Self Pass Rules

Question
In a youth game last week, the ball was out in front, a player caught up with the ball, and clearly possessed the ball without walking. He looked up saw his teammate and clearly passed him the ball, the player being passed to was not looking and since the player who passed the ball was out in front, he was able to catch up to his pass (after several steps) and begin dribbling (without picking the ball up first) to the basket for a layup. Is this a legal play?

Thanks for your help.

Answer
Hi Jeff,

Thank you for your question.

The answer to your question is:

If in the opinion of the official the player with the ball attempting to make the pass did in fact make a legitimate pass attempt, rather than fumbling the ball, then no it is NOT a legal play to pass the ball and be the first player to touch the ball. This means he/she cannot pick up the ball, dribble it or even be the first player to touch it after making a pass attempt. This would be a violation and the opposing team should be awarded the ball.

Hope that helps.