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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651 Questions

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Last Answer on September 20, 2019

Best Rated

Has there ever been a incident where you saw something that was wrong but you could not call it? If there was what was it?

Asked by Jonny over 5 years ago

I missed a blocked/charge call that I thought was my partner's call. I should have taken it, and both coaches went crazy. That one sticks out the most.

at start of game: 2 centers jump, the tip is grabbed by 2 opposing players for a jump ball before either team gets possession. who re-jumps? the 2 centers? the 2 players who grabbed the tip?

Asked by midd44 over 5 years ago

In high school ball the two who grabbed the tip before initial possession was established would jump for the ball.

Is dribbling the ball above shoulder height considered a violation?

Asked by turbur over 5 years ago

There is no height specification. However you must dribble on top of the ball without cupping or carrying it.

When player makes a pass, he can’t be the first one to touch the ball. But how do you define it’s a pass, is it the intention, pick up the ball with 2 hands, or palm ball then throw to another player (basically dead ball is it a dead ball)? (q1/2)

Asked by Antuxity over 5 years ago

It depends on whether the dribble ended (being picked up, palming the ball, etc) then you cannot be the first to touch the ball except if the player accidentally drops the ball - called a muff.

Does the home team have a right to "the last change" ie, the right to match the visitor's substitutions, as in hockey? If yes, is it a custom or a rule? How does it work on a neutral court, such as during a tournament? TY

Asked by RodK about 5 years ago

There is no provision for last substitution, but preventive officiating would slow down when a sub is called in to allow the other team to counter. Remember, once in, a sub cannot come out until after the ball is live and the clock is started.

Hello,
A player goes to one knee to secure the ball on the floor, keeping the other foot on the floor as a pivot foot. Can the player stand up or is this a violation?

Asked by DANIEL SODERLIND over 5 years ago

It is travelling.

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 about 5 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.