Summary of Main Rule Changes 2010

Art 28 and 30 - Eight second and back court rules

There is an important change in the case when the ball touches an offensive player at the centre line. The offensive player must have both feet in the front court when the ball touches him in order that the ball is considered to be in the front court. This means that the same principle is now applied for all offensive players as for a dribbler.

The consequence of this ruling is:

The player straddling the centre line is considered to be in his back court.

This player

• may pivot backwards, until both feet are placed to the front court,
• or start a dribble or pass the ball also backward, but the eight second count continues.

The intent of this ruling is to create the same principle for any offensive player as for the dribbler, and by this, to allow normal movements for players who are straddling the centre line.

However it is important that there is no change for the defensive player: if the ball is coming from the offensive team’s back court and he touches it whilst straddling the line. At this time he is also in his back court therefore the ball goes into the offensive teams front court. A New 8-second count also starts if the ball is deflected by him back to the offensive team’s back court. However, if the defensive player gets possession while straddling the line, he becomes offensive player and may pass or dribble backwards to his back court.