charged or FGM credited to either team. The procedure Related rules in the NCAA Men’s and Women’s Basketball for accounting for the two points is the same as in (b) Rules and Interpretations: above. Additionally, charge a player on Team B with a (1) 4-30: Definition of “Free Throw” turnover. (2) 4-33: Definition of “Goal” A.R. 1. Allen shoots and the shot is touched by Brown (3) 4-49.2: Definition of “Penalty for Violation” in an attempt to block the shot. The ball continues into the (4) 4-73: Definition of “Violation” basket. RULING: Since the ball continued into the basket, (5) 5-1: “Scoring” Brown’s touching it did not alter its flight appreciably. Ig- (6) 8: “Free Throw” nore the touching, charge Allen with a FGA and credit with (7) 9-2: “Free-Throw Violations” a FGM, but do not credit Brown with a blocked shot. Philosophy. A player should not be charged for a shot from A.R. 2. Allen shoots, either a FGA or a FTA, and the shot the free-throw line influenced by the illegal actions of himself is unsuccessful. In the scramble for the rebound, both Ad- or herself, or any teammates, or opponents, unless the shot re- ams and Brown try to tip the ball. (a) Adams tips the ball sults in a FTM (see B.I. 3). Refer to the following Approved Rulings in this manual as attempts and Brown rebounds the missed second attempt. they involve FTAs and FTMs: Before it is too late, it is recognized that an error has been Section 1, Article 2, A.R. 2 Section 4, Article 2, A.R. 6 made. RULING: In (a) and (b), since Adams made the first Section 3, Article 1, A.R. 5 Section 4, Article 2, A.R. 7 attempt, nothing will change. In (c), since Adams missed Section 4, Article 2, A.R. 1 the first attempt, nullify Adams’ second FTA and FTM and A.R. 1. Allen shoots a free throw and, during the shot, change the dead-ball rebound from Team A to Team B. In Brown commits a free-throw violation. (a) Allen makes (d), nullify Adams’ second FTA and Team A’s dead-ball re- the shot or (b) Allen misses the shot. RULING: In (a), Allen bound. Do not change Brown’s rebound. is charged with a FTA and credited with a FTM. In (b), do A.R. 8. Adams is awarded one free throw and a bonus, not charge Allen with a FTA; a substitute free throw will be by error when two free throws should have been awarded. awarded and it shall take the place of the nullified throw. (a) Adams makes both attempts; (b) Adams makes the first A.R. 2. Allen shoots a free throw and, during the shot, attempt and misses the second and Brown rebounds the Adams (or Allen) commits a free-throw violation. (a) Allen missed second attempt; (c) Adams misses the first attempt makes the shot or (b) Allen misses the shot, but does hit and Brown rebounds the missed attempt. Before it is too the rim. RULING: In both cases, do not charge Allen with late, it is recognized that an error has been made. RULING: a FTA; charge Adams (or Allen) with a turnover, unless the In (a) and (b), since Adams made the first attempt, noth- ball was retained by Team A. ing will change. In (c), Adams will be given a second at- tempt without any players along the free-throw lane. Play A.R. 3. Allen shoots a free throw during which both Ad- then will resume where it was interrupted. If the attempt ams and Brown commit free-throw violations. (a) The first is made, charge Adams with another FTA and credit with violation is committed by Adams, or (b) the first violation a FTM. If the attempt is not made, charge Adams with an- is committed by Brown, or (c) the violations are ruled to be other FTA. Also, credit Team A with a dead-ball rebound. simultaneous. RULING: Do not charge Allen with a FTA. In Do not change Brown’s rebound. (a), charge Adams with a turnover unless Team A retains the ball. In (b), do not charge Brown with a turnover. In (c), this will be ruled a double violation and the possession will be determined by the alternating-possession rule. Charge SECTION 3—REBOUNDS Adams with a turnover unless Team A retains the ball. Article 1. A rebound is credited to a player or a team A.R. 4. Allen shoots a free throw and fails to hit the rim. each time a FGA or FTA is not made. There are three kinds of (a) Allen’s failure to hit the rim is caused by Brown, who rebounds: jumps into the lane and bats Allen’s throw away, or (b) Al- (a) An individual rebound (player rebound) is credited to a len’s shot misses without any responsibility on the part of player who recovers a live ball that has missed scoring Team B, or (c) Allen’s shot misses and Allen steps into the a goal (field goal or free throw). The recovery may be lane too early, or (d) Allen’s shot misses and Adams steps accomplished: into the lane too early, or (e) Allen’s shot misses but Brown (1) By gaining control of the ball. steps into the lane too early. RULING: In (a), (c), (d) and (e), do not charge Allen with a FTA. In (a), Brown will be (2) By tipping or batting the ball in an attempt to score a charged with an indirect technical and Team A will receive goal. two free throws. In (b), the violation will be the only one (3) By tipping or batting the ball to a teammate so that penalized. Therefore, charge Allen with a FTA and credit the teammate or another teammate is the first to Team B with a dead-ball rebound. In (c), charge Allen with gain control. a turnover unless Team A retains the ball. In (c) and (d), the (4) By retrieving a rebound simultaneously with an op- violation for stepping into the lane caused the ball to be- posing player and having his or her own team be the come dead before the shot missed the rim. In (e), this will first to be entitled to the ball. be ruled a double violation and the possession will be de- (b) A team rebound is credited to the team that is entitled to termined by the alternating-possession rule. Charge Allen the ball for a throw-in if the ball has gone out of bounds with a turnover unless Team A retains the ball. after a missed goal but before there was player control. A.R. 5. Allen is at the free-throw line to shoot a free However, this does not include cases where the ball is throw. After Allen is given the ball, (a) Adams steps into out of bounds because it passes over the backboard or the lane before Allen can shoot; (b) Brown steps into the touches the supports or back of the backboard, the ceil- lane before Allen can shoot; (c) Allen steps over the line ing, or overhead equipment or supports, unless the ball before shooting; or (d) Allen fails to shoot within 10 sec- was touched by a player after the missed goal but before onds. RULING: In all cases, do not charge Allen with a FTA. the ball was out of bounds. In (a), charge Adams with a turnover unless Team A retains (c) A dead-ball rebound is credited whenever the ball is the ball. In (c) and (d), charge Allen with a turnover unless dead after a missed goal but before it meets the condi- Team A retains the ball. tions for an individual or team rebound. It is credited as A.R. 6. Adams shoots a FTA and the shot hits the rim follows: and bounces on it. Allen goes up and dunks the ball (a) (1) To the team that is entitled to the ball for a throw-in while the ball still is on or above the rim or (b) after the ball or a free throw. has bounced to the side and it is obvious Adams’ shot will (2) To the team that shot the ball if the ball becomes not be successful. RULING: In (a), since the free throw does dead due to the expiration of time or if the ball was not end until it is certain that the shot will not be success- shot after the expiration of time. ful, the interference was on Adams’ shot. Do not charge (3) To the team into whose basket a defensive player Adams with a FTA. Do not charge Allen with a FGA. Do tips a missed shot. not credit Allen with a rebound, but do charge Allen with a turnover. In (b), since Adams’ shot obviously had missed, (4) To the team into whose basket an offensive player charge Adams with a FTA missed. Credit Allen with a re- deflects a missed shot without intent. bound and a FGM, and charge a FGA. (5) To the team that first gains possession of the open- A.R. 7. Adams is awarded two free throws, by error, ing jump ball after a missed free throw awarded for a when only one and a bonus should have been awarded. technical foul. (See Rule 8-4.5) (a) Adams makes both attempts; (b) Adams makes the first (d) There is a distinction between team and dead-ball re- attempt and misses the second and Brown rebounds the bounds. There can be no team rebound unless the ball missed second attempt; (c) Adams misses the first attempt, has gone out