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

Can any set of circumstances in a school game besides a foul on a three point attempt result in an award of 3 free throws? I saw it in a HS game and did not understand what happened. Thanks.

Asked by rodk almost 9 years ago

How about a common foul after a dead ball technical? Or, a 2 shot free throw sequence where there is a violation by the defense on one of the free throws which is missed and awarded a do over?

What are the rules and restrictions for a player in-bounding the ball NOT after a made basket? Is there a 3-foot radius that allows them to move backwards? Do they have to establish a pivot or can they move both feet?
Thanks

Asked by Confused Player almost 10 years ago

A player must have at least one foot ON or Above a 3 foot wide (parallel to the out of bounds line) during the throw in. He/she may move forward or back all the way to the wall or bleachers perpendicular to the out of bounds line. There is no requirement to maintain a pivot foot on a throw in, nor can you travel. The violation occurs when the throw in player exits a 3 foot wide area along the boundary line before the throw in.

If a player stops his or her dribble and is off balance and ready to fall on the floor which would traveling and puts his or hers hand on the floor to prevent from flooring on the floor is that traveling

Asked by ernie liggett, sr about 9 years ago

It is not traveling if a hand touches the floor as long as your feet have not violated the traveling rules. Any other part of your body (beside hands and feet) touching the floor while in control of the ball constitutes traveling.

Have you ever had to call a game winning shot not good because time expired?

Asked by Andrew about 9 years ago

Yes, in a tie game I called travelling on a last second shot which went in. I sent the game into overtime and the team that travelled lost the game.

When I refereed in the 1980s, we were taught that a held ball occurs when neither player has control of the ball, but both are trying to get possession. Recently a ref told me its when BOTH have possession? Both of us can't be right?

Asked by rvi777 about 10 years ago

Here is the definition of "held ball" in the rule book: 

A held ball occurs when 1…opponents have their hands so firmly on the ball that control cannot be obtained without due roughness, or 2…an opponent places his/her hands on the ball and prevents an airborne player from throwing the ball or releasing it on a try.

In the first instance, control cannot be obtained. In the second instance the offensive player starts with control but then loses the ability (i.e.. control) to pass or shoot. So I think you are splitting hairs - each of you are right and wrong in definition 1 vs 2.

do direct techs to a coach count toward team fouls

Asked by RefDre about 9 years ago

yes, but not indirect technicals.

Does the head coach have to come to the pre game meeting of players / Coaches / officials ? If he does not attend and an Asst. Coach does he the Asst. deemed head coach for that game ?

Asked by Robby almost 9 years ago

I think the pre-game conference rules are dictated by each state.