Possession Arrow Rules: High School Basketball's Dynamic Change

when does possession arrow change in high school basketball

The possession arrow is a rule in basketball that determines which team gets the ball in the event of a tie-up or other scenarios where no team has control. In high school basketball, the possession arrow is used to determine which team gets the ball at the start of each quarter after the first one. The arrow is switched after the ball is inbounded. At halftime, the arrow is flipped to account for the teams switching ends of the court, and the team that had possession at the end of the first half will still have it to begin the second.

Characteristics and Values of Possession Arrow in High School Basketball

Characteristics Values
What is the possession arrow? Officially known as the alternating-possession procedure, it is a method of putting the ball in play with a throw-in rather than a jump ball.
When is it used? During an alternating-possession situation, which can include a held ball, a free-throw violation, or technical foul, when no team is in control, and a live ball becoming wedged between the backboard and the rim.
Who does it apply to? High school and NCAA basketball games.
Who determines which team receives possession? Those sitting at the official scorer's table.
When does the possession arrow change? The arrow is switched after the ball is inbounded.
What happens at the start of the game? The possession arrow is turned off before the start of the game. Once the ball is tipped, the arrow points toward the team that loses the opening tip.
What happens at halftime? The possession arrow is changed to account for the teams switching ends of the court. The team that had possession at the end of the first half will still have it to begin the second.
What happens in overtime? The possession arrow is reset, and overtime begins with a jump ball.

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Jump balls

The possession arrow is a feature of basketball that is unique to college basketball, differentiating it from professional basketball. It is officially known as the alternating-possession procedure and is defined as a method of putting the ball in play with a throw-in rather than a jump ball. The possession arrow is not used until one team gains possession of the ball after the tip-off. Once this happens, the arrow is turned on and points towards the basket the team with possession is shooting at. The arrow is then flipped to point towards the other basket at the beginning of the second half, as the teams switch ends of the court and baskets.

In the event of overtime, the possession arrow is reset, and overtime begins with a jump ball. If additional overtime periods are required, the arrow will be reset again after the initial jump ball.

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Alternating possession

The possession arrow is a rule that differentiates college basketball from professional basketball. Officially known as the alternating-possession procedure, it is defined in the NCAA rulebook as "a method of putting the ball in play with a throw-in rather than a jump ball."

Every NCAA basketball game starts with a jump ball at center court. The possession arrow remains off until one team gains possession of the ball after the tip-off. Once that happens, it is turned on and points in the direction of the team that lost the opening tip. This team will be given the ball when the next alternating-possession situation occurs.

The possession arrow is used to determine which team gets possession of the ball when a referee calls a jump ball during the game, without having to jump for it. Alternating-possession situations can include a held ball, a free-throw violation, or a technical foul, when no team is in control, and a live ball becoming wedged between the backboard and the rim.

The arrow is reversed after each alternating-possession procedure is complete, thus pointing to the team that didn't get the ball. They will then have possession in the next situation. The direction of the arrow is also changed prior to the start of the second half to account for the teams switching ends of the court, ensuring that the team that had possession at the end of the first half will still have it to begin the second. If the game goes into overtime, the possession arrow is reset and adheres to the same format as the start of the game.

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Determining possession

The possession arrow is a rule in basketball that determines which team gets the ball after a situation where possession is unclear, such as a held ball, a free-throw violation, or a technical foul. This rule is used in high school and college basketball games, but not in professional basketball.

In high school basketball, the possession arrow is used to determine which team gets the ball at the start of each quarter after the first one. The arrow is switched after the ball is thrown in during these situations. The arrow is handled by those at the official scorer's table, who also manage the clock, scoreboard, and substitutions.

In college basketball, the possession arrow determines which team gets the ball at the start of the second half. The arrow is switched after the ball is thrown in during all of these situations. Additionally, the direction of the arrow is changed prior to the second half to account for the teams switching ends of the court. This ensures that the team that had possession at the end of the first half will still have it at the beginning of the second.

