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National Wheelchair Basketball Association 2007-2008 Official Rules Case Book NATIONAL WHEELCHAIR BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION OFFICIAL RULES AND CASE BOOK 2007-08 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE President.......................................................Ian Jaquiss, Portland, OR First Vice-President ...............................Daniel P. Byrnes, Muncie, IN Second Vice-President ........................Patrick McCoy, Las Vegas, NV Secretary .......................................Tom Vandever, Charlottesville, VA Treasurer ................................................Julie Duncan, Lexington, KY Commissioner .............................................Dick Bryant, Charlotte, NC National Wheelchair Basketball Association 6165 Lehman Drive Colorado Springs, CO 80918 (719) 266-4082 email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it www.nwba.org YOUR ATTENTION IS CALLED TO THE OFFICIAL 2007-2008 MEN'S AND WOMEN'S RULES BOOK PUBLISHED AND DISTRIBUTED BY THE NCAA PUBLISHING SERVICE AND COPYRIGHT BY: THE NATIONAL COLLEGIATE ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION P.O Box 6222 Indianapolis, IN 46206-6222 (317) 917-6222 www.NCAA.org Requests for interpretations of wheelchair basketball (NWBA) rules or play situations should be addressed to: National Wheelchair Basketball Association 6917 Grand Prairie Drive Colorado Springs, CO 80918 TABLE OF CONTENTS Page 2007- 08 NCAA COMMITTEE ACTIONS.……………………..i-ii 2007- 08 DIVISION I RULES…………........................................iii-vi FOREWORD ..................................................................................1 RULE 1 - COURT AND EQUIPMENT..........................................1 Official Chair ...............................................................1-2 RULE 2 - OFFICIALS AND THEIR DUTIES............................2-3 RULE 3 - PLAYERS, SUBSTITUTES & EQUIPMENT...............3 Eligibility.........................................................................3 RULE 4 - DEFINITIONS................................................................4 Dribble.............................................................................4 Pivot.................................................................................4 RULE 5 - SCORING AND TIMING REGULATIONS.................5 RULE 6 - LIVE BALL AND DEAD BALL...................................5 The Jump..........................................................................5 RULE 7 - OUT OF BOUNDS AND THROW-IN..........................5 RULE 8 - VIOLATIONS AND PENALTIES.................................5 Four-Second Rule............................................................6 Tilting Chair.....................................................................6 Player Falling Out of Chair..............................................6 RULE 9- FOULS AND PENALTIES.............................................7 Personal & Physical Advantage Fouls…………….........7 Physical Advantage Foul.................................................7 RULE 10-CLASSIFICATION AND TEAM BALANCE............8-9 RULE 11-FREE THROW LANE REQUIREMENT…………....10 COMMENTS ON THE RULES...............................................11-13 INDEX TO RULES.......................................................................14 JUNIOR DIVISION RULES....................................................15-16 WOMEN’S DIVISION RULES....................................................17 CASE STUDY - TABLE OF CONTENTS...................................18 The National Collegiate Athletic Association P.O. Box 6222 Indianapolis, Indiana 46206-6222 Phone: (317) 917-6222 www.ncaa.org 2007-2008 NCAA Committee Actions The rule and page references are for the 2007-2008 NCAA Men’s and Women’s Basketball Rules Book. Three-Point Line (Rule 1-7, page 29): Effective for the 2008-2009 season, the three-point line distance will be changed to 20 feet, 9 inches. Rationale: This will allow for better court spacing and open up the land for a free-flowing game. Courtside Monitor (Rule 2-5.1.a, page 42): The officials may use the monitor to assess the situation when a fight is declared. Rationale: Officials are currently allowed to use the monitor, but this will require review of a fight situation to ensure that all unsportsmanlike behavior is addressed. Courtside Monitor (Rule 2-5, page 42): The officials may use the courtside television monitor, when available, to determine whether or not a flagrant foul occurred. Rationale: The official is not allowed to go to the monitor for a flagrant foul now if the situation has been deemed a fight. Back Panel of Uniform (Rule 3-5.1, page 69): When a back shoulder panel I used, it shall extend no more that three (3) inches from the shoulder seam, may be arched or horizontal. Rationale: This allows another area for creativity in uniform designs without affecting the visibility of the number. Uniform Patches (Rule 3-5.7, page 70): Any commemorative/memorial patches worn on the uniform shall be a maximum of 2¼ square inches. Rationale: No size restrictions currently exist. Uniform Patch Placement (Rule 3-5.7, page 70): A single commemorative/memorial patch, flag, institutional or conference logo or mascot may be worn at the center of the neckline or apex on the back of the game jersey. Rationale: No patch, flag or logo is currently allowed in this area. Hair Control Devices (Rule 3-5.15, page 72): Any item that goes around the head, including headbands or hair control devices, shall be of a single solid color, no more than two (2) inches wide with only one institutional or manufacturer’s logo and the dominant color of the game jersey or white, black or beige (women only). Hard items including but not limited to barrettes, beads and bobby pins are prohibited. Rationale: This makes hair control devices consistent with the headband rule and adds beige and black as possible colors. Throw-In Ends (Rule 4-65.5, page 102): A throw-in shall end when a passed ball is touched inbounds or out-of-bounds by another player on the playing court, before going out-of-bounds. Rationale: This makes the end of throw-ins consistent. Free-Throw Alignment (Rule 8-1.4, page 138): To eliminate the first lane space nearest the basket on each side of the lane and using the present second, third and fourth lane spaces on each side of the lane as an alignment for free throws. Rationale: The players will be further from the basket during a free throw and will help eliminate the defensive player from ending up under the basket. (We already do this in the NWBA). Table Mechanic: The calling official shall report the infraction and move opposite the bench. Rationale: This was the previous protocol. DIVISION I RULES Division I games and tournaments will be played under these NBA rules: 1. Four (4) twelve (12) minute quarters; Five (5) minute overtime periods. 2. Twenty-four (24) second shot clock. 3. Clock will stop after a made field goal in the last minute of quarters 1-3, and will stop after a made field goal in the last two (2) minutes of quarter 4 and any overtime period. 4. Eight (8) second backcourt count. 5. Three (3) seconds in the key. 6. Six (6) fouls per player (this includes the technical fouls and PAF’s). Fouls committed while the ball is dead are technical fouls. 7. The offensive team may advance the ball to the 28-foot mark after a timeout. This must occur before inbounding the ball after a made basket, or immediately after securing a rebound or loose ball. 8. All jersey number(s) are legal ones. 9. A penalty (total of 2 shots) will be awarded on the 5th team foul in each quarter or on the second in the last two (2) minutes, whichever comes first. In overtime the penalty (total of 2 shots) is awarded on the 4th team foul or on the second in the last two (2) minutes, whichever comes first. Team fouls include personal fouls by defensive players and any loose ball fouls (i.e. offensive fouls and technical fouls are NOT team fouls). 10. One (1) free throw per indirect or unsporting technical foul; play resumes at the point of interruption; the foul is charged to the offending individual. The penalty for a flagrant foul is ejection of the offending player(s) with the fouled team receiving two (2) shots and possession of the ball at the division line. 11. Six (6) full time outs per regulation (plus 3 per overtime). These timeouts are 75 seconds long. Full timeouts do not accumulate into overtime. Each team is also given one (1) 20 second timeout per half. Unused timeouts in the second half are carried into overtime. 12. A maximum of five (5) players will be allowed on the lane during a free throw (3 defensive and 2 offensive). 13. No 45 second equipment timeouts. Teams may use a regular timeout or substitute. 14. Physical Advantage Fouls (PAF) are penalized by two (2) free throw and possession of the ball to the opposing team. PAF’s are NOT added to the player’s personal or technical foul total or to the team foul total. 15. Players may 'hop' wheelchair (all four wheels off the ground) and NOT be assessed a (PAF). One hop will instead be considered one push for the purposes of traveling violations. Players that hop or tilt into their opponents causing a competitive advantage may, however, be (assessed) a personal foul All other NCAA rules will be utilized NATIONAL WHEELCHAIR BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION OFFICIAL RULES Wheelchair Basketball is played according to the rules of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (Men's) except wherein modifications, deletions and additions have been made, as follows: RULE 1 - COURT AND EQUIPMENT Section 2. …The playing court shall be a rectangular surface free from obstructions and with minimum dimensions of 84 feet (25.60 m) in length and 50 feet (15.24 m) in width. For exceptions, see COMMENTS ON THE RULES. Section 24. The wheelchair used in tournament and league competition shall meet the following requirements: (a) The height of the seat rail must be no more than 21 inches. Measurement must be made from ground or court to the top of the seat rail bar (highest point) with player in the chair. (b) That part of the footrest or roll bar that projects forward the furthest and which would be the first point of contact with another wheelchair in head-on contact must be at a height of not more than five inches from the ground or court. (c) A strap must be attached firmly and drawn taut to the telescope bar of the foot rest platform. This strap shall measure no less than one and one-half inches in width and the bottom of the strap must be attached within six inches of the foot rests. In the case of all players, this strap should be drawn taut so that a foot may not be used as a brake.
