Inter-Athletic Council of
Officials
New Official’s Basketball Class
Module 10
Live/Dead Ball, Alternating Possession and
Substitutions
Live/Dead Ball and Substitutions

At the completion of this Module the
student should:
◦ Understand when a ball becomes live
◦ Understand that the ball becomes dead
◦ Know how Alternating Possession rules
should be applied properly
◦ Know the how substitutions should be
completed
Key Terms

Live Ball

Dead Ball

Alternating Possession

Substitutions
LIVE BALL
Live Ball

When does the ball become live?
1. On a jump ball:

The tossed ball leaves the referee’s hand(s).
2. On a Throw-In:

Ball is at the disposal of the thrower.
3. On a Free Throw:

Ball is at the disposal of the free thrower.
DEAD BALL
Dead Ball

Ball becomes dead or remains dead when:
◦ A goal is made
◦ It is clear a FT will not be successful
 And is followed by another FT
 And is followed by a throw-in
◦ Held ball occurs or ball lodges between the
backboard and ring or comes to rest on flange
◦ A player or team control foul occurs
◦ The official’s whistle is blown (exceptions)
Dead Ball

Ball becomes dead or remains dead when:
◦ Time expires for a quarter or extra period
(exceptions)
◦ A foul (not player or team control)
◦ FT violations by the throwing team
◦ A violation (as in 9-2 thru 13)
ALTERNATING
POSSESSION
Alternating Possession

Jump Ball helps establish Alternating Possession
at the beginning of game or extra period
◦ Normally used before start of the game and the start
of each extra period

Team that established control at the beginning
of the game, their opponent gets the arrow or
next possession when AP situation takes place
Alternating Possession

A throw-in for AP should occur when:
◦ Held ball
◦ Ball goes out of bounds by opponents simultaneous
◦ Simultaneous floor and free-throw violations occur
◦ A live ball lodges between backboard and ring or comes to rest
on the flange (not if a FT or throw in follows)
Alternating Possession

A throw-in for AP should occur when:
◦ Ball becomes dead when neither team is in control and no goal
infraction nor end of a quarter/extra period is involved
◦ Opponents commit simultaneous goaltending or basketinterference violations
◦ Double personal, technical or simultaneous fouls occur and Point
of Interruption is with no team in control an no goal infraction
took place, nor the end of quarter/extra period is involved
Alternating Possession

All AP situations that occur results in a
Throw-In to the team that has the arrow.
Point of Emphasis 2011-12
SUBSTITUTIONS
Substitutions

Can be made between quarters, at half time and
timeouts

Subs must report to scorer prior to warning
signal (15 seconds) after timeouts and
intermissions

Subs must be ready to report before entering
the game
Substitutions

Official closest to the table has initial
substitution responsibility

If in transition, the official closest brings in subs,
then hand over responsibility to Center official
(3 Person Mechanics)

All officials should be aware ultimately of
available substitutes
Free Throw Substitutions

During multiple free throws, subs can
only be made before the final free throw
attempt
◦ Exception:
 When player has to leave by rule
 Disqualified player
 Injury
 Blood rule applies
 Technical Foul Shots
Example: Blood on shooter
Free Throw Substitutions

During 1 and 1 or one shot
opportunities subs can come in anytime
before ball is at disposal of Free Thrower
Live-Dead Ball, AP and Substitution
Review
Where do you put the ball in play on an
AP?
 When does the ball become live on a
jump ball?
 Which official is responsible for
substitutions?
 Can a substitution come in on the
second of 3 free throws?

Module 10

Questions?
New Officials Basketball Class
Module 10
Live/Dead Ball, Alternating Possession and
Substitutions