The possession arrow is also used in overtime periods in both high school and college basketball. In these situations, overtime begins with a jump ball, and the possession arrow adheres to the same format as the start of the game. If additional overtime periods are needed, the arrow is reset after the initial jump ball.

It is important to note that the possession arrow is not used to determine the direction of play, but rather to indicate which team has possession of the ball. The arrow points in the direction of the basket the team with possession is attacking. Therefore, the arrow may change direction between the first and second halves as teams typically switch baskets at halftime.

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Throw-ins

In high school basketball, the possession arrow is used to determine which team gets the ball at the start of each quarter after the first one. The arrow is switched after the ball is thrown in, or in-bounded, in all of these situations.

The possession arrow, also known as the alternating-possession procedure, is used in alternating-possession situations, which can include: a held ball, a free-throw violation, a technical foul when no team is in control, a live ball becoming wedged between the backboard and the rim, a double foul where neither team gains possession, simultaneous goaltending or basket interference violations, two players hitting the ball out of bounds at the same time, or when officials cannot determine which team last touched the ball before it went out of bounds.

The possession arrow is also used in kid's sports, where there is typically only one jump ball at the beginning of the game, and sometimes another after halftime. In college basketball, the game is played with two 20-minute halves, and the possession arrow determines which team gets the ball at the start of the second half. The arrow is switched after the ball is in-bounded.

In both high school and college basketball, another jump ball starts any overtime period. If the opposing team commits a foul or violation during a team's alternating possession throw-in, the arrow is not switched after the ball is in-bounded. For example, if Team A has the ball for a throw-in due to a tie-up and Team B commits a foul before the ball is in-bounded, Team A would receive the arrow.

The possession arrow is handled by those sitting at the official scorer's table, who also manage the clock, scoreboard, and substitutions.

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Fouls

One significant change is the introduction of two free throws for common fouls when a team is in the "bonus". Previously, teams would go through a "one-and-one" scenario, where they would shoot one free throw and, only if they made the first shot, would they get to shoot a second one. Now, teams will shoot two free throws for all common fouls when their opponent has committed five fouls in a quarter, which is when the "bonus" is awarded. This change eliminates the old rule, where the bonus was awarded after seven fouls in a half. At the end of each quarter, the team foul count will reset, and the bonus will no longer be carried over.

The amendments to the free throw and foul rules are aimed at reducing the chances of injury during rebounds. According to Lindsey Atkinson, the NFHS Director of Sports and liaison to the Basketball Rules Committee, the committee studied data that showed higher injury rates during rebounding situations. By reducing the opportunities for rough play during rebounds, the new rules are expected to improve player safety.

In addition to the changes in free throws and bonus rules, the NFHS has also made adjustments to other rules. For instance, Rule 3-5-6 now addresses undershirts, allowing teams to wear a single solid colour or solid black for visiting teams with dark jerseys. Rule 9-3-3 has also been amended to allow players to step out of bounds and return to the court without being penalised, as long as they do not gain an advantage and are not the first to touch the ball after returning inbounds. These changes demonstrate the NFHS's commitment to ensuring fair play and the safety of high school basketball players.

While the focus here is on fouls and related rule changes, it is worth noting that the possession arrow, which is used to determine possession of the ball without a jump ball, also plays a crucial role in high school and college basketball. The arrow points towards the basket the team with possession is attacking. At halftime, the arrow is flipped to account for the teams switching ends of the court, ensuring that the team that had possession at the end of the first half will still have it to begin the second.

Frequently asked questions

The possession arrow is used to determine which team gets the ball when possession is in question. It is used in college and high school basketball games to speed up the game and prevent injuries.

The possession arrow is used during an alternating-possession situation. This can include a held ball, a free-throw violation, or a technical foul when no team is in control.

The possession arrow points towards the team that will get possession of the ball next. The arrow is flipped after possession has been established.

Yes, the possession arrow changes at halftime of a high school basketball game. The arrow is switched after the ball is inbounded.

In high school basketball, the possession arrow is used to determine which team gets the ball in the event of a tie-up between players from the offensive and defensive teams.

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