The play described below is provided for your review and discussion. The rulings given are based on NFHS rules. NCAA rulings may be different.
During the jump ball, A-5 taps the ball toward the sideline. A-1 runs over, steps on the sideline and catches the ball. The official rules an out-of-bounds violation and awards the ball to Team B. Which way should the alternating possession arrow be set?
The out-of-bounds violation occurs when A-1 touches the ball. Therefore, by rule there was no possession of a live ball before the violation. Team B receives the first possession when Team B is awarded the ball for the throw-in. Therefore, the alternating possession arrow should be pointed at Team A’s basket when the ball is put at the disposal of Team B for the throw-in.
(References: Rule 6-4-1, 4-3-3a)
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Another great question that can happen frequently and that we definitely want to make sure we handle properly.