(d) Use of a cushion is condoned, being of common understanding that it is for therapeutic reasons specifically. As such, it shall be composed of any therapeutic material as made by popular manufacturers, and shall not exceed four inches at its highest point (thickness) for Class I and II players, nor more than two inches at its highest point (thickness) for Class III players. Pneumatic cushions and contoured cushions are permissible providing they are commercially manufactured for therapeutic use and do not exceed thickness restrictions (above). Cushions composed of non-therapeutic materials, such as hard (non-pliable) rubber, wood, or other solid composition, shall not be acceptable. In all situations, the decision of the officials shall be final. (e) Each chair must be equipped with a roll bar, or the foot platforms must be adequately covered on their undersides to insure against damage to the playing surface.
(f) The footrest must have rounded or smooth corners. Door bumpers, knobs, projections of folding footrest, or other projection from the body of the footrest, which may readily become entangled in the wheels and/or spokes of another chair, or used to hook and/or hold an opponent, shall not be allowed.
(g) Any chair equipped with either a horizontal bar behind the backrest or push handles extending to the rear, must have these areas sufficiently padded so as to prevent injury to another player.
(h) A chair is permitted to have anti-tip casters attached to the underside or rear of the chair. The lowest point of the anti-tip caster cannot exceed 1 ' from the floor nor can any part of the anti-tip caster project from the chair rearward so that it would extend past any part of the rear wheels. RULE 2 - OFFICIALS AND THEIR DUTIES Section 1. ... In addition, the Officials shall aid in retrieving loose balls and aid fallen players, when they are in need of help, to keep the game moving and to prevent injuries to participants. The National Wheelchair Basketball Association shall accredit the Officials through approbation. Section 2. ...The Referee shall not permit any player to wear braces or other equipment, which in his/her judgment, are dangerous to other players or designed to increase height or to gain a physical advantage. He/She shall not permit wheelchairs to be mechanized in any form for turning or for forward, backward or upward propulsion. He/She shall inspect wheelchairs and prohibit their use if said chairs deviate so as to be unfair or unsafe to others. He/She shall have in his possession a metal tape rule to determine all wheelchair measuring parts such as: seat rail, foot strap, foot platform, bumpers, and cushions. He/She will inspect all wheelchairs prior to the starting of the game or prior to a player entering the game with a chair that was not inspected. A technical foul will be called for illegal measurements discovered while in play. The officials shall disqualify offenders for any repeated infraction of this rule. Section 12. ... Ten seconds before the expiration of the forty-five-second time limit to repair or replace a player’s equipment or to replace the player or the player's wheelchair, a warning signal will be sounded. The signal also shall be sounded at the end of forty-five seconds. RULE 3 - PLAYERS, SUBSTITUTES AND EQUIPMENT Section 1. ... To be eligible for play in the NWBA, a player must have an irreversible lower extremity disability, such as paralysis, amputation, radiological evidence of limb shortening, partial to full joint alkalosis or joint replacement, which consistently interferes with functional mobility. Findings such as soft tissue contracture, ligamentous instability, edema or disuse atrophy, or symptoms such as pain or numbness, without other objective findings shall not be considered a permanent lower extremity disability. If a player's leg must protrude beyond the footrest because of fusion of the knee or some other acceptable reason, this player should be examined and properly advised prior to the beginning of the game. When an individual requires elevation because of short legs or some other physical difference, the difference in elevation must be remedied by means that will not require the raising of the foot platform above the specified level, or extend beyond the standard length for the prescribed playing chair. In all cases, the individual will require the approval for play by the game officials. It is granted that such player not be barred from competition so long as he/she does not use the leg to physical advantage over another player nor to create a hazard to other players. Section2.... When a coach is also a player for the team, he or she must designate a player other than himself or herself to serve as the floor captain. RULE 4 – DEFINITIONS Section 10. … To execute a dribble, a player may: (a) wheel the chair by 2 pushes on the wheels (one hand or two hands in either direction) of the chair followed by one or more taps of the ball to the floor, after which he/she may start pushing again. (b) wheel the chair and bounce the ball simultaneously just as a player may run and bounce the ball simultaneously in regular basketball. He/She may not push more than twice in succession with one hand or two hands in either direction. Taking more than 2 pushes in succession constitutes a traveling violation and the ball is awarded to the other team out of bounds. Section 15. ...The large wheels of the chair must be behind and not over the free throw line. The point of contact for the large wheels of the chair with the floor must be behind the free throw line; however, the front casters may be on or over the line. Section 25. …The Location of a Player is determined by where any part of the chair is touching the floor as far as being inbounds or out of bounds or being in the front court or back court is concerned. Section 29. …Pivot. It is legal to pivot as in regular basketball. A pivot takes place when a player who is holding the ball turns the chair to the left or right in a given place without specific direction. This may be done: (a) by a player who is in motion braking one of the wheals without forward or backward direction to the wheels. This is not a push and therefore could occur after the player with the ball has pushed two times. (b) by a player who has not yet utilized two pushes, pushing with both hands simultaneously in opposite directions, constituting one of the two pushes to which he/she is entitled before passing, shooting, or dribbling. (c) by a player with the ball pushing twice with one hand or two hands, constituting both pushes to which he/she is entitled before passing, dribbling, or shooting the ball. Therefore, a pivot can occur with or without deliberate action by the player on the wheels (pushes). However, when the player with the ball does exercise deliberate actions on the wheels (pushes) in pivoting, they are counted against the two pushes to which he/she is entitled and limited without passing, dribbling or shooting the ball. RULE 5 - SCORING AND TIMING REGULATIONS Section2. ... For a successful three-point field goal, the point of contact for the large wheels of the chair with the floor must be behind the three-point line when the player attempts the shot; however, the front casters may be over the line. There is no relation to the plane regarding the position of the shooter. RULE 6 - LIVE BALL AND DEAD BALL Section 4a. …For any jump ball, each jumper shall be firmly seated in the chair and shall have all wheels on or inside that half of the restraining circle that is farther from his/her own basket. An official shall toss the ball upward between the jumpers in a plane at right angles to the side lines, to a height greater than either of them can reach and so that it will drop between them. One or both of the jumpers must tap the ball after it reaches its highest point. If it touches the floor or lands on either jumper without being tapped by at least one of the jumpers, the official shall toss the ball again. RULE 7 - OUT OF BOUNDS AND THE THROW-IN Section 1.