Interpretation of Rules/FAQ

What if I get hit, but the ref doesn’t see it? Can I stay in?
No. If you get hit, you need to admit it and take yourself off the court. Our referees are trained to see as much of the action as possible, but they are still human. In this fast-paced game, we expect each player to be honest in order to keep play fair.

Can I use a ball as a shield and deflect a throw?
Yes. The ball you’re holding is a Dead Ball, so it’s safe to handle. But beware: If, in using another ball to deflect a throw, the deflection glances off the ball you’re holding and hits you, you’re out! And if the deflection hits any of your teammates, they’re out, too!

Can I go out of bounds to get a ball? Yes. However, if the ball enters the other court, you are not allowed to step into that court. You must wait for the players/referees to return the ball.

What if a thrown ball hits me and then hits my teammate before it hits the ground?
You are both out! Until a ball becomes a Dead Ball (by hitting the ground, wall, etc) anyone hit will be out. While not common, a single Live Ball could take out a whole team!

What if a throw gets away from me and the ball sails high? Will I automatically be called out for a Headshot?
No. Unless a ball hits someone in the neck or above, it is the discretion of the referee as to whether a throw is Headshot. If a ball sails harmlessly over the head of a player, or is high but nowhere near anyone on the court, the referee will just remind the thrower to keep it low.

Do refs need to provide a count down for the Throw Clock?
No. Referees need to inform a team that it is their turn to throw and must provide notice that the Throw Clock is in effect by starting a count of 10, but it is the player’s responsibility to throw within the given time window.

Can the team that is not being told to throw by the refs throw?
Yes. The Throw Determination only establishes what team has to throw. It does not prevent the other team from throwing. However, the Throw Clock countdown will continue until the team with more balls completes a throw.

If I’m dodging a ball and in the process I get hit in the head by a 2nd ball, is the thrower charged with a Headshot?
No. A Headshot only applies when a throw endangers another player who is in his/her normal playing position. If a player choose to crouch or is hit in the head while dodging another ball, any hits above the shoulders will not be ruled a Headshot.

What happens if I catch a ball and then am hit by a second ball?
That is both a Catch and an Elimination. An additional player will be able to join your team on the court for the catch, but you are out.

What happens if I get hit with a ball right before I make a Catch?
You are out and there is no Catch. The moment you were Eliminated you become ineligible to do anything else but leave the court and return to your Team Bench.

What happens if a ball deflects off the basketball backboard and hits me?
Nothing. Once the ball hits the backboard (or the floor, wall, referee, or anything other than a ball or player), the ball is Dead and therefore no risk to you.