Basketball Referee

Basketball Referee

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

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Last Answer on September 20, 2019

Best Rated

Is this traveling?

https://youtu.be/d_byY-iHNOw

Asked by Kev25 over 6 years ago

Sorry, this link did not work.

In my middle school team's game, a 70' heave at the end of the 2nd quarter (immediately before the buzzer) bounced on the floor and almost went in. Would the shot have counted had it gone in?

Asked by Tom almost 7 years ago

No it wouldn't count. If a try leaves a shooters hand before time runs out, it can count until the try is over. The try is over 1) when it goes through the basket, or 2) when it is clear the try will not go in. When it hits the floor, the try is over.

I’m running down the right side of the court on a fast break with the ball, 2 defenders in front a little left of me and one behind. The guy in front jumps in front of me so i hault, the guy behind Knocks me off balance, what would you call?

Asked by deshond6@gmail.com over 6 years ago

Since you are entitled to the space you occupy, I would call a foul on the defense for pushing you.

Is this traveling?

Use below link as copy and paste

https://youtu.be/d_byY-iHNOw

Asked by Kev25 over 6 years ago

In my opinion this is not traveling (under NFHS rules). 1) he picks up the ball while in the air. his right foot comes down first, he steps on his left, giving up his pivot and then releases the ball. No traveling. 2) In NFHS you can capture the ball without it hitting anything (rim, backboard floor, opponent, referee) if and only if the airball was a legitimate attempt at a shot. I think it was in this case, so I would rule no traveling. College and Pro rules would call this same play traveling, but not high school rules.

I was defending a player on a drive to the hoop. As we approached the block, I went to contest the shot at the block, and was hit with a pick. Would this be a legal screen?

Asked by Bigs almost 7 years ago

A few concepts: 1) a pick can be legally set anywhere on the court, 2) you as a defender are entitled to the vertical space if you have legally obtained that position, and 3) in NFHS rules a pick can be legally set within the defender's vision with no space requirements or, if outside the defender's vision the pick must allow the defender a step to avoid collision.

A few people (hating or having criticism) say I shuffle my feet while I shoot (off catch or dribbling). To adjust, I dribble once before I shoot. How many steps can I legally take to shoot after I put the ball on the ground?

Asked by Windell Lyday over 6 years ago

During a dribble you cannot travel. Once you pick up your dribble, one or both feet become your pivot foot. You can step with your non pivot foot and then lift your pivot but it is travelling if you put your pivot foot down again or if you move your non pivot foot. So, if you end your dribble or just catch the ball, then shuffle your feet it is travelling. Shuffling your feet is a bad habit that can only result in travelling.

Can a game be counted in a tournament if the rules are not fully in force? What if, by common agreement, no free throws are shot? Are the games official?

Asked by Monte Dutton about 6 years ago

In NFHS rules, there are things left to the states such as video review or suspension terms when a player or coach is ejected. I have worked tournament games where there was a 20 point lead and by tourney rules the 4th quaerter clock was running even after a whistle. Best bet is to check with your state or tournament staff to see if your alteraction is acceptable.