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Basketball Instruction/Out of bounds rules

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Expert: Bret Temple - 1/15/2009


Question
I have been given conflicting but very adamant interpretations of the following:
A player is out of bounds when he touches a ball from an in-bounds player.  One official has explained that the player out of bounds is dead to the play and the ball is called out against the in-bounds player.  Another official has said that even though a player is out of bounds, the ball is called against the last player who touches it regardless of their location.  Which is correct ?  or are the rules different college versus pro games?

Answer
Hi Steve

The 2nd official is correct. All 10 players on the court have to have some kind of status. For example, in-bounds, out of bounds, front court, back court, etc. Even though a player is out-of=bounds he still counts. If the out of bounds player is the last person to touch the ball, then it's out of bounds on him/her. The official that told you the wrong information sounds like he is a new or inexperienced official. There is no rule difference between college or the pros when it comes to this call. I hope that answers your question.

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Bret Temple

Expertise

My expertise is in the art of Officiating Basketball and I can answer questions pertaining to basketball rules; youth level through CIF High School, NCAA college and NBA rules as well. I can either help define a specific rule for you, or interpret a specific rule to clarify how other officials and I view and call the game.

Experience

I have been a Basketball Official now for over 19 years, officiating at all levels. I have attended numerous training camps throughout the years in an attempt to constantly become a better official. I have been evaluated by top Officiating organizations and I've had the honor of being selected to officiate at the highest levels including former Division 1 College and NBA players.

Organizations
NASO (National Association of Sports Officials) CBOA (California Basketball Officials Association)

Education/Credentials
El Sorrino Officials Association Accreditation CIF Certified(California Interscholastic Federation) WCPBL(West Coast Professional Baskeball League) The NBA Developmental League training

Past/Present Clients
Los Angeles City Parks and Recreation, Calabasas Basketball League, Calabasas Semi-Pro Men's League, AYBA California Interscholatic Federation, ARC League , (WCPBL)West Coast Professional Basketball League, Gary Grant Youth Basketball Program

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