of bounds without a player first earning an then makes the second attempt, or (d) Adams misses both individual rebound. If the ball becomes dead before it meets the requirement for either an individual or a team rebound, then a dead-ball rebound is credited (see Sec- one free throw and a possible bonus free throw with play- tion 3, Article 1). ers occupying positions along the lane. Adams makes the Why keep dead-ball rebounds? Because team rebounds first free throw and misses the second. Benton rebounds reflect team rebounding ability, while dead-ball re- the miss. RULING: Brown leaves the game with six fouls. bounds do not. In national rankings, individual and team Two fouls are added to Team A’s total for the half to make a rebounds are included, but dead-ball rebounds are not. total of 10. Charge Allen with two FTAs and credit him with Analysis of game statistics indicates that each—team and one FTM. Credit Team A with a dead-ball rebound. Charge dead-ball rebounds—accounts for about five percent of Adams with two FTAs and credit him with one FTM. Credit a team’s rebounds. Therefore, if dead-ball rebounds are Benton with an individual rebound. counted as team rebounds, it could affect the national A.R. 6. Allen attempts to tip a missed shot to Adams. rankings. (a) Allen is successful; (b) Allen is successful, but Adams Related rules in the NCAA Men’s and Women’s Basketball fumbles after gaining control and the ball goes to Brown; Rules and Interpretations: (c) Benton is the first to gain control; or (d) no one gains (1) 4-15: Definition of “In Control—Player, Team” control before the ball goes out of bounds. RULING: In (a) (2) 4-67: Definition of “Throw-in” and (b), credit Allen with an individual rebound, but in (b), (3) 4-69: Definition of “Try for Field Goal” and “Act of also charge Adams with a turnover. In (c), credit Benton Shooting” with an individual rebound. In (d), credit a team rebound (4) 6-1: “Periods—How Started” to the team that is awarded the ball for the throw-in. (5) 6-5: “Dead Ball” A.R. 7. Allen shoots and the shot is blocked by Brown. (6) 7-6: “Throw-in” (a) Benton gains control of the blocked shot; (b) Adams (7) 8-4: “Next Play” gains control of the blocked shot; (c) Adams and Benton (8) 8-5: “Ball in Play When Free Throw is Missed” retrieve the ball simultaneously and a held ball is called; (9) 8-6: “Ball in Play After False Double Foul” or (d) the ball goes out of bounds before either team gains Philosophy. A player should be credited with a rebound control. RULING: In (a), the statistician must decide which only if the player earned that rebound before the ball was was most important, the block by Brown or the efforts of dead. What happened after the ball became dead and what Benton to retrieve the blocked shot. If the statistician feels would have happened if the ball had not become dead might that the block by Brown was most important, credit Brown be different. The statistician should not attempt to decide what with an individual rebound. If the statistician feels that would have happened, but should decide only what did hap- the efforts by Benton were most important, credit Benton pen. However, if there is doubt about player control, the stat- with the individual rebound. In (b), credit Adams with an istician may assume that there was control [see B.I. 2, B.I. 4 and individual rebound. In (c), if Team A is awarded the ball Section 3, Article 1-(d)]. for a throw-in, credit Adams with an individual rebound. Refer to the following Approved Rulings in this manual as If Team B is awarded the ball for a throw-in, credit either they involve rebounds: Brown or Benton with an individual rebound. In (d), credit Section 1, Article 2, A.R. 2 Section 2, Article 2, A.R. 3 a team rebound to the team that is awarded the ball for Section 1, Article 2, A.R. 3 Section 2, Article 2, A.R. 6 the throw-in. In all four cases, credit Brown with a blocked Section 1, Article 2, A.R. 5 Section 2, Article 2, A.R. 7 shot. Section 1, Article 2, A.R. 6 Section 2, Article 2, A.R. 8 A.R. 8. Allen shoots and the shot is slightly deflected by Section 1, Article 2, A.R. 8 Section 4, Article 2, A.R. 1 Brown. The shot misses and is controlled by Benton. RUL- Section 1, Article 4, A.R. 1 Section 4, Article 2, A.R. 26 ING: The statistician must decide how much the deflection Section 1, Article 4, A.R. 2 Section 4, Article 2, A.R. 27 affected the rebound compared to the effort of Benton to Section 1, Article 4, A.R. 3 Section 7, A.R. 2 get control. If it is decided that the deflection played the Section 1, Article 4, A.R. 4 Section 7, A.R. 3 more important part, credit an individual rebound to Section 1, Article 7, A.R. 3 Section 7, A.R. 4 Brown. If it is decided that the deflection was only inciden- Section 1, Article 8, A.R. 2 Section 7, A.R. 5 tal and that Benton’s efforts played the more important Section 1, Article 8, A.R. 5 part, credit Benton with an individual rebound. Either way, A.R. 1. Allen shoots and misses a free throw and the credit Brown with a blocked shot, unless the shot would ball becomes dead as soon as it is apparent that it will have missed anyway and the deflection was not the cause miss. (a) The free throw is to be followed by another free of the miss. throw by Team A; (b) the free throw is to be followed by a A.R. 9. Adams shoots, the shot misses and is coming off throw-in by Team A; (c) the free throw is to be followed by a the rim but has not been touched when Adler fouls Brown. free throw by Team B; or (d) the free throw is to be followed RULING: Since the ball was dead before any individual re- by a throw-in by Team B. RULING: In all cases, the rebound bound or team rebound could be credited, credit a dead- is a dead-ball rebound. In (a) and (b), credit the rebound to ball rebound to Team B, which will be awarded the ball for Team A. In (c) and (d), credit the rebound to Team B. either a free throw or a throw-in. A.R. 2. Adams shoots and misses the first free throw of A.R. 10. Allen shoots and misses. While the ball is in a two-shot (or three-shot) foul or the second free throw of flight toward the basket, Allen is fouled by Brown. RULING: a three-shot foul. RULING: Credit Team A with a dead-ball The foul caused the ball to become dead as soon as it was rebound. certain the shot would miss. Charge Allen with a FGA and A.R. 3. Adams shoots and misses a free throw awarded credit Team A with a dead-ball rebound. for a technical foul on Team B. The ball then is awarded to A.R. 11. A missed shot lodges on the basket support. Team A for a throw-in. RULING: Credit Team A with a dead- RULING: Credit a dead-ball rebound to the team that is ball rebound. awarded the ball for a throw-in. A.R. 4. Allen shoots a free throw that misses the rim A.R. 12. Adams shoots and misses, and the ball bounc- and the ball is awarded to Team B for a throw-in. RULING: es over the backboard. RULING: Credit Team B with a dead- Credit Team B with a dead-ball rebound. ball rebound. A.R. 5. Adams is dribbling the ball and is fouled by A.R. 13. Adams shoots and misses, and the ball is Brown. This is Brown’s fifth foul and Team B’s ninth in the tipped by Allen into the back of the backboard. RULING: half. Brown argues with the referee and is charged with a Credit Team B with a team rebound. technical foul. First, a designated player, Allen is awarded A.R. 14. Adams is fouled as time expires. (a) The of- two free throws without players occupying positions ficials rule that the foul occurred before the expiration of along the lane for the technical foul. Allen makes the first time, the clock is set back to 0.5 seconds, Adams is award- free throw and misses the second. Then Adams is awarded ed two free throws with players occupying positions along the lane, Allen misses the first free throw and makes the dead-ball rebound. In (c), credit Adams with an individual second. (b) The officials rule that the foul occurred before rebound and charge Allen with a turnover. In (b), the ac- the expiration of time, the clock is set back to 0.5 seconds, tions of the officials will determine the ruling. If Adams Adams is awarded two free throws with players occupying had gained control, then the foul by Allen will be a player- positions along the lane, Allen makes the first free throw control foul. In this case, credit Adams with an individual and misses the second and the ball bounces off Adler out rebound and charge Allen with a turnover. If Adams had of bounds as time expires. (c) The officials rule that the not gained