MAC Rules of Play for 2015-2016
Closely Guarded
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The 5-second closely guarded count will no longer be in effect during a dribble.
10-Second Backcourt Count
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The 10-second count will begin when any player legally touches the ball in the backcourt, except during a jump
ball or a rebound.
During a jump ball or rebound, the 10 second count begins when a team gains control in its backcourt.
The officials will use the 30-second shot clock as their guide to determining when a 10-second violation has
occurred.
The officials will no longer visibly count 10 seconds, except when the shot clock is off (i.e. the possession has
started with less than 30 seconds).
The 10-second backcourt count will be reset on all stoppages of play, except after:
1. The defense causes the ball to be out of bounds.
2. A held ball when the offense retains possession.
3. A time-out by the defense subsequent to a held ball with offense retaining control or the defense
causing the ball to be out of bounds. (Essentially, #3 gives the defense a chance to call time-out to plan
a press without resetting the 10-second count.)
Scenario #1: A1 is dribbling the ball in the backcourt. B1 hits the ball out of bounds with 23 on the shot clock. Ruling:
A1 must get the ball into the frontcourt before the shot clock reaches 20.
Scenario #2: A1 is dribbling the ball in the backcourt. B1 hits the ball out of bounds with 23 on the shot clock.
Subsequently, (a) Team A calls time-out, or (b) Team B calls time-out. Ruling: In (a) Team A must get the ball to the
frontcourt before the shot clock reaches 13. In (b) Team A must get the ball to the frontcourt before the shot clock
reaches 20.
Scenario #3: A1 is dribbling the ball in the backcourt, and then (a) B1 hits the ball out of bounds at the backcourt
sideline, or (b) Team A calls time-out. The officials blow the whistle, look up and see 20 seconds (or less) on the shot
clock. Ruling: In both (a) and (b) a 10-second violation has occurred. In (b) the time-out should not be charged unless
Team A reaffirms their request. If there is less than 20 seconds, the officials should put time back on the game clock –
e.g. if there’s 17 on the shot clock, put 3 seconds back on the game clock.
Scenario #4: A1 is dribbling the ball in the backcourt. B1 hits the ball out of bounds with 23 on the shot clock. During
the subsequent throw-in, thrower-in A1 throws the ball to A2, who jumps from the frontcourt, secures control of the
ball in the air, and then lands in the backcourt. Ruling: This is a legal exception to the backcourt rule. A2 may make a
normal landing and it does not matter if the first foot comes down in the frontcourt and the second in the backcourt.
However, the 10 second count does not reset. Team A still has to get the ball to the frontcourt before the shot clock
reaches 20.
Scenario #5: A1 secures control of B1’s missed field goal with 25 on the game clock. The shot clock is turned off. The
official now begins the visible 10-second count. While A1 is dribbling in the backcourt, B2 knocks the ball out of bounds,
or a held ball occurs with offense retaining possession. How do the teams know what the official’s 10 second count is?
Ruling: The counting official must notify his/her partners, both coaches, the table, and the thrower-in. Partners may
assist in the notification.