…A Player is Out of Bounds when any part of his/her body or wheelchair touches the floor or any object on or outside of a boundary... RULE 8 - VIOLATIONS AND PENALTIES Section 4j. ...No player of the team with a throw-in in the frontcourt shall enter the free-throw lane until the throw-in starts (see Comments on the Rules). Section 8.... A Player shall not remain for four seconds in that part of the player's free throw lane between the end boundary and the farthest edge of the free throw line while the ball is in control of the player's team in his or her frontcourt. Allowances shall be made if the wheels of opposing players should lock together, or for a player who, having been in the restricted area for less than four seconds, dribbles, pivots or moves in to try for a goal. If the player passes the ball instead of trying for goal, the player will be called for a violation. The count shall not be terminated during an interrupted dribble. All lines designating the free throw lane are part of the lane, and touching these lines with one or more wheels constitutes being in the lane. NOTE: The four-second rule does not apply when the ball is dead or is in flight on a try because the team is not in control, but does apply during an interrupted dribble. Refer to Rule 4-18.6 of your 2003 NCAA Rule Book. Section 17…Tilting Chair. A team loses possession when a player leans forward in the chair to the extent that the chair tilts and the footrest or the person's feet touch the floor while gaining, maintaining, shooting, or retrieving the ball. The ball is then awarded to a nearby opponent at the out of bounds spot nearest the Violation. Section 18…Player Falling Out of Chair. A player may not leave, or fall out of the chair to gain or maintain possession of the ball or gain any other advantage. (a) Player falling out of chair directly into line of play. The officials shall call time immediately. Ball is awarded out of bounds to team in possession at nearest point of infraction. (b) Player falling out of chair not directly in line of play while potential scoring play is in progress. Time will be called (only if fallen player needs help) in accordance with NCAA procedures for stopping play due to an injury. (c) Play is stopped immediately when an injury is anticipated to a seated or fallen player. (d) A team loses possession if, in the judgment of the officials, a player falls out of his wheelchair to gain or maintain possession of the ball. Section 19. …When an offensive player IN CONTROL of the ball throws the ball off of a defensive player or his/her chair, and goes out of bounds, it is a violation on the offense. The ball will be given out of bounds to the defensive team. RULE 9 – FOULS AND PENALTIES Section 12. ...A player shall not contact an opponent or opponent's wheelchair with his/her hand unless such contact is only with the opponent's hand while it is on the ball and is incidental to an attempt to play the ball. The wheelchair is considered a part of the player. General rules of contact apply in wheelchair basketball. Because of the nature of the game negligible contact is to the discretion of the officials. Intentional chair contact caused by a player to affect the progress or position of another player is a form of blocking, charging, holding or pushing. Contact caused by the momentum of a chair by a player who had made no visible effort to stop his/ her chair while moving in for a goal is a charge. Contact after the ball is dead is unsporting conduct. Section 13..…Physical Advantage Foul. All players must remain firmly seated in the wheelchair at all times, not using a functional leg or stump for physical advantage over an opponent (e.g., raising out of his chair, or using the heel on the floor to maneuver the chair, or leaning forward on the foot rests to guard a player). A defensive player guarding an offensive player may not gain an advantage by leaning so far forward that his/her foot rests touch the floor. (a) Any infraction of this constitutes a 'physical advantage foul,' which is penalized like a non-contact technical foul. The offended team is awarded two free throws and is awarded the ball out of bounds at either end of the division line. (b) The scorer will be officially responsible for recording these infractions with a 'PAF' in the foul column.
(c) Three of these infractions, (i.e., three physical advantage fouls) constitute automatic dismissal from the game. (d) Physical Advantage Fouls (PAF's) will now be counted towards the total number of PERSONAL and TEAM FOULS. A player will now be disqualified from play when he receives any of the following:
• Two (2) Direct Technicals
• Three (3) PAF'S
• Five (5) total fouls (which may include technical and PAF's). RULE 10 - PLAYER CLASSIFICATION AND TEAM BALANCE Section 1. … Purposes • To encourage more individuals with severe disabilities to participate.
• To extend the opportunities of participation to more individuals.
• To encourage new teams.
• To make competition more equitable among existing and new teams.
• To counter a tendency on the part of some teams to use exclusively players with lesser disabilities, thereby seemingly discouraging people with severe disabilities and making for inequitable competition.
• To maintain high standards of competition, quality of play and spectator interest. Section 2. … Player Classification Class I - Complete motor loss at T-7 or above or comparable disability where there is total loss of muscle function originating at or above T-7. Class II - Complete motor loss originating at T-8 and descending through and including L-2 where there may be motor power of hips and thighs. Also included in this class are amputees with bilateral hip disarticulation. Class III - All other physical disabilities as related to lower extremity paralysis or paresis originating at or below L-3. All lower extremity amputees are included in this class except those with bilateral hip disarticulation. (See Class II) Section Section 3. … Team Balance Each classification will be given a numerical value or factor as follows: Class I = 1 value point Class II = 2 value points Class III = 3 value points Women shall be allowed to roster and participate on a men's team one class level below their actual medical classification level. No player shall drop below the Class I level. At no time in a game shall a team have players participating with a total of value points greater than twelve, nor more than three Class III players playing together at the same time. Section 4. … Division III Division III teams at no time in a game shall have players participating with a total of value points greater than 11 points not more than 2 class III players playing together at the same time during the game Section 5. … Procedures, Control and Enforcement (a) The coach, in placing his/her team's roster in the official scorebook before each game will place a Roman numeral (I, II, III) prominently and in a common line between the player's name and jersey number designating that player's disability classification.
(b) The official scorer will be responsible for seeing that personnel on the floor for either team at any given time does not exceed the team balance rule above. (This will only have to be checked at the start of each half and at the time of substitutions. No checking of the total value points will be necessary if a I substitutes for a I or II, or a II substitutes for a II or III. It will only be necessary if a III substitutes for a II or a I, or a II substitutes for a I.)
(c) Checking of the scorebook before, after, and at any time during the game, remains a responsibility of the Game Officials, with this as a part of that responsibility.
(d) If, at any time during a game, it is identified that a team exceeds the 'player point limit,' or that more than three Class III players are playing together, at the same time, an administrative technical foul will be called against the violating team and handled as are all other administrative technical fouls, with a correction in the lineup being made at that time.
(e) Any error in the listing of the classification of players in the scorebook, whether intentional or accidental, will be the responsibility of the particular coach and justification for forfeit. RULE 11 – Free Throw Lane Requirement A maximum of six players (four opponents for the free thrower and two teammates of the free thrower) shall be permitted on the lane. All of the other players shall remain behind the free throw line extended and behind the three-point line. a. The two lane spaces closest to the end line shall remain open
b. The first lane space on each side of the lane that is closer to the free thrower is designated for the opponents of the free thrower. The next space (center) on the lane is reserved for a teammate of the free thrower while the lowest spot of the lane is reserved for opponents of the free thrower.