control, then the foul by Allen will not be a foul occurred as time expired, Adams is awarded two free player-control foul. Therefore, credit Team B with a dead- throws without players occupying positions along the ball rebound. lane; Allen misses the first free throw and makes the sec- A.R. 6. A missed shot comes off the rim and bounces ond. (d) The officials rule that the foul occurred as time ex- along the floor. Adler is in position to pick up the ball, but pired, Adams is awarded two free throws without players Benton gains control. However, Benton fouls Adler (a) be- occupying positions along the lane; Allen makes the first fore either can touch the ball, (b) as Benton is the first to free throw and misses the second. RULING: In (a), (c) and touch the ball, (c) after Benton is first to gain control of the (d), charge Allen with two FTA's and credit him with a FTM. ball or (d) after Adler is first to touch the ball. RULING: In Credit Team A with dead-ball rebound. In (b), charge Allen (a), the ball became dead when the foul was committed. with two FTA's and credit him with a FTM. Credit Team B Credit Team A with a dead-ball rebound. In (b), if Benton with a team rebound. gained control before the foul, the official will have indi- Article 2. Sometimes there is doubt about whether a player cated that the foul was a player-control foul and Ben- has gained control of the ball before a certain act takes place. In ton would be credited with an individual rebound and such cases, the statistician should use the following guidelines. charged with a turnover. If there is no indication of player (a) If the statistician feels there was a possibility of player control, then credit Team A with a dead-ball rebound. In control, then the play shall be treated as though there (c), credit Benton with an individual rebound and charge was player control. him or her with a turnover. In (d), if the statistician thinks (b) If the statistician feels there definitely was not a possibil- that Adler possibly had control before the foul, credit Adler ity of player control, then it shall be treated as though with an individual rebound. If the statistician thinks that there was no player control. Adler definitely did not have control, credit Team A with a dead-ball rebound. A.R. 1. A missed shot is retrieved (a) simultaneously by Allen and Brown or (b) by Allen, who gains control but then A.R. 7. Brown is about to catch a missed attempt when is tied up by Brown. RULING: In (a), credit an individual re- Adams bats the ball out of bounds (a) before Brown can bound to the player whose team is awarded the ball for a touch the ball, (b) as Brown touches the ball or (c) after throw-in. In (b), credit Allen with an individual rebound. If Brown gains control of the ball. RULING: In (a), credit Team Team A is awarded the ball for a throw-in, do nothing else. B with a team rebound. In (b), if the statistician thinks that If Team B is awarded the ball for a throw-in, charge Allen Brown possibly had control, credit Brown with an individ- with a turnover and credit Brown with a steal. If the statis- ual rebound. If the statistician thinks that Brown definitely tician is in doubt about whether Allen and Brown retrieved did not have control, credit Team B with a team rebound. the ball at the same time, assume that they did. In (c), credit Brown with an individual rebound. A.R. 2. Adams shoots and misses. Allen goes up to tip A.R. 8. Brown shoots a FGA near the end of the period. the ball and is fouled (a) before Allen can touch the ball, (b) The shot misses and time expires (a) while the shot still is in as Allen touches the ball or (c) after Allen touches the ball flight, (b) as the ball is touched by Adams, (c) after Adams and is in the tipping motion. RULING: In (a), credit Team A has gained control or (d) as Adams and Benton simultane- with a dead-ball rebound. In (c), Allen is credited with an ously retrieve the ball, causing a held ball. RULING: In (a), individual rebound, but is not charged with a FGA unless credit Team B with a dead-ball rebound. In (b), if the stat- Allen’s tip is successful. In (b), if the statistician feels that istician thinks that Adams possibly had control when time Allen possibly had control when fouled, credit Allen with expired, credit Adams with an individual rebound. If the an individual rebound. If the statistician thinks that Allen statistician thinks that Adams definitely did not have con- definitely did not have control, then credit Team A with a trol, credit Team B with a dead-ball rebound. In (c), credit dead-ball rebound. Adams with an individual rebound. In (d), if Team A is en- titled to the ball under the alternating-possession process, A.R. 3. A missed shot comes off the rim and bounces credit Adams with an individual rebound. If Team B is en- along the floor. Adams is in position to pick up the ball titled to the ball, credit Benton with an individual rebound. when Brown fouls Allen (a) before Adams can touch the This holds whether or not the ball is actually awarded out ball, (b) as Adams touches the ball or (c) after Adams gains of bounds during the period. control of the ball. RULING: In (a), credit Team A with a Note: A properly completed box score should balance. To make dead-ball rebound. In (c), credit Adams with an individual this determination, the statistician should add the total number rebound. In (b), if the statistician thinks that Adams possi- of individual, team and dead-ball rebounds for both teams. This bly had control when fouled, credit Adams with an individ- number should equal the total number of missed shots (field and ual rebound. If the statistician thinks that Adams definitely free) for both teams. For further information, see the last page un- did not have control, then credit Team A with a dead-ball der the Statistics Accuracy Check rebound. A.R. 4. Benton’s missed shot bounces along the floor. Adams is in a position to pick up the ball, but instead elects to block off Brown while the ball rolls out of bounds. RUL- SECTION 4—TURNOVERS ING: Credit Team A with a team rebound. While it is pos- Article 1. A turnover occurs when a team, after gaining con- sible that Adams could have picked up the ball, he or she trol of the ball or having been entitled to the ball, does not pro- also could have fumbled the ball out of bounds or failed duce a try for goal (field or free) that would count if it goes in, to pick up the ball in some other way. Since Allen did not before the opponent either gains control of the ball, is entitled actually gain control before the ball rolled out of bounds, to the ball or scores a goal. (Exception: If the failure to produce a an individual rebound cannot be credited. field-goal attempt is due to the expiration of time at the end of A.R. 5. A missed shot comes off the rim and bounces the half, game or overtime, then no turnover is charged.) along the floor. Adams is in a position to pick up the ball If a single player is judged to be primarily responsible for the when Allen fouls Brown (a) before Adams can touch the turnover, that player is charged with the turnover. ball, (b) as Adams touches the ball or (c) after Adams gains control of the ball. RULING: In (a), credit Team B with a If no single player can be judged to be primarily responsible, Section 3, Article 1, A.R. 5 Section 7, A.R. 4 or if the responsibility rests with anyone not a player, then the A.R. 1. Before the opening tip, Team A is charged with team is charged with the turnover. an indirect technical foul for failing to supply the scorers Note: The word “player” refers to one of five or fewer members with a list of starters. Brown is awarded two free throws. He of a team’s personnel who is legally on the playing court. misses both and Team A gains possession after the subse- Article 2. The use of the term “entitled to” is to indicate that quent jump ball. RULING: Since there was no team control the team about to attempt to make either a throw-in or a free before the free throws, there is no turnover. Charge Brown throw need not actually have the ball before it can be charged with two FTAs and credit Team B and Team A with dead- with a turnover. A team is entitled to the ball as soon as the ball ball rebounds. is dead: A.R. 2. Adams shoots and misses, and the ball is re- (a) After a goal (field or free) that is to be followed by either bounded by Allen. Allen attempts to pass the ball to Adler a throw-in or a free throw by that team; or but makes a bad pass and the