When does a tossed ball during a jump ball become live?

The tossed ball during a jump ball becomes live when it is tapped by one of the jumpers. This moment signifies the official start of play following the jump. Until the ball is touched by one of the players participating in the jump, it is still in the air and not yet in play.

The other choices do not accurately reflect when the ball becomes live. The ball being at the thrower's disposal signifies the referee is ready to begin play but does not mean the play has actually started. When the ball reaches its highest point, it does not yet signal that play is active; the ball must be contacted by a player. Lastly, the ball touching the floor indicates that it has fallen and is no longer in the control of the jumpers, which means the play is not active at that point either. Thus, a tap by a jumper is the moment that transitions the ball to game action.