c. Teammates of the free thrower shall not occupy spaces designated for opponents of the free thrower; opponents of the free thrower shall not occupy spaces reserved for teammates of the free thrower. Rationale: The NCAA Women eliminated the low block on the free throws on an experimental basis a few years ago and have fully adopted it for the past two years. Research had shown that a much higher percentage of free throws caromed over the heads of opponents of the free thrower prior to the rule change than NCAA Men who on average played well above the rim. This change applies to an even greater degree to the wheelchair game where players have less reach, no lateral movement and are unable to jump. By moving players up one spot on the foul lane the opponent of the free thrower gains the advantage he was meant to have. COMMENTS ON THE RULES (These statements supplement but do not alter the rules.) PLAYING COURT DIMENSIONS Regular season conference games may be played on courts with substandard dimensions only if both competing teams agree to the game site in advance. Notifications of substandard court size and team agreement procedures shall be governed by conference regulations. Any game played on a substandard court without conforming to appropriate notification and agreement procedures shall be subject to forfeiture by the home team. Exceptions to playing court minimum dimensions will not be made for Regional and Championship games. INCIDENTAL PERSONAL CONTACT When ten players in wheelchairs are moving rapidly in a limited area, some contact is certain to occur. Contact, which is entirely incidental to an effort by opponents to reach a loose ball, or accidental contact, which may result when opponents are in equally favorable positions to perform normal defensive or offensive movements should not be considered illegal. Likewise, accidental contact which does not hinder the opponent from participating in normal defensive or offensive movements, and which is not the result of carelessness, should be considered incidental. If, however, a player approaches an opponent from behind or from an unfavorable position, such that he/she has no reasonable chance to play the ball without making contact, the responsibility is on the player in the unfavorable position. IN SCREENING SITUATIONS (a) If A takes a position behind and so close to stationary opponent B that a contact foul occurs when B makes normal chair movement, A is primarily responsible for the foul. If the screener A is at the side or in front of his/her stationary opponent B, any distance short of contact is legal. (b) If A takes a position in the path of moving opponent B, who does not have the ball, so quickly that B cannot stop or change direction in time to avoid contact, then A is primarily responsible if a contact foul occurs. SEAT RAIL MEASUREMENT Some wheelchairs have a continuous seat/back rail that obscures the appropriate measurement point of the seat rail. Generally, the continuous rail has a horizontal portion that supports the seat fabric, a curved (upward) portion near the rear of the seat area, and a vertical portion that supports the back of the wheelchair. The measurement point for a continuous seat/back rail should be at the highest point of that portion of the rail with seat fabric attached; thus, the curved portion should not be measured unless there is seat fabric attached. The reader is referred to Case Book Situation 101B for clarification regarding measurement of the seat fabric. USE OF CUSHIONS Rule 1, Section 24(d) is quite clear and concise and should be rigidly enforced. The only exception to this is the special modification permitted for spinal cord injured Class I players with a single-leg, above the knee (AK) amputation. Modifications in the dimensions of the cushion for such players may be made as follows: (a) An extension of the cushion beyond the front edge of the seat may be constructed on the side of the amputation which shall not extend more than 1' past the vertical line drawn from the most forward part of the player's knee to the ground. (b) The thickness of the extended portion of the cushion may be increased to accommodate a concave pocket which shall have a depth and width no greater than 1/4 of the diameter of the basketball (i.e., 2 1/2'). (e) The extension shall be of the same material prescribed for all cushions and shall not contain or consist of any material that is rigid or non-flexible. ANTI-TIP CASTERS Rule 1, Section 24 (h) concerns the use of a caster, or casters at the rear of the chair. To clarify, there is no restriction as to the number of these casters. Manufactures generally build the chairs with one but more than one is legal. The caster, or casters may touch the floor at all times. There is no minimum height specified in the rule. However, the maximum height from the floor cannot exceed one inch. The caster, or casters, cannot protrude beyond the rear wheels of the chair in the drive position. The drive position is when the caster, or casters is in a rearward position as if the player is moving forward. PHYSICAL ADVANTAGE FOUL Your attention is called to the Physical Advantage Foul (Rule 10, Section 13). It incorporates the thesis that those players able to use their legs should not be permitted to do so as an advantage over others. Officials are not expected to commit to memory, which of those players in a game have complete or partial use of their lower extremities. They can only rule objectively in any circumstance where a player is seen to exercise a physical advantage as described in Rule 10 without regard to physical classification or degree of paralysis. THROW-IN Rule 9, Section 4 is intended to eliminate dead ball fouls in the free-throw lane prior to a throw-in. Before placing the ball at the disposal of the thrower-in (in his/her frontcourt), officials should ensure that no teammate of the thrower-in is located within the free-throw lane. The ball is 'placed at the disposal of the thrower-in' when the official completes the act of offering the ball to the thrower-in (or when the official places the ball on the floor if no player of the team entitled to the throw-in is present). Thus, it is not necessary for the thrower-in to touch the ball in order for a lane violation to be assessed. SHOT CLOCK Teams should attempt to play their home games in facilities with 35-second shot clocks that are visible to players and officials. If such devices are not provided at the site, teams are encouraged to purchase their own visible shot clocks. It is recognized that the expense of these items may be prohibitive for some NWBA teams, however. If visible, shot clocks are not available for any regular season game, a stop-watch (or similar device) may be used by the 35-second shot clock operator. Visible shot clocks must be used at all Regional and Championship play-off games. SCOREBOOK The official scorebook used by NWBA teams shall be the NCAA official basketball scorebook. Information on NCAA publications may be obtained from: NCAA Publishing, www.NCAA.org. FIGHTING The NCAA Rule regarding post-game suspension of a squad member for fighting (see NCAA 10-8) does not apply during regular season competition in the NWBA; however, this rule will be enforced during Regional and Championship Tournament games. Thus, the first time a squad member participates in a fight during a tournament game, he/she will be suspended from participating in the team's next game. If the same individual participates in a second fight, that individual will be suspended for the remainder of their team’s tournament participation, including the NWBA Championship. INDEX TO RULES Rule Section Page Cushions - Allowances for ...................... 1 24 1 Material ............................................. 1 24 1 Size and shape ................................... 1 24 1 Dribble - Definition ................................. 4 10 4 Four-Second Lane Violation ................... 9 8 6 Officials - Duties ..................................... 2 2 2 Aiding fallen players ......................... 2 1 2 Inspection of wheelchairs .................. 2 2 2 Possession of tape rule ...................... 2 2 3 Pivot - Description .................................. 4 29 3 Physical Advantage Foul ......................... 10 13 7 Player’s - Eligibility ................................ 3 1 3 Classification ...................................... 11 2 8 Failing out of chair ............................. 9 18 5 Protruding leg ..................................... 3 1 3 Wheelchair – Contact…………………… 10 9 7 Footrest height. ……………………. 1 24 2 Roll bar ............…………………….. 1 24 2 Safety casters……………………… 1 24 2 Seat height ………………………… 1 24 1 Strap………………………………… 1 24 1 JUNIOR DIVISION PLAYING RULES