ball goes out of bounds. (b) For any other reason and the ball is to be awarded to that RULING: Since control began when Allen gained the re- team for either a throw-in or a free throw. bound, charge him or her with a turnover. Note: If it is not obvious that a team is entitled to the ball when A.R. 3. Team A scores a field goal. Before any player it commits a violation or foul, do not charge that team with a from Team B touches the ball, Brown draws a techni- turnover. cal foul. RULING: Since Team A will be awarded two free Related rules in the NCAA Men’s and Women’s Basketball throws for the technical, charge Brown with a turnover. Rules and Interpretations: A.R. 4. Team A has the ball in bounds. Adams double (1) 3-1: Definition of “The Team” dribbles and the official indicates the violation. Before any (2) 3-4: “Substitutions” player from Team B is handed the ball, Benton enters the (3) 4-15: Definition of “In Control—Player, Team” game wearing the same number as Brown. RULING: Since (4) 4-29: Definition of “Foul” Team A will be awarded two free throws for an indirect (5) 4-30: Definition of “Free Throw” technical, charge Team B with a turnover. Also charge Ad- (6) 4-37: Definition of “Held Ball” ams with a turnover. (7) 4-49: Definition of “Penalty” A.R. 5. Adams shoots and makes a FGA. Adams is (8) 4-67: Definition of “Throw-in/Thrower-in” fouled by Brown and it is after the ball clearly is in flight. It (9) 4-69: Definition of “Try for Goal” and “Act of Shooting” is (a) obviously before the shot is made, (b) obviously after (10) 4-73: Definition of “Violation” the shot is made or (c) at approximately the same time as (11) 6-1: “Periods—How Started” the shot is made. RULING: In all cases, charge Adams with (12) 6-5: “Dead Ball” a FGA and credit a FGM. In (a), do not charge Brown with (13) 7-4: “Ball Awarded Out of Bounds” a turnover. Team B never was entitled to the ball. In (b), (14) 7-6: “Throw-in” charge Brown with a turnover. This could be an intentional (15) 8-3: “10-Second Limit” or flagrant foul since the ball is dead after the FGM. In (c), (16) 8-4: “Next Play” do not charge Brown with a turnover. (17) 8-5: “Ball in Play When Free Throw is Missed” A.R. . Adams is shooting a free throw on a one-shot (18) 8-6: “Ball in Play After False Double Foul” 6 foul. Allen commits a lane violation and Team B is award- (19) 9: “Violations and Penalties” ed the ball for a throw-in. RULING: Charge Allen with a (20) 10: “Fouls and Penalties” turnover. Do not charge Adams with a FTA. Philosophy. The purpose of a turnover is to reflect statisti- cally the times in which a team was given the ball and should A.R. 7. Adams is shooting the (a) first free throw or (b) have gotten some kind of shot but, before it could get any kind the second free throw of a two-shot foul. Allen commits a of shot, made some type of mistake that turned the ball over to lane violation. In (a), Adams still is allowed to shoot the the opponent. second free throw. In (b), Team B is awarded the ball for a throw-in. RULING: In (a), do not charge Allen with a turn- A turnover can only be charged against the offense; that is, over since his or her team retained control for the second the team with the ball. A team becomes the team with the ball free throw. Do not charge Adams with a FTA. In (b), charge when it has control (including during free throws) or is entitled Allen with a turnover. Do not charge Adams with a FTA. to the ball for either a throw-in or a free throw. A.R. 8. Adams is shooting a free throw. At approxi- There will be some errors that will not result in the charging mately the time the ball goes through the basket, Brown of a turnover because they did not involve the turning of the contacts Allen. RULING: The ball becomes dead when the ball over to the opponent. Errors that occur at approximately throw is made. The contact shall be ignored if it is after the the same time a team becomes entitled to the ball should not free throw unless it is flagrant or intentional. If a common be considered turnovers. The team should have time to realize foul is called, then the contact was before the free throw it has the ball before being charged with turnovers. was made. If a flagrant or intentional foul is called after the Refer to the following Approved Rulings in this manual as free throw was made, then charge Brown with a turnover. they involve turnovers: Section 1, Article 2, A.R. 1 Section 3, Article 2, A.R. 1 A.R. 9. Team A is in control of the ball. Adams and Section 1, Article 2, A.R. 2 Section 3, Article 2, A.R. 5 Brown collide, and both are charged with fouls. RULING: Section 1, Article 2, A.R. 3 Section 3, Article 2, A.R. 6 Team A will be awarded the ball for a throw-in. There is no Section 1, Article 2, A.R. 5 Section 6, A.R. 1 turnover. Section 1, Article 2, A.R. 6 Section 6, A.R. 2 A.R. 10. Adams has control of the ball and is tied up by Section 1, Article 2, A.R. 7 Section 6, A.R. 3 Brown. (a) Team A is awarded the ball for a throw-in or (b) Section 1, Article 4, A.R. 2 Section 6, A.R. 4 Team B is awarded the ball for a throw-in. RULING: In (a), Section 1, Article 4, A.R. 4 Section 6, A.R. 5 there is no turnover. In (b), charge Adams with a turnover Section 1, Article 4, A.R. 5 Section 6, A.R. 6 and credit Brown with a steal. Section 1, Article 7, A.R. 1 Section 6, A.R. 7 A.R. 11. Team A is in control of the ball when Allen is Section 1, Article 8, A.R. 4 Section 6, A.R. 8 charged with a technical foul, two free throws are shot by Section 1, Article 8, A.R. 5 Section 6, A.R. 9 Team B, and Team A is awarded the ball for a throw-in. Section 2, Article 2, A.R. 2 Section 6, A.R. 10 RULING: Since Team B is awarded two free throws for the Section 2, Article 2, A.R. 3 Section 6, A.R. 11 technical, charge Allen with a turnover. Section 2, Article 2, A.R. 4 Section 6, A.R. 12 Section 2, Article 2, A.R. 5 Section 7, A.R. 2 A.R. 12. Team A is in control of the ball or is entitled to it Section 2, Article 2, A.R. 6 Section 7, A.R. 3 when someone other than a uniformed team member on the bench of Team A is charged with a technical foul, two free throws are shot by Team B, and Team A is awarded A.R. 20. Team A is in control of the ball. Adams passes the ball for a throw-in. RULING: Since Team B is awarded to Allen and then Adams fouls Brown (a) before the pass two free throws for the technical, charge Team A with a is in flight or (b) after the pass is in flight. RULING: In both turnover. Since the person charged is not a “player,” charge cases, charge Adams with a turnover. the turnover to the team, not a player. (On the box score, A.R. 21. Team A is in control of the ball. Adams passes the turnover should appear on the line used for reporting the ball to Allen but the pass is thrown in such a manner team rebounds, but in the column for turnovers.) that, in order to catch it, Allen charges into Brown. RULING: A.R. 13. Team A is in control of the ball or is entitled to it Charge Adams with a turnover. when it is discovered that Team A has six uniformed team A.R. 22. Adams has control of the ball and then loses members on the floor (an indirect technical foul). Two free control or makes a bad pass. Allen attempts to save the throws are shot by Team B, and Team A is awarded the ball ball from going out of bounds and (a) is not successful, (b) for a throw-in. RULING: Since Team B is awarded two free saves the ball by throwing it back into play and straight to throws for the technical, charge Team A with a turnover. Brown, (c) saves the ball by throwing it back into play and The statistician must decide to whom to charge the turn- Brown’s aggressive action causes Brown to recover the ball over. If it is decided that there is no specific player responsi- or (d) gains control of the ball but as momentum carries ble, then the turnover is charged to the team, not a player. Allen out of bounds he or she throws a pass to Adams that On the box score, the turnover should appear on the line is intercepted by Brown’s aggressive action. RULING: In (a), used for reporting team rebounds, but in the column for (b) and (c), charge Adams with a turnover. In (d), charge turnovers. Allen with a turnover and Brown with a steal. A.R. 14. Adams is in control of the ball and is tied up by A.R. 23. Adams (a) goes up to shoot with the ball and Brown. Team A is awarded the ball for a throw-in. Before dunks it or (b) dunks a rebound that still is on the rim. RUL- the throw-in takes place, (a) Allen is charged with a techni- ING: In (a), charge Adams