The jump ball sets the tone for the entire game. A clean, confident opening tip establishes credibility with players, coaches, and spectators right away. Officials who handle the start of the game calmly and correctly demonstrate preparedness and control before the first possession even begins.

Positioning & Responsibilities Before the Toss

Before the ball is ever tossed, officials must ensure everyone involved is ready. These are the steps you can take for jump ball administration at the start of the game:

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1. Check the table and clocks to confirm readiness
2. Check partners to ensure they are ready
3. Check players to make sure they are lined up legally and prepared
4. Sound the whistle to gain attention - one long, loud blast
5. Drop the whistle out of your mouth before tossing the ball
   • This protects your teeth
6. Confirm the direction of each team and color (optional)
7. Toss the ball
   • You want to avoid the players stealing your toss
   • One way you can ensure fairness is to catch the jumpers off guard by verbally telling them that you will toss the ball “on three,” but instead toss it “on two.” </aside>

Tossing the Ball

The toss should be consistent, straight, and controlled.

• Use one hand or two hands, whichever is most comfortable
• Toss the ball straight up, not forward or backward
• Avoid spinning the ball
• A good toss allows both jumpers a fair opportunity

Good vs. Bad Toss

• Good toss: vertical, controlled, equal opportunity
• Bad toss: angled, rushed, inconsistent, too low/high

If the toss is clearly unfair or bad, officials should call it back immediately and re-administer the jump ball.

Refer back to the sublesson here on how to properly toss the basketball.