** IF A TEAM CALLS A TIMEOUT IN ITS BACKCOURT, THE DEFENSE MAY APPLY A FULL COURT PRESS IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE TIMEOUT (PREP ONLY). PREP ELIGIBILITY: 1. All male youth 13 years old and younger 2. All NWBA Class I players and female players 14 years old and younger 3. Male players 14 – 18 / female players 14 – 18 and in High School with significant neurological involvement (muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy) and/or cognitive disability (i.e., cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury, spina bifida with encephalitis or shunt problems) that affect mobility, coordinated movement and strength and endurance as determined by the NWBA JR Executive Committee subsequent to a recommendation by two (2) NWBA JR Coaches WOMEN'S DIVISION RULES The Women's Division of the National Wheelchair Basketball Association (NWBA) plays according to the Official Rules of the NWBA except wherein modifications, deletions and additions have been made, as follows: RULE 1 - COURT AND EQUIPMENT 14. b & d ... The ball used for play in the NWBA's Women's Division shall conform to specifications in The NCAA's Women's Rules. RULE 10 - FOULS AND PENALTIES 12. ... Except during the final five minutes of play, any fouled player may have the option to shoot free throws (if the foul warrants the award of free throws), or be awarded the ball out of bounds. If, however, the foul is committed during a successful field goal attempt, the fouled player must attempt the awarded free throw. In the final five minutes of any game, free throws on any foul (on which free throws would be awarded to the fouled player) must be attempted, unless the foul is on a player who is not in possession of the basketball. This rule is carried over into overtime play. CASE BOOK TABLE OF CONTENTS Page RULE 1 - COURT AND EQUIPMENT .........................................CB 1-2 RULE 2 - OFFICIALS AND THEIR DUTIES ...............................CB 2-3 RULE 3 - PLAYERS, SUBSTITUTES & EQUIPMENT ..............CB 3 RULE 4 - DEFINITIONS ...............................................................CB 4-6 RULE 5 - SCORING AND TIMING REGULATIONS .................CB 6 RULE 6 - LIVE BALL AND DEAD BALL ...................................CB 6-7 RULE 9 - VIOLATIONS AND PENALTIES ................................CB 7-9 RULE 10 - FOULS AND PENALTIES …………………………..CB 9-13 RULE 11 - PLAYER CLASSIFICATION AND TEAM BALANCE…………………….………. ...CB 14 NATIONAL WHEELCHAIR BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION OFFICIAL 2005-2006 CASE BOOK The Official NWBA Case Book presents interpretations of current National Wheelchair Basketball Association rules by specifying the appropriate ruling in selected wheelchair basketball situations. The primary purpose of this document is to provide a vehicle for national standardization of NWBA officiating, and situations considered unique to wheelchair basketball have been emphasized. The Case Book, prepared by the Rules Committee of the National Wheelchair Basketball Association, serves exclusively as a supplement to the Official NWBA Rules and is intended to clarify and amplify the rulings contained therein. Whenever possible, the appropriate reference (Rule, Section and Paragraph) for each interpretation has been included for clarification. RULE 1 – COURT AND EQUIPMENT 101A. PLAY - Player A2 comes onto the playing floor with a wheelchair failing to meet the specification described in Rule 1, Section 24, of the NWBA Official Rules. RULING - The chair is not legal. It should not be necessary for a team to protest the use of illegal chairs or equipment. It is the duty of the referee to see that this equipment is not used and it is the obligation of the offending team to secure proper equipment or adequately alter the illegal item so that it conforms to legal specifications (1 -24; 2-2). 101B. PLAY - Player A2 has secured a strap to the underside of the seat, which raises the surface of the seat considerably above the height of the chair's 21-inch seat rail. RULING - The chair is not legal. Although the chair is legitimate as defined by Rule 1, Section 24a, the intent of this rule is to limit the height of the chair's seating surface. Any device used to raise the top of the seat more than 1/4-inch (allowing for seat thickness) above the height of a 21-inch seat rail must result in the chair being disqualified from play until such device is removed (1 -24a). 101C. PLAY - Player A3 enters the game with a strap securing his left leg to the wheelchair's foot platform. RULING - Legal. There is no restriction to securing any portion of a player's body to the wheelchair (1 -24). 101D. PLAY -During a time-out, Team A's captain objects to Player B1's use of a strap around his/her knees. This strap, in addition to providing support for B1's knees, serves as a 'cradle' to prevent the ball from rolling forward off of B1's lap. RULING - No violation. There are no stated or implied restrictions to using a strap (or other device) to provide support for a player or his/her extremities. Neither are there restrictions to such a device also providing support for the ball (1 -24). 101E PLAY - Player B1 attempts to enter the game using a 'therapeutic' cushion with cut-out portions to conform to his legs and buttocks. RULING - The cushion is legal; such cushions are not prohibited, providing they are composed of appropriate materials and do not exceed thickness restrictions (1 -24d; 2-2). 101F PLAY - During play, Player A2 rests his/her foot upon the strap attached to the telescope bar of the foot rest platform RULING - No violation, although the official should ensure that the strap remains 'attached firmly and drawn taut' (1 -24c). 101G. PLAY - As the referee and umpire are measuring and inspecting the wheelchairs before a game, they notice that player A1 has no strap attached to the footrest bar. A1 argues that since she is a bilateral above the knee amputee, she is not required to have a 'leg strap.' RULING - There are no provisions in the NWBA Official Rules which exclude anyone from having a strap attached to the bar of the footrest platform. A1 must attach a strap in order to participate. (1 -24c) 101H. PLAY - As the referee and umpire are measuring and inspecting the wheelchairs before a game, they notice that player A1 has 2 horizontal bars behind the backrest. Diagonal bars connect the bars to each other. Only the top horizontal bar is padded. RULING – A1 must put padding on the second horizontal bar and the diagonal bar. The purpose of the rule is to prevent injury to a player in the event she collides with the rear of A1's chair. (1 -24g) 101I. PLAY – While measuring Team A’s chairs prior to the start of the game, the officials back the players against a wall to verify that no rear casters extend beyond the rear wheels. At that time an official sees that Player A2’s 5th wheel caster is contacting the floor at all times. RULING – Chair is legal. There is no minimum height from the floor specified in NWBA Rule 1, Section 24 (h) RULE 2 - OFFICIALS AND THEIR DUTIES 201. PLAY - During play, it is discovered that Player B4 is using an illegal cushion. A technical foul is called and the cushion is removed from play (according to NWBA Rule 2, Section 2). Later in the game, the official notices that Player B4 is again using the illegal cushion. RULING - Flagrant technical foul; Team A is awarded two (2) free throws and Player B4 is disqualified (2-2; NCAA 10-6). 202A. PLAY - Play is stopped after Player A5's wheelchair breaks an axle, and Team A's equipment manager is having difficulty making an immediate repair. RULING - After a reasonable time (approximately 45 seconds), the official should instruct Team A to either (1) replace the damaged chair, (2) substitute for Player A5, or (3) call a time-out (which is charged to the team). (NCAA 2-1). 202B. PLAY - Player A1, prior to attempting a free throw, requests that an official grant an uncharged time-out in order to: (a) make a change in the location of his wheel axles; or (b) change from one properly functioning wheelchair to another. RULING - In both (a) and (b), an uncharged time-out is not granted. Although allowance is made for an uncharged time-out (approximately 45 seconds) to repair or replace malfunctioning wheelchair equipment, no such allowance is made for altering or replacing equipment that is functioning properly (NCAA 2-1). 202C. PLAY – Referee administers the ball to player A1 for a free throw. Player B1 who is positioned at the top of the three-point line yells instructions to his/her teammates. Player A1 a) makes the free throw or b) miss the free throw. RULING – In a) play continues with team B throwing the ball in bounds. In b) the referee award A1 a substitute free throw. The rules make no provisions on what type of behaviors or vocalizations are not disconcerting to the free thrower or for where on or off the court an opponent may behave in a manner that disconcerts the free thrower. After the ball is administered to the free thrower the referee must interrupt such behavior as disconcerting and unsportsmen like. This would include members of the opponents team on the bench. RULE 3 - PLAYERS, SUBSTITUTES AND EQUIPMENT 301. PLAY - Player A4 uses a wide strap to secure him/herself to the wheelchair. In so doing, the strap covers (or obscures) the numbers on the front of the player's jersey. RULING - The numbers on the front of a player's jersey should be visible to officials at all times. The official should instruct Player A4 to ensure that his/her number is visible by adjusting, replacing, or removing the strap. Repeated infractions should result in a technical foul. 301A. PLAY - As the referee and umpire are measuring and inspecting the wheelchairs before a game they notice that player A1 is wearing (a) a pierced earring or (b) a wedding ring. The referee advises the player to remove (a) the earring or (b) the wedding ring. In both instances A1 enters the court before the opening tip with tape covering the jewelry. RULING - In both (a) and (b) the referee shall not permit A1 to participate in the game wearing jewelry. There are no provisions in the rules for allowing players to participate with tape covered earrings or rings. (NCAA Rule 3, Section 6) RULE 4 – DEFINITIONS 401A. PLAY - Player A5 has used the two (2) pushes to which he/she is entitled. A5 subsequently begins a dribble. After the ball has left his/her hand, but before it strikes the floor, A5 takes an additional push. RULING - Violation. Two (2) legal pushes must be followed by one (1) or more taps of the ball to the floor before additional pushes are allowed (4-10a). 