What must happen to the tossed ball in a jump ball situation?

In a jump ball situation, the tossed ball must be tapped after reaching its highest point, which is crucial for the flow and fairness of the game. This rule ensures that the ball is not just grabbed or caught directly, which could favor one player over the other. Tapping the ball allows for a fair athletic play, meaning both jumpers have a chance to react to the ball's position once it reaches the peak of its trajectory.

This approach also emphasizes skill and timing, as jumpers must coordinate their jumps to tap the ball rather than simply securing possession by catching it. The tapping mechanism keeps the play dynamic, preventing it from becoming overly static or reliant solely on one player's ability.

Other options focus on aspects that may not align with the proper conduct of a jump ball. The requirement for the ball to be caught or the notion that it should never touch the ground detracts from the intent of the toss, which is more about engaging the players in a fair contest for the ball rather than merely securing possession. Additionally, while visibility of the ball is important, it is already understood in the context that the official will toss it in a fair manner to ensure all players have a clear opportunity to engage actively in the jump.