Rule 2—Officials and their Duties

Section VI—Correcting Errors

B. LINEUP POSITIONS

In any jump ball situation, if the jumpers lined up incorrectly, and the error is discovered: 

(1) After more than 24 seconds have elapsed, the teams will continue to shoot for that

basket for the remainder of that half and/or overtime. If the error is discovered in the first

half, teams will shoot at the proper basket as decided by the opening tap for the second half.

(2) If 24 seconds or less have elapsed, all play shall be nullified.

EXCEPTION: Acts of unsportsmanlike conduct, all flagrant fouls, and points

scored therefrom, shall not be nullified and play will resume from the original jump ball

with players facing the proper direction.

At times, we can all fall into a flustered moment, which no one catches the mistake.  Make sure that you line these players up correctly for the jump ball.  If you don’t catch the mistake prior to 24 seconds on the game clock, the players will continue to shoot in that basket for the remainder of the half. 

If you miss this in the second half, you’ll be shooting in that basket for the remainder of the game, unless there is overtime.