Rules interpretations Several people have asked me over the past month about the interpretation for the three-second rule. I think it is a rule worth covering again. Being in the key for more than three seconds doesn’t constitute an automatic call. Article 26.1.2 (extract) Allowances must be made for a player who: • Makes an attempt to leave the restricted area • Is in the restricted area when he or his team-mate is in the act of shooting and the ball is leaving or just left the player’s hand(s) on the shot for a field goal • Dribbles in the restricted area to shoot for a field goal after having been there for less than three consecutive seconds These are allowances that aren’t often considered. We must also apply advantage/disadvantage to this – has the player clearly gained the advantage of being in the area for more than three seconds? The call should be visible to everyone, not simply a player with their foot caught in the edge of the restricted area. Have the mentality of “do I need to call this”, as opposed to trying to “catch the player out” and calling it. In effect, this call should be made once the player has been in the area for more than three seconds, then receives the ball or sets an effective screen for a team-mate. Once you allow the player to receive the ball, the player has the right to then make a play. Philosophically, many coaches believe players in the restricted area obtain the advantage of being in a better rebounding position. We can only judge the advantage gained at the time – once the shot has left the shooters hand, then three seconds no longer applies. In saying that, I would suggest if a player is frequently in the keyhole for more than three seconds, but inactive in play, then obtains several rebounds, you do consider calling the player for the violation before the shot is released. Your first approach however would be to talk to that player. Three seconds is an area that we should use preventative officiating – vocally encourage players to leave the area to avoid potentially making a call. Most players respond well to this Melony
Posted on: Mon, 08 Jul 2013 09:18:59 +0000
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