with a FGA and credit with a cal foul, two free throws are shot by Team B and Team A is FGM. In (b), charge Adams with a turnover, but not with awarded the ball for a throw-in; or (b) Benton is charged a FGA. with a technical foul, two free throws are shot by Team A and Team A is awarded the ball for a throw-in. RULING: In A.R. 24. (This also appears in Section 7, A.R. 2.) Adams (a), since Team B is awarded two free throws for the techni- is in the act of shooting. Brown knocks away the ball (a) cal, charge Allen with a turnover. Since Team A was award- after the ball clearly is in flight, (b) just as the ball is leav- ed the ball do not charge Adams with a turnover in either ing Adams’ hand, (c) as Adams’ shooting hand is moving case. In (b), do not charge Benton with a turnover. toward the basket in the shooting position, (d) before Adams’ shooting hand is moving toward the basket and A.R. 15. Adams is in control of the ball and is tied up by Team A gains control, or (e) before Adams’ shooting hand Brown. Team B is awarded the ball for a throw-in. Before is moving toward the basket and Team B gains control. the throw-in takes place, (a) Allen is charged with a techni- RULING: In (a), (b) and (c), charge Adams with a FGA, credit cal foul, two free throws are shot by Team B and Team B is Brown with a blocked shot and give an individual rebound awarded the ball for a throw-in; or (b) Benton is charged to whomever recovered the ball. In (d), nothing is charged. with a technical foul, two free throws are shot by Team A In (e), charge Adams with a turnover and credit Brown and Team B is awarded the ball for a throw-in. RULING: with a steal. Since Team B was awarded the ball, charge Adams with a turnover and credit Brown with a steal in both (a) and A.R. 25. Adams is holding the ball out of bounds and is (b). Additionally, in (b), since Team A is awarded two free attempting to make a throw-in. Brown fouls Allen for the throws for the technical, charge Benton with a turnover. third foul of the period against Team B. Team A is awarded the ball out of bounds. Adams again is attempting to make A.R. 16. Team A (a) fails to get the ball into front court a throw-in, but Adler fouls Benton for the (a) second, or (b) in the allotted 10 seconds (men), (b) fails to get off a shot ninth foul of the period against Team A, resulting in a false in the allotted time on the shot clock or (c) fails to release double foul. Since there is team control by Team A, Team B in the allotted five seconds during a throw-in. RULING: In is awarded the ball out of bounds for a throw-in. RULING: all three cases, there is a turnover. If the statistician thinks In (a) and (b), charge Adler with a turnover. there is one player who is primarily responsible, charge that player with the turnover. If the statistician thinks that A.R. 26. Adams is holding the ball out of bounds and more than one player was responsible, charge Team A is attempting to make a throw-in. Brown fouls Allen for with the turnover. the eighth foul of the period against Team B. Allen makes the free throw and the bonus throw. Brown takes the ball A.R. 17. Adams has the ball out of bounds for a throw- out of bounds for the throw-in. While Brown is attempt- in and (a) his or her pass to Allen is intercepted by Brown or ing to make the throw-in, (a) Adler fouls Benton or (b) (b) Adler fouls Benton. RULING: In (a), charge Adams with a Adler crosses over the end line and fouls Brown, either of turnover and credit Brown with a steal. In (b), charge Adler which is the second foul of the period against Team A. A with a turnover. false double foul is the result. In (a), Team B is awarded the A.R. 18. Adams is in control of the ball when it is batted ball for a throw-in. In (b), the foul is intentional and Brown away by Brown. While it is loose on the floor, Allen com- is awarded two free throws and misses both. RULING: In mits a foul and the ball is awarded to Team B. RULING: The both cases, do not charge anyone with a turnover. In (b), statistician must decide to whom to charge the turnover. credit Team B with two dead-ball rebounds. If the reason for the foul by Allen was that he or she was A.R. 27. Adams is holding the ball out of bounds and is trying to recover the loose ball, then the turnover probably attempting to make a throw-in. Brown fouls Allen for the should be charged to Adams for creating the situation. But eighth foul of the period against Team B. Allen makes the if the foul was not related to the losing of control by Ad- free throw and the bonus throw. Brown takes the ball out ams, then charge the turnover to Allen. In either case, do of bounds for the throw-in. While Brown is attempting to not credit Brown with a steal. make the throw-in, Adler fouls Benton for the ninth foul A.R. 19. Adams is in control of the ball when (a) Adams of the period against Team A, resulting in a false double travels with the ball, (b) Adams double dribbles, (c) Adams foul. Benton makes the free throw and the bonus. Team A throws the ball from front court into back court, (d) Ad- is awarded the ball for a throw-in. RULING: Do not charge ams dribbles from front court into back court, (e) Adams anyone with a turnover. commits a player-control foul or (f) Allen commits a foul. A.R. 28. Adams is holding the ball out of bounds and is RULING: In (a), (b), (c), (d) and (e), charge Adams with a attempting to make a throw-in. Allen fouls Brown for the turnover. In (f), charge Allen with a turnover. (a) third, or (b) eighth foul of the period against Team A. Since there is team control by Team A, Team B is awarded the ball out of bounds. Brown takes the ball out of bounds assists. If Adams found Allen unguarded, Adams probably for the throw-in. While Brown is attempting to make a should get the assist. If the ball merely was being passed throw-in, Benton fouls Adler for the (c) second, or (d) ninth around in hopes of finding a way to penetrate the defense foul of the period against Team B, resulting in a false dou- and Allen merely decided to shoot, then no assist should ble foul. Since there is team control by Team B, Team A is be credited. awarded the ball out of bounds for a throw-in. RULING: A.R. 6. On an inbounds play under the basket, Adams In (a) and (b), charge Allen with a turnover. In (c) and (d), passes to Allen who is in the area of the free-throw circle charge Benton with a turnover. behind a double screen. Allen shoots and scores. RULING: A.R. 29. Adams is holding the ball out of bounds and Credit Adams with an assist. is attempting to make a throw-in. However, the inbounds A.R. 7. Adams dribbles into the lane and draws the de- pass (a) lodges on the rim, (b) comes to rest on the flange fense to him or her. Adams then hits Allen with the pass. of the basket, or (c) goes through the basket. RULING: In all Allen is open, shoots and scores. RULING: Credit Adams cases, this is a violation and Team B will be awarded the with an assist. ball. Charge Adams with a turnover, but no field-goal at- tempt. In (c), the basket does not count, so no field goal A.R. 8. Adams dribbles to the free-throw line, turns made or attempted should be charged. away from the basket and flips the ball to Allen while at the same time setting a screen for Allen. Allen now is open, A.R. 30. Adams is holding the ball out of bounds and shoots and scores. RULING: Credit Adams with an assist. is attempting to make a throw-in. Adams throws the ball in and before the pass is controlled by an inbounds player, A.R. 9. Adams passes to Allen in a situation that nor- Allen and Benton collide and both are charged with per- mally would warrant an assist but does not produce a sonal fouls. This is a double foul and Team A was in con- field goal because (a) there is defensive goaltending or trol, so Team A is awarded the ball for a throw-in. RULING: defensive basket interference, (b) Allen is fouled in the act There is no turnover. of shooting, or (c) Allen travels, fumbles the pass out of bounds or has the shot blocked. RULING: In (a), there will be an awarded score, so credit Adams with an assist. In (b) and (c), no assist will be awarded. SECTION 5—ASSISTS A.R. 10. After taking a rebound off the defensive board, A player is credited with an assist when the player makes, in Adams passes quickly to Allen at the division (i.e., mid- the judgment of the statistician, the principal pass contribut- court) line. (a) Allen is open but passes to Adler, who scores ing directly to a field goal (or an awarded score of two or