Stuffed, then loose

If the ball gets stuffed and then becomes loose, what do you have? When the defense "stuffs" the shooter, A1, it is a held ball. Like in the photo, A1 may go up for the shot, and the ball may be briefly trapped between the opposing hands of A1 and B1. If the ball comes lose from that trap — that is, it was a brief trap — and then either A1 or B1 returns to the floor with the ball, it may look like a stolen ball. Even if the ball falls loosely to the floor not under control of either player, then it may be possible to let play continue. No whistle. It is rare, but having a slow whistle may be the right thing to do.

If you do this, you are avoiding a whistle when a whistle is (sometimes) really unnecessary. You may gain greater credibility for allowing the players to play through this action than if you jump in and quickly whistle a held ball.

Stuffed all the way to the floor

Having a no-call is much tougher when the ball does NOT release from either player's hands and the feet of either player touch the floor. It looks too much like a travel, which it could be if one of the players is in control and then takes steps — but only then. Yet, it is not a travel just because the ball got stuffed. Avoid making that error. Make the held ball call.

Continued...