What happens if jumper A1 catches the tapped ball before it has touched the floor?

In a basketball game governed by NFHS rules, if a jumper catches the tapped ball before it has touched the floor, it is classified as a violation. According to the rules, on a jump ball situation, any player who catches or controls the ball before it has legally touched the floor is committing a violation known as a "jump ball violation." This rule ensures that the jump ball process is fair and that the ball is properly handled according to the specific game protocols.

The other outcomes do not apply because catching the ball prior to a legal touch on the floor interrupts the intended purpose of the jump ball, which is to allow both players an equal opportunity for possession right after the tip-off. Therefore, the possession would be awarded to the opposing team as a result of this violation, reinforcing the need for players to respect the established protocol surrounding the jump ball.