February 2008
Several situations have come up that are worthy of discussion as we enter
Tournament Season.
1)
In the closing seconds of the first half team A attempts a try from the vicinity
of the arc. The ball goes in and is ruled a three-pointer. As the officials
return to the floor to start the 2nd half the coach of team B claims
a correctable error. He says the video tape showed that the last second
shooter’s foot was on the line. While the statue of limitations for a
correctable error has not run out, the officials rule that video evidence is not
admissible so no correction can be made.
So far so good, but we
also know that using video tape for coaching purposes during the game is
a technical foul. It was not clear whether the coach used the video or merely
took the camera operator’s word for it. Also is researching a correctable error
coaching? I thought not, so no T, but others have disagreed with me. The
rules oracle said that if the coach looked at the monitor, it’s a T.
2)
The importance of identifying the correct shooter is emphasized in this play.
A-1 is dribbling the ball when he is fouled by B-1. As the officials are about
to administer the throw-in penalty, the table advises that the bonus applies.
A-2 steps to the line and makes the 1st shot. The officials now
realize that A-1 should be shooting. They apply the correctable error rule;
cancel A-2’s shot and put A-1 on the line for 1+1. However, unless there was
credible confusion on the part of team A, A-2 has committed a technical foul.
Know when the bonus is imminent and make sure both you and your partner identify
the correct shooter. (If you recognize the wrong shooter as he approaches
the line, it might be wise just to chase him away, perhaps with the reminder
that cheating is a T.)
3)
A-1 is awarded a designated spot
throw-in. she backs up 5 feet from the line and releases the pass toward
inbounds. B-1 steps on the line and deflects the ball before it crosses the
plane of the line. Technical foul? No. Once the throw-in is released
the rule says B-1 can play the ball. Since her foot was on the line she caused
the ball to be out of bounds and A gets another throw-in. This is a quirk in the
rules that people have been trying to change without success.
4)
A-1 is awarded a 1+1. The lead
official erroneously announces “2 Shots”. A-1’s first shot hits the front of the
rim and falls to the floor. Everybody stands there looking at the ball.
Eventually the lead official picks the ball up. It then dawns on the officials
that the penalty was 1+1. You have to treat this like an inadvertent whistle.
The point of interruption is neither team in control, so go to the arrow.
Obviously this is something you can always avoid with good mechanics.
5)
Special equipment situations. May a
coach use an electronic device that transmits to a deaf player’s hearing aid so
the player may get instructions? May a player participate while wearing a
legally required ankle bracelet (probation)? The answer is yes in both cases,
provided the proper authorizations and safety measures are in place.
6)
A-1 is closely guarded near the arc.
He begins to dribble rapidly toward the hoop. B-1 stays with him, partially in
front. Does the 5 second count continue? Unless A-1 gets head and shoulders
past B-1, keep counting.
7)
From the head of the key A-1 makes a lob pass into A-2 in the pivot, who is
being fronted by B-2. A-2 pushes off B-2 and leaps for the pass. The lead calls
a foul on A-2. Team B is in the bonus. No shots, folks. This is a team
control foul. Other types of fouls that fall into this category are illegal
screens. There is no control on rebound fouls, so the bonus penalty would apply.
8)
In attempting a bounce pass into the post A-1 throws the ball against B-1’s
stationary leg. The ball caroms to A-2 on the wing. Coach B wants a kicking
violation. No way folks. A kick needs to be intentional for it to be a
violation. I see too many people automatically calling a violation when the ball
hits a leg.
9)
A-1 and B-1 sky for a rebound. B-1 is behind. A-1 gets his hand on the ball and
B-1 whacks the back of that hand. The ball goes out of bounds. The hand is
part of the ball. No foul. Give team A a throw-in, because B caused the ball to
go OOB.
10)
Before a foul shot hits the rim a team mate of the shooter breaks the plane of
the arc at the foul line extended. Where is the throw-in? At the sideline
even with the foul line. I see a lot of throw-ins administered at the wrong
place. Be fastidious about the correct spots.
11)
The dreaded BLARGE. The lead calls a block but the trail calls a charge at the
same time while the offensive player still has the ball in hand. . We have a
double foul, so we go to point of interruption after charging both fouls. That
point is that the offense had control, so they get a throw-in. Note that a
player control foul cannot be part of a double foul so that if the offensive
player had released a try before the crash it would count if good, and B would
get a throw-in after being scored upon. If the try missed the POI would be
handled with the arrow. Try to avoid this kind of crap.
12)
Fouls on successful goals: For a rebounding foul by scoring team, the other team
keeps the privilege of running the endline on the throw-in. For a rebounding
foul by defense, the scoring team gets a spot throw-in probably at endline. For
an intentional foul by defense the scoring team gets 2 shots plus a throw-in at
spot nearest the foul. Who says you can’t have a 4 or 5 point play.
Have
a great tournament season and please feel free to contact me with any questions or strange
plays. As things come up we will post them (anonymously)
in Tip's, Tap, or
Try section of the web site. I encourage you to call me
or email (Interpreter@NWNJBOARD168.ORG)
with your experiences and questions so that all members can learn from the
experience of others. I assure you that all situations will remain anonymous. Finish
strong...
Bill Kenney
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