Rule No. 6: Putting Ball In Play: Live/Dead Ball
| I: Start of Games/Periods and Others | II: Live Ball | III: Jump Balls in Center Circle |
| IV: Other Jump Balls | V: Restrictions Governing Jump Balls | VI: Dead Ball |
| VII: Ball is Alive |
I: Start of Games/Periods and Others
a. The game, second half and overtime(s) shall be started with a jump ball in the center circle.
b. In putting the ball into play, the thrower-in may run along the endline or pass it to a teammate who is also out-of-bounds at the endline-as after a score.
c. After any dead ball, play shall be resumed by a jump ball, a throw-in or by placing the ball at the disposal of a free-thrower.
d. On the following violations, the ball shall be awarded to the opposing team out-of-bounds at the nearest spot where the violation occurred:
(1) Three-seconds
(2) Ball entering basket from below
(3) Offensive screen set out-of-bounds
(4) Free throw violation by the offensive team
(5) Flagrant foul-penalty (1) or (2)
(6) Jump ball at free throw circle
(7) Ball over backboard
(8) Offensive basket interference
(9) Ball hitting horizontal basket support
(10) Loose ball fouls which occur inside the free throw line extended
e. On the following violations, the ball shall be awarded to the opposing team on the baseline at the nearest spot:
(1) Ball out-of-bounds on baseline
(2) Ball hitting vertical basket support
(3) Defensive goaltending
(4) During a throw-in on the baseline
(5) Inadvertent whistle which is prior to a baseline throw-in
f. On the following violations, the ball shall be awarded to the opposing team out-of-bounds at the nearest spot where the violation occurred:
(1) Where ball is out-of-bounds on sideline
(2) Traveling
(3) Double dribble
(4) Striking or kicking the ball
(5) Swinging of elbows
(6) 30-second violation
(7) Inadvertent whistle when player control exists and the ball is in play
g. Upon resumption of play, the ball shall be awarded out-of-bounds at the nearest spot following a regular or 20-second timeout.
Exception: Rule 5-Section VII-d.
h. On a violation which requires putting the ball in play in the backcourt, the official will give the ball to the offensive player as soon as she is in a position out-of-bounds and ready to accept the ball.
Exception: In the last minute of each half or overtime, a reasonable amount of time shall be allowed for a substitution.
a. The ball becomes live when:
(1) It is tossed by an official on any jump ball.
(2) It is at the disposal of the offensive player for a throw-in.
(3) It is placed at the disposal of a free throw shooter.
Section III-Jump Balls in Center Circle
a. The ball shall be put into play in the center circle by a jump ball between any two opponents:
(1) At the start of the game
(2) At the start of each overtime period
(3) A double free throw violation
(4) Double foul during a loose ball situation
(5) The ball becomes dead when neither team is in control and no field goal or infraction is involved
(6) The ball comes to rest on the basket flange or becomes lodged between the basket ring and the backboard
(7) A double foul which occurs as a result of a difference in opinion between officials
(8) A suspension of play occurs during a loose ball
(9) A fighting foul occurs during a loose ball situation
(10) The officials are in doubt as to which team hit the ball out-of-bounds and the players involved cannot be identified.
b. In all cases above, the jump ball shall be between any two opponents in the game at that time. If injury, ejection or disqualification makes it necessary for any player to be replaced, her substitute may not participate in the jump ball.
a. The ball shall be put into play by a jump ball at the circle which is closest to the spot where:
(1) A held ball occurs
(2) A ball out-of-bounds caused by both teams
(3) An official is in doubt as to who last touched the ball
b. The jump ball shall be between the two involved players unless injury or ejection precludes one of the jumpers from participation. If the injured or ejected player must leave the game, the coach of the opposing team shall select from his/her opponent's bench a player who will replace the injured or ejected player. The injured player will not be permitted to re-enter the game.
Section V-Restrictions Governing Jump Balls
a. Each jumper must have at least one foot on or inside that half of the jumping circle which is farthest from her own basket. Each jumper must have both feet within the restraining circle.
b. The ball must be tapped by one or both of the players participating in the jump ball after it reaches its highest point. If the ball falls to the floor without being tapped by at least one of the jumpers, the official off the ball shall whistle the ball dead and signal another toss.
c. Neither jumper may tap the tossed ball before it reaches its highest point.
d. Neither jumper may leave the jumping circle until the ball has been tapped.
e. Neither jumper may catch the tossed or tapped ball until it touches one of the eight non-jumpers, the floor, the basket or the backboard.
f. Neither jumper is permitted to tap the ball more than twice on any jump ball.
g. The eight non-jumpers will remain outside the restraining circle until the ball has been tapped. Teammates may not occupy adjacent positions around the restraining circle if an opponent desires one of the positions.
Penalty for c., d., e., f., g.: Ball awarded out-of-bounds to the opponent.
h. Player position on the restraining circle is determined by the direction of a player's basket. The player whose basket is nearest shall have first choice of position, with position being alternated thereafter.
a. The ball becomes dead and/or remains dead when the following occurs:
(1) Held ball
(2) Ball comes to rest on the basket flange or becomes lodged between the basket ring and the backboard
(3) Time expires for the end of any period
(4) Free throw attempt for a technical foul
(5) Personal foul (punching, away-from-the-play)
(6) Free throw which is the first of multiple attempts
(7) Floor violation (traveling, 3-sec, 30-sec, 10-sec, etc.)
(8) Fighting foul
(9) Inadvertent whistle
(10) Prior to player possession out-of-bounds following a successful field goal or free throw, whereby ball is going to be put into play by a throw-in. Contact which is not considered unsportsmanlike shall be ignored.
Exception: The ball does not become dead when (3) occurs with a live ball in flight.
a. The ball becomes alive when
(1) It is legally tapped by one of the participants of a jump ball
(2) It is released by the thrower-in
(3) It is released by the free throw shooter