Interpretations

Article 23

Player out-of-bounds and ball out-of-bounds

23-1Statement

If the ball is out-of-bounds because of touching or being touched by a player who is on or outside the boundary line, this player causes the ball to go outof-bounds.

23-2Example

Close to the sideline, A1 with the ball in the hands is closely guarded by B1. A1 touches B1 with the body. B1 has 1 foot out-of-bounds.

Interpretation

This is a legal play by A1. A player is out-of-bounds when any part of the body is in contact with something other than a player. The game shall continue.

23-3Example

Close to the sideline, A1 with the ball in the hands is closely guarded by B1 and B2. A1 touches B1 with the ball, who has 1 foot out-of-bounds.

Interpretation

This is an out-of-bounds violation by B1. The ball is out-of-bounds when it touches a player who is out-of-bounds. The game shall be resumed with a team A’s throw-in from the place nearest to where the ball went out-of-bounds. Team A shall have the time remaining on the shot clock.

23-4Example

A1 dribbles close to the sideline in front of the scorer’s table. The ball rebounds high from the court and touches B6’s knee sitting on the substitution chair. The ball returns to A1 on the court.

Interpretation

The ball is out-of-bounds when it touches B6 who is out-of-bounds. The ball is caused to go out-of-bounds by A1 who touched the ball before it goes outof-bounds. The game shall be resumed with a team B’s throw-in from the place nearest to where the ball went out-of-bounds.