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 a Jump Ball, after the ball is tapped, the ball hits the referee. Before the ball hits the floor, it is caught by one gf the jumpers.
Handle the situation.
This is legal play. While the jumpers are not permitted to catch the jump ball before the jump ball ends, it ends when the ball touches the floor, one of the eight non-jumpers, an official, a basket or a backboard. Since the ball had touched an official, the jump ball has ended and all players were permitted to possess the ball.
(References: Rule 6-3-7c, 6-3-8)
Have you seen an unusual play? Let all officials benefit from it by sending it to Play of the Day