401B. PLAY - Player A4, after securing control, tosses the ball down the court and pushes to retrieve the ball. In so doing, Player A4 takes a third consecutive push: (a) prior to the ball striking the floor; or (b) after the ball strikes the floor. RULING - In (a), a violation should be called. A4 began a dribble by tossing the ball into the air. Thus, taking a third consecutive push prior to the tap of the ball to the floor constitutes a traveling violation. In (b), no violation occurs and A4 may continue to push the wheelchair without penalty while the ball is bouncing or rolling on the floor (NCAA 4-10). 401C. PLAY - Player A5 executes a dribble by pushing the ball to the floor with both hands and continues to dribble by simultaneously batting the ball to the floor with both hands. RULING - Legal maneuver; there is no double dribble violation in wheelchair basketball (4-10b). 401D. PLAY - While executing a legal push on the wheelchair, Player A4 carries the ball wedged between his/her legs below the knees. RULING - Legal. There is no restriction as to how a ball may be carried while in control (4-10b). 401E PLAY - Player A1 possesses the ball and takes his/her two pushes. While holding the ball with one or both hands and before any dribble, player A1 pushes on his/her right wheel with one elbow or simultaneously on both wheels with both elbows. RULING - In either case it is a traveling violation. 402A. PLAY - Player A3 executes a successful free throw with the forward portion of his/her large wheels extending over the vertical plane of the free throw line, but not in contact with the line. RULING - No violation; one (1) point is awarded. During a free throw, the point of reference is where the large wheels make contact with the floor. Therefore, the wheels may break the vertical plane but not come into contact with the floor beyond the edge of the free throw lane, which is farthest from the basket (4-15). 402B. PLAY - During a free throw by A4, Player A3 assumes his/her position along the lane. Although his/her front casters are behind the line, his/her footrest platforms are penetrating the vertical plane of the lane boundary. RULING - Legal position; no infraction is called unless the casters cross the lane boundary prior to the shooter releasing the ball (4-25; NCAA 9-1). NOTE: The location of a player remains as defined in NWBA Rule 4, Section 25 and Rule 7, Section 1. This also applies to all wheelchair basketball situations involving NCAA 'vertical plane' rules (i.e., jump ball and free throws). 402C. PLAY - Player A3, prepares to execute a free throw. After legally positioning his/her wheelchair, A3 slides his/her buttocks forward to the front edge of his seat and executes a successful free throw. RULING - Legal maneuver. The player may slide forward on the seat provided he remains 'firmly seated in the wheelchair' (NWBA 10-13). As noted in NWBA Rule 5, Section 2, 'There is no relation to the plane regarding the position of the shooter.' 403. PLAY - Player A2 intercepts a pass (gaining possession) from Team B while in Team A's front court. Before A2 can stop his/her momentum, the front casters of the chair cross the division line into the back court. RULING - A2 has caused the ball to go from the frontcourt to the back court and, therefore, has committed a floor violation. The ball is awarded to Team B (4-25). 404A. PLAY - Player A4, having utilized both pushes to which he/she is entitled, executes a pivot by braking the forward motion on one wheel (without forward or backward direction to the wheel). RULING - Legal maneuver, but A4 must now dribble, pass or shoot prior to exerting further forward or backward motion on either or both wheels (4-29a). 404B. PLAY - Player A1, having utilized both pushes to which he/she is entitled, changes the direction of his moving wheelchair to the left by pressing one hand against the left wheel (without forward or backward direction to the wheel). Then, without dribbling, Player A1 changes direction a second time by pressing one hand against the right wheel, causing the moving wheelchair to veer to the right. RULING - Legal maneuver, providing A1 does not exert forward or backward motion on either wheel prior to dribbling, passing or shooting. Repeated changes of direction to a moving wheelchair, as described above, do not constitute pushes unless forward or backward motion is exerted on one or both wheels (4-29a). 404C. PLAY - Player A4 rebounds a shot and then executes a legal pivot by pushing with both hands simultaneously in opposite directions. Subsequently, A4 takes two pushes without dribbling, passing or shooting. RULING - Violation. The pivot constituted one of the two pushes to which A4 was entitled. The third consecutive push resulted in a traveling violation (4-29a). 404D. PLAY – Player A1 is dribbling the ball in the front court when the ball momentarily gets away from him/her. While the dribble is interrupted: (a) A1 pushes B2 while trying to retrieve the ball; (b) A2 is in the lane for four second; and (c) A1 calls a timeout. RULING – (a) team-control foul called on A1; (b) four-second violation on A2; or (c) a timeout shall not be acknowledged during and interrupted dribble. RULE 5 - SCORING AND TIMING REGULATIONS 501. PLAY - Player A1 releases a successful try for a goal. Although the points of contact for the large wheels of Player A1's wheelchair are behind the three-point line, the front casters are over (or in contact with) the line. RULING - A three-point field goal is awarded to Player A1. The points of reference for awarding a three-point field goal are the contact points of the large wheels with the floor as the try is released; therefore, the front casters may be in contact with, or extend over, the three-point line. The points of contact for both large wheels must be behind the line when the try is released (5-2). 502. PLAY - Subsequent to establishing control, Player A1 drops the ball and it begins rolling toward the sideline. A1 anticipates that he/she will be unable to regain control prior to the ball going out of bounds. To avoid losing team control, A1 immediately requests a time out from the nearest official. RULING - The official should not acknowledge the time out request (see Exception to NCAA Rule 5, Section 10, Item Cl). RULE 6 - LIVE BALL AND DEAD BALL 601. PLAY - During a jump ball. Player A3 places his/her non-tapping hand the wheel and/or hand rim for balance. RULING - No violation. Although such a maneuver is often used to gain an advantage, prohibiting its use would constitute a potential hazard to players with poor balance. If possible, the official not tossing the ball should be positioned to observe that neither jumper commits a physical advantage foul by rising from his/her seat during the tap (6-4a). 602. PLAY - Players B2 and A4 are involved in a jump ball. Prior to tossing the ball, however, the official notices that both players are facing in the same direction. RULING - Legal alignment; the official should toss the ball. Requiring that players face in opposite directions on a jump ball would dictate the use of the same tapping hand by each player. Such a situation could result in an unfair advantage to one of the competitors (6-4a; NCAA 6-4a). 603. PLAY - Teams A and B line up for a jump ball. Player B5, rather than facing toward the jumpers, positions his/her chair parallel to the restraining circle. Subsequently: (a) no objection is raised by Team A; or (b) Player A1 requests that the official instruct Player B5 to face toward the jumpers so that A1 can occupy a portion of the area assumed by B5. RULING - In (a), no adjustment in B5's position is required. In (b), Player A1's objection is valid and the official should instruct Player B5 to either turn his/her chair to face the jumpers or move to occupy an uncontested area (NCAA 6-4d). NOTE: This interpretation corresponds to NCAA rulings where an able bodied player is only allowed to occupy an area equal to his/her body width -he/she may not, therefore, spread his/her legs or arms to increase his/her floor area along the restraining circle. 