Hand checking

The following information on HAND - CHECKING is to improve our overall understanding of what to call and when to call this foul.

Hand-checking is defined as illegal contact by a defensive player which impedes the forward and/or lateral movement of the offensive player.
Hand-checking should be dealt with early in the game, with particular attention being paid during perimeter play and drives to the basket.

Hand-checking is NOT allowed on the ball handler. Some officials have the misconception that "I'll call it if it impedes the ball handler".
This is not the direction officials are being encouraged to follow.  ONE warning is given to the player, and if there is another infraction, then the foul should be called.
The following are the hand-checking guidelines for all officials.
It is a foul if:
1,  A defender leaves his hand on the opponent.
2.  A defender continuously places his hand(s) on an opponent.
3.  A defender places two hands on an opponent.
4.  A defender continually jabs an opponent.
5.  An illegal arm bar is used by the defender.

Incidental contact with hand(s) that does not impede the progress of an opponent is NOT illegal.  The defensive player's action of feeling for a screen that may be set to the side or to the rear is NOT illegal.

ALL PLAYERS WILL DO WHAT OFFICIALS ALLOW THEM TO DO, STOP THE HAND-CHECKING EARLY BY CALLING THE FOUL AND YOUR PROBLEMS WILL BE MINIMAL AS THE GAME ADJUSTS AND PROGRESSES.

Robert Polniak
Supervisor of Officials