What happens to the game if the referees allow play to continue after a jump ball fails to touch the players?

When referees allow play to continue after a jump ball fails to touch any of the players, the situation is managed according to the rules of basketball regarding jump balls. In this case, the proper course of action is to call for a new jump ball. This is because the initial jump ball was not successfully executed, meaning that it did not meet the requirement of the ball touching at least one of the players involved.

This decision ensures that the game adheres to the regulations governing jump balls, maintaining fair play and ensuring that both teams have an equal opportunity to gain possession of the ball. The other options do not accurately represent the procedures in place for such a scenario; thus, calling a new jump ball is the only correct and rule-compliant response to the failed jump.