Rndballref
20 Years Experience
Chicago, IL
Male, 60
For twenty years I officiated high school, AAU and park district basketball games, retiring recently. For a few officiating is the focus of their occupation, while for most working as an umpire or basketball referee is an avocation. I started ref'ing to earn beer money during college, but it became a great way to stay connected to the best sports game in the universe. As a spinoff, I wrote a sports-thriller novel loosely based on my referee experiences titled, Advantage Disadvantage
That is true, but if a referee called everything technically the game would be unplayable and unwatchable. For example, the rule used to be that on a throw in, if the player didn't take the shortest path onto the court after throwing in the ball in, it was a technical foul. I never called it that way, and never worked with anyone who did. Finally, NFHS changed this action to a violation and now it gets called. Likewise, any carrying the ball, by rule, is an illegal dribble. But if a player is bringing the ball up from the backcourt unguarded and is turning the ball over, I am not going to call that until he is guarded. (Officiating principle = Advantage Disadvantage).
I get that you are annoyed that a team can get back in a game by fouling a team who cannot shoot free throws, but while I think intentional fouls need to be clarified, I believe most people do not take your literal interpretation of the game and don't mind "going for the ball" common fouls as a legitimate strategy. Again, I say a shot clock would remove much of the reason to purposely foul.
Share Answer: 
There are 5 correctible errors in the rule book and failing to remove a player with 5 fouls is NOT one of them. The free throw stands and the ref has egg on his face for rushing and not making sure his partner was ready. But it is not correctible.
Share Answer: 
No. The 5 second count is independent of the game clock. On a thrown in, the team has 5 seconds to RELEASE the ball. Here's the rule:
"Once the throw in starts, the ball shall be released on a pass directly into the court before 5 seconds has elapsed."
NOTE: The throw in starts when the ball is at the disposal of throw in player. So when the throw in player lets go of the ball, the 5 count restriction is satisfied.
Share Answer: 
Yes.
Share Answer: 
Day Trader
What can a good day trader earn in a year?
Sitcom Writer
Is reality TV here to stay?
Auto Mechanic
What car brands are most/least likely to end up in the shop?
During normal play, when a player catches the ball in air he is considered to be in the court he alighted from. Suppose Team A has the ball in possession in A's frontcourt. Player A1 jumps from the backcourt, catches the ball in air and lands in the frontcourt. This is a backcourt violation.
HOWEVER, there are two exceptions: 1) if a defensive player jumps from his backcourt, catches the ball and lands in his frontcourt, and 2) on any throw in.
In your question, it is a throw in and so the exception applies. No backcourt violation.
Share Answer: 
Technically slapping the arm of an opponent is a foul. Inpractice, a referee should use his judgement to determine if that action caused a turnover. If it did, the foul should be called.
In your question, you ask if A calls a foul which makes me believe that you are playing without an official. In pickup games, often rough play is tolerated and calling a slap on the arm is considered weak sometimes.
Share Answer: 
The assignment chairperson should never entertain your tape. Your coach probably tapes the games and the coach (or athletic director) should deal with the quality of the officiating. In my opinion you are getting in too deep, without a real understanding of how the officials are trained. For example, they may see what you are yelling about but they may be making an "Advantage Disadvantage" judgement (this is discussed in a previous question).
Share Answer: 
-OR-
Login with Facebook (max 20 characters - letters, numbers, and underscores only. Note that your username is private, and you have the option to choose an alias when asking questions or hosting a Q&A.)
(A valid e-mail address is required. Your e-mail will not be shared with anyone.)
(min 5 characters)
By checking this box, you acknowledge that you have read and agree to Jobstr.com’s Terms and Privacy Policy.
-OR-
Register with Facebook(Don't worry: you'll be able to choose an alias when asking questions or hosting a Q&A.)
Browse Jobs
Host a Q&A
Search
Submit Your Question
Host a Q&A
Last 7
