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

if a junior high basketball player gets hurt by hitting the floor and is down for a minute, gets up and goes to the bench to sit out. Is he allowed to come back in?

Asked by Jamie over 7 years ago

He can come back in the game unless the injury was to his head and there was a possible concussion. If there is a possible concussion, it will take a doctor's concurrence to clear the player to return.

Defensive player intentionally kicks at a pass, but the ball hits his hand first, then the knee area. Is it a steal or a deadball with the offense retaining possession?

Asked by John Landauer almost 7 years ago

If a player intentionally kicks the ball it is a violation. If the player misses kicking the ball it is a no call.

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 over 7 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.

Yesterday I asked about a held ball in streetball. Your answer was pretty useless. Can you direct me to the right person or place for a more “official” answer? ????

Asked by Menchi over 7 years ago

Sorry, my knowledge is about NFHS rules, and that is the focus of this space.

Regarding a held ball in a streetball game. How is it called when two players have simultaneous possession? Since there is no possession arrow and no jump ball, what call is made and by whom?

Asked by Menchi over 7 years ago

See the answer in the previous question.

Can t be called after the game is over for slamming the ball down inn the floor

Asked by Mikey over 7 years ago

The officials responsibilities end when they leave the visual confines of the gym. However, there isn't any remedy they have if the game ends, but you slam the ball before they exit the gym. If the post game action is extreme and requires punishment the penalty would have to be applied by the coaching staff or the state athletic authority.

What does it feal like to be booed? Yea I know it’s a stuipid question but I want to know

Asked by The man over 7 years ago

It is tough when you first start out because you make mistakes and sometimes you deserve to be booed. That is why so many new refs quit. You have to have thick skin to not let it bother you . You also need to be lucky to work with good partners that will help you correct an error, or reinforce a good but controversisl call. It gets easier as you progress because you get better thru ref camps and experience, but if it continues to bother someone, they should think about giving it up.