During a jump ball, if A-1 catches the ball before it ends, is the official correct in calling it a violation?

In basketball, the jump ball is a ceremonial toss to start the game or overtime period, and it's crucial that the procedures are strictly followed. According to the rules, once the referee tosses the ball into the air, both players involved must wait for the ball to reach its peak before attempting to gain possession. If a player, in this case A-1, catches the ball before it has ended its upward flight—meaning before it has reached its apex and is falling back down—this is considered a violation of the jump ball procedure.

The rationale behind this rule is to ensure fairness and maintain the integrity of the jump ball, allowing both players an equal opportunity to compete for the ball. By catching the ball prematurely, A-1 disrupts the intended contest between the jumpers, hence the official is justified in calling it a violation. The enforcement of this rule helps to regulate the flow of the game and ensures that proper jump ball mechanics are followed.