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Basketball Instruction/Midcourt violation...or not.

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Expert: - 3/26/2010


Question
Hi Bret.
Can an offense player :
a) dribble from his defense zone to the midcourt, stop on top of it -one feet on both side- then pass to one of his player in the offense zone ?
b) receive a pass at midcourt from his defense zone - same thing, standing still, one feet on both side - then pass to one of his player in the offense zone ?
I called midcourt violation but he argued that this was totally legal.

Thanks

Answer
I think I'm having a problem understanding what you mean by defensive zone, offensive zone. Here is the mid-court violation rule. In order for a back court violation to occur, the player with the ball must cross the mid court line with both feet and the ball. At this point, the player now has Front Court Status. If he/she steps into the back court or passes the ball to a player in the back court that has not established front court status, it's a violation. You can have 1 foot in the front court, and 1 foot in the back court, and it's not a violation until all 3 points have crossed the line; both feet and the ball. I hope that cleared it up. Let me know if you need more of an explanation.  

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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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