Heading: Contact: General principles     Sub Heading: Principle of verticality

"During the game, each player has the right to occupy any position (cylinder) on the court not already occupied by an opponent.

This principle protects the space on the court which the player occupies and the space above when jumping vertically within that space.

When the player leaves the vertical position (cylinder) and body contact occurs with an opponent who had already established that player’s own vertical position (cylinder), the player who left the vertical position (cylinder) is responsible for the contact.

The defensive player must not be penalised for leaving the court vertically (within the cylinder) or having the hands and arms extended above and within that player’s own cylinder.

The offensive player, whether on the court or airborne, shall not cause contact with the defensive player in a legal guarding position by:

• Using the arms to create more space (pushing off).

• Spreading the legs or arms during or immediately after a shot for a goal."