Jump Ball Rules: When Does the Umpire Start the Clock?
Question
When does the umpire chop the clock on a jump ball. The rules say when the ball is "legally touched." When is it legally touched? Is it on the centers tip, or is it when a player outside of the circle touches the ball?
Answer
According to the instructions to and for timers in th national federation of high school basketball rules:
START THE OFFICIAL TIMEPIECE WHEN:
1. A tossed ball is legally tapped when play is started by a jump.
So the tip itself starts the clock. Note that if using a shot clock it does not start until one team possesses the ball. I recall a before teams alternated possession on jump bals where this was more important on jump balls 1-2 seconds left at their free throw line players would try to tip it in the basket off the jump ball.
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