604. PLAY – Team A requests and receives a timeout during the second half. Team B’s bench is in Team A’s backcourt. Team A breaks from their timeout before Team B and A3, A4 and A5 go to the back court and begin to back pick B1, B2 and B3. The referee instructs Team A to retreat to their frontcourt and stop legally obstructing members of Team B. RULING – The referee is incorrect. There is no rule that prevents a player from legally obstructing an opponent during a live ball or a dead ball. It is the duty of the officials to officiate during a dead ball. It is not the duty of the players to stop playing. RULE 9 - VIOLATIONS AND PENALTIES 901. PLAY - During a free throw by Player A5, Player A2 takes a position along the free throw lane in space two. Prior to placing the ball at the disposal of A5, one official notes that one of Player A2's wheels is breaking the vertical plane. A2 informs the official that his/her wheels are spaced (or cambered) such that they do not fit within the space allotted along the lane. RULING - Player A2 must either leave his position along the lane or a violation is assessed in accordance with NCAA Rule 9, Section 1. If a player chooses to use a wheelchair with wheels that do not fit within the lane spaces, he/she relinquishes the opportunity to occupy such space without infraction of NCAA rules. Question: In the situation described above, may Player A2 legally back his/her wheelchair slightly so that the wheels do not come in contact with the painted lane space markings? Answer: No. While only the area 8 inches by 12 inches is painted on the court, the neutral zone is 12 inches wide and extends back from the nearer free-throw-lane boundary for 36 inches. Breaking the plane of any boundary of either the neutral zone or spaces along the lane is a violation. 902. PLAY -Team B causes the ball to go out of bounds in Team A's front court. Player A3 enters the free-throw lane: (a) before the official is ready to place the ball at the disposal of the thrower-in; or (b) as the official places the ball at the disposal of the thrower-in. RULING - In (a), no violation is called. Players of either team may enter the free-throw lane prior to the official preparing to place the ball at the disposal of the thrower-in; however, players from Team A must vacate the lane prior to the official placing the ball at Team A's disposal. In (b), a violation is called. At the moment the official completes placing the ball at the disposal of the thrower-in, no player of Team A shall be located within the free-throw lane (9-4; Comments on the Rules - THROW-IN). NOTE: The free-throw lane restriction applies only to the team with the ball, and only in the frontcourt. Thus, in the above situation, players from Team B are entitled to remain in the free-throw lane before and during the throw in. If the above situation had occurred in Team A's backcourt, neither team would be restricted from entering the free-throw lane. 903. PLAY -Player A2 remains in the restricted area of his/her team's free throw lane for four seconds because: (a) Team B's defensive alignment prevents his/her leaving the lane; (b) his/her wheelchair has interlocked with defensive Player B3. RULING - In (a) Player A2 has the responsibility for avoiding such situations and, therefore, is guilty of a violation; in situation (b) no violation should be called providing A2 is making a genuine effort to disengage the chair (9-8). 904. PLAY - Player A4 is closely guarded in the front court area. Without moving, A4 dribbles for several seconds, then holds the ball for several seconds. He continues to alternate between dribbling and holding the ball, while remaining in the frontcourt area. RULING - No violation, providing A4 neither dribbles for five (5) consecutive seconds nor holds the ball for five (5) consecutive seconds. (NCAA 9-13b). 905. PLAY - Player A5 leans over to gain control of the ball. While in contact with he ball, A5's chair tilts to one side and his/her right wheel and caster leave the floor. RULING - No violation is called providing neither the player's foot/feet nor the foot rests or anti-tip (safety) casters come in contact with the floor. 906A. PLAY - Player A1 loses his/her balance while in possession of the ball, and places one hand on the floor to prevent falling from the chair. RULING - No violation. A player in possession of the ball may touch his/her hand(s) to the floor without penalty providing the player's feet and the wheelchair's footrests or front anti-tip (safety) casters do not come into contact with the floor (9-17). 906B. PLAY - Player B4, while in the key, falls from the chair and is unable to regain his/her seat without assistance. As he/she falls, Team A has a potential scoring play in progress. Player A2 releases a try for a goal that is: (a) successful; (b) unsuccessful, and Player A3 gains possession of the rebound. RULING - Play is stopped after team A's try is released. In (a), the field goal is awarded to Team A, and the ball is put into play with a throw-in by Team B. In (b), play is stopped before Player A3 gains possession, and the ball is awarded to the team next entitled to the throw-in using the alternating jump ball) process. 906C. PLAY - B2 attempts to prevent a ball from going out of bounds. In doing so he/she loses his/her balance and falls from the chair; (a) after tapping the ball to a teammate; or (b) prior to tapping the ball. RULING - In (a), no violation occurs and play should continue unless B2 falls into the line of play or is unable to regain his/her chair without assistance (9-18a; 9-18b). In (b), a violation should be called and the ball awarded to Team A for a throw-in at the designated spot. If, however, the official rules that Player B2 deliberately left his/her chair in order to gain an advantage, this constitutes a physical advantage foul (9-18d; 10-13). 906D. PLAY – Offensive player A2 while in chair falls in the key and then crawls out of the key to prevent a four-second count. RULING – It Is a violation on A2 and the ball is awarded to the defensive team. 906E. PLAY – Defensive player D2 while in chair falls in the key to prevent offensive player A1 from attempting a drive to the basket. RULING – It is a technical foul on D2 for unsporting conduct. RULE 10 - FOULS AND PENALTIES 1001A. PLAY - A3 prepares to execute a try for goal. B1, without attempting to play the ball, deliberately extends his/her arm and hand in order to obstruct A3's vision of the basket. B1's hand is held inches from A3's eyes for an extended period of time; however, no contact is made. RULING - Technical foul is assessed against B1. Purposely obstructing an opponent's vision by waving (or holding) hands near his/her eyes is a technical foul (NCAA 10-4c). 1001B. PLAY - Player A2's chair makes 'negligible' contact with the spokes of Player B1's chair. Subsequently, A2 maintains pressure against B1's spokes and prevents B1's advancement. RULING - Personal foul. Although the initial contact was 'negligible,' the subsequent pressure constitutes chair contact affecting the progress or position of another player (10-9). NOTE: A technical foul does not apply if player B1 is making a legitimate attempt to play the ball, nor does it apply for momentary interference with A3's vision during a try for goal. 1001C. PLAY – Player A1 controls the ball and is advancing down the court. B1 passes A1, i.e. his/her real axels and rear wheels are ahead of A1. B1 stops and A1 collides with B1’s real wheel. RULING – This is a player control foul on A1. Since B1’s rear axel was beyond A1’s foot platforms, he/she has legal guarding position. 1001D. PLAY - Player A1 is driving for the basket and is in the act of trying for a goal. Player B4, while following A1; (a) attempts to play the ball. In so doing, B4 allows his/her chair to come into contact with one rear wheel of Player A1, thus altering the direction or speed of A1's chair; (b) does not attempt to play the ball, and allows his/her chair to come into contact with A1's chair to the extent that Player A1 is (or could be) caused to fall from the wheelchair. RULING - In (a), a foul in the act of shooting is assessed against B4. Such contact with the chair of a player in the act of trying for a goal should not be considered negligible. In (b), a flagrant personal foul is assessed against B4; two free throws are awarded to A1, Player B4 is ejected and the ball is awarded to Team A (10-9; NCAA 10-12). 1001E PLAY - Player B1 positions his/her chair to impede the progress of Player A2 in Team A's back court area. As A2 attempts to go around B1, Player B1 uses his/her superior maneuvering ability to adjust his/her position and continues to block A2's advance into the front court. No chair or player contact occurs. RULING - No foul or violation; play continues unless either B1 or A2 initiates contact with the opponents. 1001F PLAY – Player A2, while in possession of the ball, establishes a straight-line path toward the basket. Player B5 legally establishes a stationary position in A2's path, but B5's wheelchair is perpendicular (sideways) to Player A2. Without further movement by B5, A2's wheelchair collides with the side of B5's wheelchair. RULING - Player control foul is assessed against A2. In wheelchair basketball, a player is not required to face the wheelchair directly toward an opponent in order to establish a legitimate defensive position. 