The players are on the field in couples, but the two standing together are always opponents; a player is never stationed by one of her own side. The game is thus in part played in couples, that is, the two placed together pay especial attention to each other and are, for the time being, each the particular opponent of the other, trying to foil all efforts of the other to gain any advantages in the game, at the same time endeavoring to assist the players on her own side.

The inner divisions for fouls, Fig. 614, are ignored except when a foul has been made; then the side opposed to the one committing the foul has a free throw for the basket and the foul court is in use. The player having the free throw stands on the line in the centre of the circle of the foul division (Fig. 614), and must be allowed to take time to aim well and throw for the basket. No other player is permitted to stand in or pass through the limits of this court while the player with the ball is trying for the goal. The object in marking the inclosure is to prevent any other girl approaching nearer than six feet to the player throwing for the basket. The foul court must be absolutely free from all obstruction during a free throw, nor shall the player having a free throw step from the station line until the ball has entered or missed the goal.

When a player is given the privilege of a free throw, the ball cannot be tossed to any other player; it must be thrown for the basket. Should this rule be violated, the goal will not count if made, and the referee takes the ball and tosses it up in the centre as at the beginning of the game. If by chance the free player is interfered with in any way, and she fails to make the goal, she can try again, and then, in case the ball does not land in the basket, the ball is in play and the game continues.

The ball may be thrown or batted with the flat part of the hand in any direction, either with one or both hands.

While in the field a girl cannot carry the ball nor hold it longer than three seconds; she must play it from the spot where she catches it, unless she happens to be running. If while running she catches the ball, she must stop as soon as possible; should she fail to do so, in the opinion of the umpire, the umpire may call a foul. When the player captures the ball she either throws it at once or stops running as soon as possible. Allowance is made in such cases, but the player cannot consume time by turning around without making progress in the game.

A player cannot bound the ball on the floor more than three times, and never lower than the height of the knee; however, this does not interfere with her throwing for a goal twice or more in succession.

The player who has the ball is the only one in the field who may be intentionally blocked in her way; all other players must be free from intentional interference.

The foul which disqualifies a player counts against her side.

The ball is

Out of Bounds