As officials, the two things we hear most from the stands and team benches is “three in the key” and on a rebound, “over the back.”

Three in the Key: rule 9-7

A player shall not remain in the area of the free throw lane between the end line and the further edge of the free throw line while the ball is in control of his/her team in the front court. That includes only one foot in that area. Allowance shall be made for a player who, having been in the restricted area for less than three seconds, dribbles in or moves for an immediate try for goal.

We could honestly call three in the key on every possession, especially at the junior high level. But, then we would be there all night. We look at it as: if a player is in the restricted area for longer then three seconds, but has not gained an advantage by obtaining the ball, we will usually let it go, unless we think they have a good rebounding position. If they are in the key and receive the ball, then we will call it. It is the official’s judgment.

Push in the Back: rule 4-37

Rebounding is the attempt by a player to secure possession of the ball following a try or tap. There is no player or team control on a try.

To obtain legal rebounding position the player may not displace, charge, or push an opponent, or extend shoulders, knees, hips, arms or elbows fully. And, they must keep their legal verticality. They may not bend his/her body in an abnormal position to hold or displace an opponent. Every player is entitled to a spot on the court, provided the player gets there first without illegally contacting an opponent.

There is no such thing as “over the back.” That saying was made up by someone. The proper phrase is “push in the back.” If a player has legal rebounding position and is dislodged or the opponent breaks their verticality we will call it. If a player bumps the rebounder and the rebounder has not lost the advantage and can play through it, we try to let it go.

Daniel Sanchez has been officiating for seven years and is among the most respected of our local officials.