three an uncontested layup; (b) Allen is open but passes back to points). Only one assist is to be credited on any field goal and Adams, who had broken to the basket immediately after only when the pass was a major part of the play. The same play- the first pass and receives Allen’s pass to score theun- er cannot be credited with an assist and a field goal made on contested layup; (c) Allen is covered and passes to Adler, the same possession. who scores an uncontested layup; or (d) Allen is covered, Such a pass should be either (a) a pass that finds a player free passes to Adler, who returns the ball to Allen, who then after he or she has maneuvered without the ball for a positional scores having lost his or her defensive man after the pass advantage, or (b) a pass that gives the receiving player a posi- to Adler. RULING: In (a), credit Adams with an assist. In (b) tional advantage he or she otherwise would not have had. and (c), credit Allen with an assist. In (d), credit Adler with Philosophy. An assist should be more than a routine pass an assist. that just happens to be followed by a field goal. It should be a A.R. 11. Adams goes up to either shoot or pass. The conscious effort to find the open player or to help a player work ball goes straight up, is caught by Allen, who is open and free. There should not be a limit on the number of dribbles by scores. RULING: No assist is credited. the receiver. It is not even necessary that the assist be given A.R. 12. Adams passes to Allen. The ball is deflected on the last pass. There is no restraint on the distance or type of and is caught by Adler who is open for a layup. RULING: No shot made, for these are not the crucial factors in determining assist is credited. whether an assist should be credited. A.R. 13. In a jump-ball situation, Adams controls the A.R. 1. Adams passes to Allen who is breaking for the tip to Allen, who is open for a layup. RULING: If it is evident basket and Allen shoots and scores. (a) Allen was free when that Adams had sufficient control and intended to tip the he or she got the pass, (b) Allen was well guarded and had ball to Allen, then credit Adams with an assist. to make a move to get free, or (c) Allen was guarded but had no problem getting the shot off. RULING: In (a), credit A.R. 14. Adams passes the length of the court to Allen Adams with an assist. In (b), do not credit Adams with an who is open far behind the defense. Allen shoots a layup, assist. In (c), it will be a matter for the statistician to de- misses, but immediately rebounds and makes a follow cide the relative importance of the pass. If the statistician shot before any of the defensive players get close. RULING: thinks that the pass gave the shooter enough advantage Credit Adams with an assist. to shoot, then an assist should be credited to Adams. A.R.15. Adams throws a pass to himself or herself off A.R. 2. Adams passes to Allen, who (a) in the same mo- the backboard, and then shoots and makes the basket. tion with which Allen receives the pass shoots a hook shot RULING: Credit Adams with a FGA and FGM, but no assist and scores or (b) turns around and falls away as he or she or rebound. shoots and scores. RULING: In (a), credit Adams with an as- Note: While a fair amount of latitude exists in deciding whether sist. In (b), since it appears that Allen had to make quite a to award an assist, an attempt has been made to achieve some move to work free, do not credit Adams with an assist. level of consistency. It is impossible to specify how many assists A.R. 3. Adams lobs the ball to Allen, who catches it and should be given during a game. However, from game analysis, shoots while still in the air and scores. RULING: Credit Ad- about 50-60 percent of a team’s field goals involve the crediting ams with an assist. of an assist. This is only an average figure; individual games and individual teams may vary considerably and may not fall within A.R. 4. (a) Adams throws a long inbounds pass or (b) this range. The style of play of the teams involved will have a bear- takes a rebound off the defensive board and throws a long ing on the number of assists credited. If a play-by-play is available, outlet pass to Allen, who shoots and scores. RULING: In check it to determine what types of shots were made. Chances are, both instances, unless Allen had to make a move to get these factors will help you decide whether you are correctly award- free after catching the pass, credit Adams with an assist. ing assists. A.R. 5. Adams passes to Allen, who is about 20 feet It is strongly recommended that the same member of the crew from the basket. Allen immediately shoots and scores. of statisticians be responsible for keeping assists for both teams RULING: This probably is the toughest decision involving and that this person’s duties other than keeping assists not be so great as to hamper the keeping of assists. By having the same per- and Benton had to struggle, then Benton should receive son keep assists for both teams, the differences of opinion that ex- credit. If the deflection was significant, then credit Brown. ist in borderline cases will not affect the balance between the two If there is doubt, credit the steal to the player who made teams. the initial deflection, in this case Brown. A.R. 6. Allen passes the ball to Adams. (a) Brown knocks the ball back at Allen so that it rebounds off Allen SECTION 6—STEALS out of bounds or (b) Brown knocks the ball down so that A steal is credited to a player when the player’s positive, ag- it rebounds off Adler out of bounds. RULING: In both cas- gressive action(s), which includes contact with the ball, causes es, charge Allen with a turnover and credit Brown with a a turnover by an opponent. This may be accomplished by: steal. (a) Taking the ball away from an opponent in control of the A.R. 7. Allen is dribbling when he or she mishandles the ball. ball and it bounces toward Brown, who recovers it. RUL- ING: Charge Allen with a turnover, but do not credit Brown (b) Getting a hand on the ball in control of an opponent and with a steal, as Brown did not initiate the action. causing a held ball to be called, and having his or her team be awarded the ball for a throw-in. A.R. 8. Allen is dribbling the ball and bobbles it. Brown reaches in and takes the ball away. RULING: The dribble (c) Batting a ball in control of an opponent to a teammate. ends when the dribbler is unable to immediately catch or (d) Batting a ball in control of an opponent away from and continue to dribble the ball. The statistician must decide off the opponent and out of bounds. whether the bobble caused Allen to be unable to control (e) Intercepting an opponent’s pass. the ball. If the decision is that there was no control when (f) Deflecting an opponent’s pass to a teammate. Brown got the ball then there is no steal. If the decision is (g) Deflecting an opponent’s pass away from and off an op- that there still was control, then credit Brown with a steal. ponent and out of bounds. In both cases, charge Allen with a turnover. Related rules in the NCAA Men’s and Women’s Basketball A.R. 9. Allen drives for the basket, is cut off by Brown Rules and Interpretations: and charges into Brown, drawing a foul. RULING: Charge (1) 4-15: Definition of “Control—Player, Team” Allen with a turnover, but do not credit Brown with a steal. (2) 4-37: Definition of “Held Ball” A.R. 10. Allen passes the ball for Adams. Brown steps (3) 4-48: Definition of “Pass” in front of Adams and Brown (a) has the ball for a split sec- (4) 7-1: “Out of Bounds—Player, Ball” ond before stepping out of bounds, (b) has the ball under Philosophy. To earn a steal, the defensive player should be control but steps out of bounds as he or she starts up the the initiator of the action causing the turnover, not just the court, (c) catches the ball just as he or she is going out of benefactor. The steal should be a take-away, not just a recovery bounds and throws the ball backward to be caught by and not just a forced error. Benton, (d) catches the ball just as he or she is going out Refer to the following Approved Rulings in this manual as of bounds and throws the ball backward to be caught by they involve steals: Adler, or (e) has the ball under control and tries to pass the Section 1, Article 2, A.R. 8 Section 4, Article 2, A.R. 18 ball to Benton but it is caught by Adler. RULING: In (a) and Section 1, Article 8, A.R. 4 Section 4, Article 2, A.R. 22 (d), neither charge nor credit anything. In (b), charge