1001G. PLAY – Player A5 is pursuing a loose ball, but appears unable to secure the ball prior to its going out of bounds. At this point, Player A3, who is screened from the ball by A5, pushes teammate A5 from behind in order to assist his/her pursuit of the ball. So aided, A5 secures the ball prior to its going out of bounds. RULING - No violation. Players may push or otherwise assist teammates, providing such actions are not performed in an unsporting manner (NCAA 10-4,10-5). 1001H. PLAY – Player A1 is back picking B1 in A1’s back court or front court. As A1 releases he/she turns abruptly into B1 displacing B1 from B1’s path. RULING – Foul on A1. 1001I. PLAY – Player A1 controls the ball. B1 comes from across the court and is a) stationary or b) moving when A1 runs into his/her rear wheel. The real wheel in both instances is perpendicular to collinear with A1’s path. RULING – In both a) and b) A1 has committed a player control foul unless the contact is incidental. 1001J. PLAY – A2 sets a legal pick on B1. A1 tries to roll off the pick but B1 presses their feet or foot platform so hard against A1’s rear wheel that A1 cannot roll to the basket. RULING – B1 is holding and should be charged with a foul. 1001K. PLAY – Player A3 leaves the court at the baseline under his/her goal in order to get to the other side of the lane. RULING – This is an indirect technical foul. Any member of Team B may shoot two free throws. Team A then puts the ball in play at the point of interruption. 1001L. PLAY – B1 secures a defensive rebound and begins the transition. A3 and A5 trail the play. A5 pushes A3 (who is slower) so A3 can catch up with the play. RULING – It is a technical foul on A5. Wheelchair basketball is a horizontal game rather than a vertical game. In able bodied basketball it is a technical foul to assist a player by lifting them to gain a vertical advantage. Similarly it is a direct technical foul for a wheelchair basketball player to assist a slower teammate horizontally by pushing them. 1002A. PLAY - Player A1 lifts one foot off the foot platform and swings it to the side of the chair in order to increase his/her leverage while executing a down court pass. RULING - Physical advantage foul: Team B is awarded two free throws and is given the ball out-of-bounds at the division line. It should be stressed, however, that inadvertently lifting one or both feet from the platform is not, per se, a physical advantage foul. The official must determine if the player uses such a maneuver to gain an advantage over his/her opponent (10-13). 1002B. PLAY - Player A2, having already received one technical foul for unsporting conduct, commits a physical advantage foul (his/her first PAF of the game). RULING - The player is not dismissed from the game. Although a physical advantage foul is penalized like a non-contact technical foul, it is not a technical foul infraction and must be considered separately for disqualification from play (10- 13). 1002C. PLAY - Player A5 is driving toward the goal. While A5 is releasing the try for goal, Player B4 rises from the seat and, at approximately the same time, commits a personal foul against A5. A5's try for goal is successful. RULING - The official should determine whether Player B4 rose from the seat prior to contact with A5, or vise versa. If B4 left the seat prior to contact with A5, a physical advantage foul is called. If, however, contact occurred prior to B4 leaving the seat, a personal foul is charged. In either case, the successful field goal is allowed. 1002D. PLAY - Player B2 attempts to rebound a missed try for goal by A1. In so doing, B2 rises from the wheelchair and (a) successfully secures the rebound, or (b) is unsuccessful and fails to touch the ball. RULING - In both (a) and (b), a physical advantage foul (PAF) is assessed against player B2. It is not necessary for a player actually to touch the ball to be assessed a physical advantage foul for rising out of the seat (10-13). 1002E PLAY - Player B4, who is securely strapped into the wheelchair, secures a position in front of Player A3 to prevent A3 from receiving a pass. A high pass is made to A3 out of the reach of B4. However, B4 forcefully thrusts his/ her body and arms into the air to the extent that all wheels of the wheelchair 'jump' from the floor. In so doing, (a) B4 deflects the pass while the wheelchair is off of the ground; or (b) B4 fails to deflect the pass. Player B4's strap keeps his/her buttocks in contact with the seat throughout this maneuver. RULING - In both (a) and (b), physical advantage foul (PAF) is assessed against B4. The use of a strap allowed B4 to remain in contact with the seat; however, the strap also enabled B4 to use functional trunk muscles to gain an advantage over an opponent (i.e., raise all wheels of the wheelchair off of the floor without holding onto the wheels or hand rims) (10-13). NOTE: 'Jumping' a wheelchair by using both hands on the wheels or hand rims is neither a PAF nor a violation. This maneuver is commonly used to move laterally short distances or to disengage interlocked wheelchairs. 1002F. PLAY - Player A5, during the execution of his free throw, steadies his/her chair by placing one foot: (a) against one wheel; (b) on the floor beside the chair. RULING - In both (a) and (b), a physical advantage foul (PAF) is assessed due to Player A5's use of a functional leg to gain an advantage. The free throw in progress is disallowed and Team B is awarded two free throws for the PAF violation. Play resumes with the ball awarded to Team B out of bounds at either end of the division line (10-13). 1002G. PLAY – Player A3, a lower extremity amputee, is advancing toward the goal with both hands holding the ball. As player B2 approaches from the side, A3 presses his/her functional leg stump against one wheel, thus maneuvering the chair away from the defender. RULING - A physical advantage foul (PAF) is assessed against A3 due to his/her use of a functional leg stump to gain an advantage over an opponent (10-13). 1002H. PLAY - Player A2 attempts to execute a bounce pass to a teammate. Defender B1 deflects the pass by extending a functional leg and 'kicking' the ball. RULING - Physical advantage foul (PAF). A player may not use a functional leg to gain an advantage over an opponent (110-13). 1002I. PLAY -Player B1 slides forward on his/her seat, leans to the right and deflects a pass from Player A3 to A5. In so doing, the chair's footrests do not come into contact with the floor, and (a) both buttocks maintain contact with the seat, or (b) his/her left buttock loses contact with seat; however, the right buttock remains in contact with the seat. RULING - In (a), legal maneuver. The player may slide forward on the seat provided he/she remains firmly seated in the wheelchair. In (b), a physical advantage foul (PAF) is assessed against B1. Both buttocks must maintain contact with seat (or cushion) during play (10-13). 1002J. PLAY - Player B2 has been assessed four personal fouls, but no technical fouls. Subsequently, he/she: (a) uses profanity in protesting an official's decision and is charged with an unsporting technical foul; or (b) raises from the seat during play and is charged with a physical advantage foul (PAF). RULING - Player B2 is disqualified in situations (a) & (b). In (a), Player B2 is disqualified because the technical foul constitutes his/her fifth foul. Also, the technical foul counts toward Team B's fouls in reaching bonus free throw situations. In (b), Player B2 is disqualified because PAFs are now considered for disqualification from play. Moreover, PAFs now do count toward team fouls in reaching bonus free throw situations (10-13; NCAA 2-6 and 4-9). RULE 11 - PLAYER CLASSIFICATION AND TEAM BALANCE 1101A. PLAY - Team B begins a game with five players (12 points), but subsequently: (a) is forced to continue with four players due to a disqualification of their only Class I player; or (b) voluntarily continues with only four players by removing their Class I from the floor. RULING - In (a), no infraction is called and Team B is allowed to continue with four players provided the team does not violate the team balance rule and is unable to maintain a five player, 12-point team through substitution. In (b), Team B is not allowed to continue with four players. If eligible players are available, a team must complete with five players (11-3; NCAA 3-1). 1101B. PLAY - Team A begins the game with 13 points on the floor. After the tap, the official scorer discovers the error and alerts the referee to this infraction. Team A, unable to meet the 12-point requirement, attempts to continue the game with only four players on the floor. RULING - Forfeit; Team A loses to Team B. Although the error was discovered after the opening tap, the game must begin with five eligible players (12 points or less) and Team A was unable to meet the requirement (11-3; NCAA 3-1). |
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