One of the most challenging concepts for coaches to understand is that of of a closely guarded situation. 

Years ago the situation was even more complicated with a mid-court / fore-court area ... but since the 28 foot lines were ostensibly removed this created one big front court making it easier for officials to follow guarded opponents during play.

Here are some keys to remember when a referee SHOULD INITIATE a closely guarded situation...

• The ball must be in the front court.
• There must be player-control.
• The opponent (defender) must be within six (6) feet.
• The offensive player can either be holding or dribbling the ball.
• Six feet is measured from the forward foot of the defender to the forward foot of the offensive player.

• The ball must be in the front court.
• There must be player-control.
• The opponent (defender) must be within six (6) feet.
• The offensive player can either be holding or dribbling the ball.
• Six feet is measured from the forward foot of the defender to the forward foot of the offensive player.

• Make sure ALL of the above keys are present.
• Officials should initiate a visible count (with arm/hand) when the situation exists.
• Once the offensive player gets head/shoulders past the defensive player, the count shall stop.
• If the defensive player backs away (more than six feet) the count shall stop.
• If the offensive player is holding the ball (while closely guarded) then begins a dribble ... a new count should be started.  If the offensive player picks up that same dribble and holds the ball (again, while closely guarded) ... another new count would be started.
• If the offensive player is dribbling the ball (while closely guarded) then picks up the dribble ... a new count should be started.
• At anytime during this sequence of closely guarded events the count reaches five (5) seconds (holding, dribbling, or holding again) ... this should be ruled a violation on the offensive player.
• Signal to stop the clock with an open hand (violation) and use the approved signal for the 5 Second Violation - point direction and spot the ball closest to the violation.
• There is a relatively new officiating signal for "Not Closely Guarded" situations which is recommended to be used for "emphasis only."  Ref 60 recommends using this to visualize to coaches/fans that the two players are NOT within the six feet closely guarded restrictions or they were at one time, but the situation has changed.
• Since there is no player control during an interrupted dribble, there is no closely guarded situation or count.
• There is no requirement for the defender to be the same person. This means closely guarded counts continue while defenders switch on and off the offensive player provided at least one of the defenders maintained the closely guarded situation.

• The distance from the foul line to the outer edge of the "top of the key / restraining semi-circle" is six feet.
• If two average size opponents were to reach out and shake hands, most likely they would be within six feet.
• Maybe just go get a tape measure!