both Section 3, Article 2, A.R. 1 Section 4, Article 2, A.R. 24 Allen and Brown with turnovers and credit Brown with a Section 4, Article 2, A.R. 10 Section 4, Article 2, A.R. 30 steal. In (c), charge Allen with a turnover and credit Brown Section 4, Article 2, A.R. 12 Section 7, A.R. 2 with a steal. In (e), charge Allen and Brown with turnovers Section 4, Article 2, A.R. 17 Section 7, A.R. 3 and credit Brown and Adler with steals. A.R. 1. Allen is holding or dribbling the ball when Brown A.R. 11. Brown applies vigorous defense and Allen takes the ball away. RULING: Charge Allen with a turnover (a) travels, (b) double dribbles, (c) fails to make a throw- and credit Brown with a steal. in within five seconds or (d) fails to advance the ball into front court within 10 seconds. RULING: In all cases, charge A.R. 2. Allen is dribbling the ball when Brown bats it Allen with a turnover but do not credit Brown with a steal. away to Benton. RULING: Charge Allen with a turnover and credit Brown with a steal. A.R. 12. Allen has the ball and is being guarded by Brown. A held ball or a closely guarded violation is called A.R. 3. Allen is dribbling the ball when Brown bats the and Team B is awarded the ball for a throw-in. (a) The held ball away off Allen, sending the ball out of bounds. RUL- ball was called because Brown got a hand on the ball as ING: Charge Allen with a turnover and credit Brown with described in Rule 4-37 of the NCAA Men’s and Women’s a steal. Basketball Rules or (b) the closely guarded violation was A.R. 4. Allen passes the ball to Adams. (a) Brown cuts called after a five-second count as described in Rule 9-14 in front of Adams and intercepts the pass, (b) the pass is of the rules book. RULING: In both cases, charge Allen with overthrown and goes right to Brown, (c) Brown is run- a turnover. In (a), credit Brown with a steal. In (b), there is ning beside Adams step-for-step and the ball goes right to no steal credited. Brown, (d) the pass is juggled slightly by Adams and Brown reaches in and takes the ball away from Adams, or (e) the pass is too high for Adams and he or she barely touches it as it goes over Adams’ head to Brown. RULING: In (a), (b), SECTION 7—BLOCKED SHOTS (c) and (e), charge Allen with a turnover. In (d), charge Ad- A blocked shot is credited to a player any time the player ap- ams with a turnover. In (a), (c) and (d), credit Brown with preciably alters the flight of a FGA and the shot is not made a steal. and goaltending is not called, or while in the obvious act of shooting the ball is stuffed or knocked loose before it is in flight A.R. 5. Allen passes the ball to Adams. (a) Brown de- flects the pass and it is easily picked up by Benton, (b) and no foul is called. In addition to being in the obvious act of Brown tips the pass and Benton cuts in front of Adams to shooting, the shooting hand must be moving toward the bas- intercept or (c) Brown deflects the pass and Benton gains ket in the shooting position or the shooter must be airborne control of the ball after a scramble with Adams. RULING: In and moving toward the basket with the intention of a dunk or all cases, charge Allen with a turnover. In (a), credit Brown lay-up and the ball must be in position for the shot. If there is with a steal. In (b), credit Benton with a steal. In (c), the doubt about whether the player was in the act of shooting, the statistician will have to decide who played the most im- interpretation shall be that he or she was not. portant part in the steal. If the deflection was not great Philosophy. A blocked shot should be credited only when the shot clearly is in flight or the player is in the obvious act of shooting. In cases where the ball is knocked loose before the called. Team B is awarded the ball for a throw-in, (e) Ad- player is in the act of shooting, the statistic in question should ams is in a shooting position and Brown never touches be a steal. the ball but his or her position prevents Adams releas- Refer to the following Approved Rulings in the manual, ing the shot. A traveling violation is called and the ball is which involve blocked shots: awarded to Team B. RULING: In (a) and (b), charge Adams Section 1, Article 2, A.R. 6 Section 3, Article 1, A.R. 8 with a FGA, credit Brown with a blocked shot and give an Section 3, Article 1, A.R. 7 individual rebound to whomever recovered the ball. In (c), charge Adams with a FGA and credit him or her with an A.R. . (This also appears in Section 1, Article 8, A.R. 1.) 1 individual rebound and credit Brown with a blocked shot. Allen shoots and the shot is touched by Brown in an at- In (d), charge Adams with a FGA and credit Brown with a tempt to block the shot. The ball continues into the basket. blocked shot and an individual rebound. In (e), only charge RULING: Since the ball continued into the basket, Brown’s Adams with a turnover. touching it did not alter its flight appreciably. Ignore the touching, charge Allen with a FGA and credit with a FGM, A.R. 5. (This also appears in Section 1, Article 4, A.R. 1.) but do not credit Brown with a blocked shot. Adams shoots and is fouled by Brown. (a) The foul occurs before the ball clearly is in flight and the shot is made; (b) . (This also appears in Section 4, Article 2, A.R. 24) A.R. 2 the foul occurs before the ball clearly is in flight and the Adams is in the act of shooting. Brown knocks away the shot is missed; (c) the foul occurs before the ball clearly is in ball (a) after the ball clearly is in flight, (b) just as the ball is flight and the shot is blocked by Benton; (d) the foul occurs leaving Adams’ hand, (c) as Adams’ shooting hand is mov- after the ball clearly is in flight and the shot is made; (e) the ing toward the basket in the shooting position, (d) before foul occurs after the ball clearly is in flight and the shot is Adams’ shooting hand is moving toward the basket and missed; or (f) the foul occurs after the ball clearly is in flight Team A gains control, or (e) before Adams’ shooting hand and the shot is blocked by Benton. RULING: In (a) and (d), is moving toward the basket and Team B gains control. charge Adams with a FGA and credit with a FGM. In (b) and Ruling: in (a), (b) and (c), charge Adams with a FGA and (c), do not charge Adams with a FGA. Without a FGA, there credit Brown with a blocked shot and give an individual can be no blocked shot credited in (c). In (e) and (f), charge rebound to whomever recovered the ball. In (d), nothing is Adams with a FGA and credit Team A with a dead-ball re- charged. In (e), charge Adams with a turnover and credit bound. Also, in (f), credit Benton with a blocked shot. Brown with a steal. A.R. 3. Adams is in the act of shooting. (a) As Adams brings the ball forward, Brown ties Adams up and a held ball is called. Team A is awarded the ball for a throw-in. SECTION 8—GAME PLAYED (b) As Adams brings the ball forward, Brown ties Adams up For statistical purposes, a game played is credited to an indi- and a held ball is called. Team B is awarded the ball for a vidual anytime he or she becomes a “player,” whether or not the throw-in. (c) After the ball is in flight, Brown blocks the ball player touches the ball. However, an individual is not charged and grabs it, then Adams ties Brown up and a held ball is with a game played if all three of the following statements are called. Team A is awarded the ball for a throw-in. (d) After true, while he or she is a player: the ball is in flight, Brown blocks the ball and grabs it, then (a) The clock does not start (with allowances for accidental Adams ties Brown up and a held ball is called. Team B is starts or failures to start); awarded the ball for a throw-in. (e) After the ball is in flight, (b) The player is not charged with a FGA, FTA, or turnover, or Brown blocks the ball back to Adams, then Brown ties Ad- credited with an assist, steal or blocked shot; and ams up and a held ball is called. Team A is awarded the ball for a throw-in. (f) After the ball is in flight, Brown blocks the (c) The player is not charged with a violation or foul, either ball back to Adams, then Brown ties Adams and a held ball personal or technical. is called. Team B is awarded the ball for a throw-in. (g) Af- Related rules in the NCAA Men’s and Women’s Basketball ter the ball is in flight, Brown blocks the ball and both Ad- Rules and Interpretations: ams and Brown grab it simultaneously. Team A is awarded 3-4: “Substitutions” the ball for a throw-in. (h) After the ball is in flight, Brown Philosophy. An individual should not be penalized in na- blocks the ball and both Adams and Brown grab it simul- tional per-game rankings for participation in a game that in- taneously. Team B is awarded the ball for a throw-in. RUL- volved no elapsed time and no statistics. ING: In (a) and (g), charge Adams with a FGA and credit A.R. . The game is stopped for a two-shot free-throw him or her with an individual rebound. Credit Brown with 1 attempt. Adams enters the game. (a) Adams is not the a blocked shot. In (b) and (h), charge Adams with a FGA shooter and both free throws are made. Adams leaves and credit Brown with a blocked shot and an individual the game before the ensuing throw-in or (b) Adams is the rebound. There is no turnover. In (c), charge Adams with shooter and makes both free throws. Adams leaves the a FGA, credit Brown with a blocked shot and an individual game before the ensuing throw-in. RULING: In (a), do not rebound and charge him or her with a turnover. Credit Ad- charge Adams with a game played. In (b), credit Adams ams with a steal. In (d), charge Adams with a FGA, credit with two FGMs, two FGAs, two points, a game played and Brown with a blocked shot and an individual rebound. In enter “0” under minutes played. (e), charge Adams with a FGA, credit Brown with a blocked shot, and credit Adams with an individual rebound. In (f), A.R. 2. Before a single free throw is attempted, Adams charge Adams with a FGA, credit Brown with a blocked enters the game. The free throw is missed, but there is a shot, credit Adams with an individual rebound and charge free-throw violation. The clock never starts and Adams him or her with a turnover. Credit Brown with a steal. leaves the game. The violation is against (a) Adams or (b) another player. RULING: In (a), charge Adams with a game A.R. 4. Adams has the ball in the free-throw lane and jumps toward the basket in a clear attempt for a dunk or played since he or she had a violation (and a turnover). En- layup. As Adams’ body momentum carries him or her to- ter “0” under minutes played. In (b), do not charge Adams ward the basket, (a) the ball is cocked behind his or her with a game played. head with both hands and Brown knocks the ball away, A.R. 3. Before the first of two free throws is attempted, (b) Adams holds the ball high in the air and Brown knocks Adams enters the game. During the first throw, Adams is the ball away, (c) Adams is in a shooting position and charged with a violation or a personal foul. Adams then Brown places his or her hand on the ball to prevent Adams leaves the game. RULING: Since Adams is charged with from releasing the shot and a held ball is called. Team A is either a violation or a foul, charge Adams with a game awarded the ball for a throw-in, (d) Adams is in a shooting played and enter “0” under minutes played. position and Brown places his or her hand on the ball to A.R. 4. Before a single free throw is attempted, Adams prevent Adams from releasing the shot and a held ball is enters the game. The free throw is missed, and (a) the ball bounces out of bounds untouched and the clock never Refer to the following Approved Rulings in this manual as starts or (b) the ball is touched, the clock runs for three sec- they involve minutes played: onds, and the ball is knocked out of bounds before anyone Section 8, A.R. 5 Section 8, A.R. 6 gains control. Adams leaves the game. RULING: In (a), do A.R. 1. (This also appears in Section 8, A.R. 2.) Before a not charge Adams with a game played. In (b), charge Ad- single free throw is attempted, Adams enters the game. The ams with a game played since the clock started (properly). free throw is missed, but there is a free-throw violation. The Enter “0+” under minutes played. clock never starts and Adams leaves the game. The viola- A.R. 5. On the opening jump ball, Brown shoves Adams tion is against (a) Adams or (b) another player. RULING: In as both jump for the ball. Brown shoves Adams so hard (a), charge Adams with a game played since Adams had a that Adams is injured and has to leave the game. Brown violation (and a turnover). Enter “0” under minutes played. is ejected. The ball never is touched and the clock does not In (b), do not charge Adams with a game played. start. RULING: Do not charge Adams with a game played. A.R. 2. (This also appears in Section 8, A.R. 3.) Before However, charge Brown with a game played since Brown the first of two free throws is attempted, Adams enters is charged with a foul. Enter “0” under minutes played for the game. During the first throw, Adams is charged with a Brown. violation or a personal foul. Adams then leaves the game. A.R. 6. On the opening jump ball, the ball is batted out RULING: Since Adams is charged with either a violation or of bounds. The clock runs for three seconds, then stops, a foul, charge Adams with a game played and enter “0” and Adams leaves before the ensuing throw-in. RULING: under minutes played. Charge Adams with a game played. Enter “0+” under min- A.R. 3. (This also appears in Section 8, A.R. 4.) Before utes played. a single free throw is attempted, Adams enters the game. A.R. 7. Adams reports as a substitute. A timeout is The free throw is missed, and (a) the ball bounces out of called when the clock stops and Adams is replaced. RUL- bounds untouched and the clock never starts, or (b) the ING: Do not charge Adams with a game played. ball is touched, the clock runs for three seconds, and the A.R. 8. Adams does not play in the game but while sit- ball is knocked out of bounds before anyone gains con- ting on the bench yells at the referee and receives a tech- trol. Adams leaves the game. RULING: In (a), do not charge nical foul. RULING: Charge Adams with at technical foul Adams with a game played. In (b), charge Adams with a but do not credit Adams with a game played and enter “0” game played since the clock started (properly). Enter “0+” under minutes played. under minutes played.

SECTION 9—MINUTES PLAYED STATISTICS ACCURACY CHECK Article 1. Minutes played may be kept and reported either To balance a box score, the sum of Team A’s offensive re- to the second or to the nearest minute. bounds and Team B’s defensive rebounds must equal the to- tal number of missed shots by Team A. Also, the sum of Team Article 2. If minutes played are rounded to the nearest min- B’s offensive rebounds and Team A’s defensive rebounds must ute, times less than 30 seconds should be rounded to zero and equal the number of missed shots by Team B. times of 30 seconds or more should be rounded to the next Neither check guarantees that there are no mistakes, but higher minute. they do indicate that mistakes are unlikely. Article 3. The following symbols should be used: If the box score does not balance and the mistake cannot be (a) A team member who “plays” exactly zero seconds should found, the following suggestions may help: be given “0” minutes played. (1) Check the dead-ball rebounds. Look at the number of (b) A team member who plays between zero and 30 seconds two-shot fouls where the first FTA was missed. should be given “0+” minutes played. (2) Check the team rebounds. Think about whether either (c) A team member who plays at least 39 minutes, 30 sec- team was awarded the ball for a throw-in when the ball onds (but not the entire 40 minutes) should be given went out of bounds after a shot. “40-” minutes played. (3) If there was a feeling during the game that an individual (d) If all team members are listed on the box score and a should have been credited with another rebound, see if member does not play at all, or “plays” but is not charged that will help. with a game played, “DNP” should be recorded under (4) Go back and decide whether another dead-ball rebound minutes played. should be added. Note: A “game played” or “game started” would not be ruled out (5) If the feeling is that the error is in the individual or team by the use of a “0” under minutes played. rebounds but there is no idea about which one or about Philosophy. When reported to the nearest minute, min- which player, consider adjusting the team rebounds. utes played are approximations and the conventional rules for These suggestions also can be used if there are too many rounding should apply. A time of “0” or “0+” merely indicates rebounds. Strive for perfection, but when there are mistakes, the actual time is less than one-half minute. A time of “40” or adjust them in a sensible manner. Do not merely “plug in” “40-” indicates the actual time is at least 39 1/2 minutes. rebounds.