2007-2008 - Plays of the Week - Week 6
"Working together, we will all get better."
The plays/questions described below occurred recently and are provided for your review and discussion. The rulings given are based on NFHS rules. NCAA rulings may be different. Have you seen an unusual play? Let all officials benefit from it by sending it to Plays of the Week
Play #1 - During the 4th quarter B1 of the home team is charged with a blocking foul. When the foul has been reported, the scorekeeper for the visiting team states that this is B1's 5th foul. However, the home book, which is the official book, has only 4 fouls on B1. The referee asks how many fouls B1 had at half time. Both scorekeepers agree that B1 had 3 fouls. The U1 then states that he definitely called a foul on B1 during the 3rd quarter. What is the correct procedure?
Answer: By rule since the referee has definite knowledge that the home scorebook foul total is incorrect, the referee shall order the official scorebook to be corrected which will result in the disqualification of B1. In addition, the home scorebook team foul total may need to be corrected if it doesn't match the visitor's total. However, if the team totals match, someone on Team B may need to lose a foul when you make the adjustment. You can easily identify who on Team B needs to lose one, because the home book will have one extra on him.
(References: Rule 2.11.11)
Play #2 - A1 is fouled while attempting a two point goal. The try is unsuccessful. Team B has three players line up along the lane. B4 and B5 occupy the lane spaces nearest the endline and B3 occupies the 3rd lane space on the same side as B5. A4 and A5 occupy the 2nd lane space on each side of the lane. At this point the coach of Team A tells A3 to fill the unocupied 3rd lane space. When A3 moves into the space, the center official says that only two offensive players are allowed along the lane. The coach insists that A3 is entitled to be there. The center official repeats that only two offensive players are permitted to line up along the lane. When the coach repeats that three players are allowed, the center official directs the lead official to administer the free throw. Once A1 catches the ball, a violation is called. Was the official correct?
Answer: The official is NOT correct. A team technical foul for delaying the game should be called. This is similar to the situation where the defense fails to occupy the lane spaces closest to the endline after being directed to do so by the official. That also results in a team technical foul. (References: Rule 10.1.5b, Case Book Play 10.1.5 Situation C part b)
Play #3 - After a defensive rebound controlled by Team A, the outlet pass from A1 to A2 is deflected by B1. This causes a loose bouncing ball in B's front court near the division line. B2 dives for the ball and secures control (a) while on the floor with his feet and legs in his backcourt and his upper torso in his front court or (b) while in the air and then landing with his feet and legs in his backcourt and his upper torso in his front court. What is the correct procedure?
Answer: In (a) this is a legal play since Team B did not have team control of the ball until B2 secured the ball. B2's location, by rule, was in the backcourt when that happened. In (b) since B2 caught the ball in the air and Team B was not in control prior to this, B2 would receive the benefit of the exception as far as backcourt is concerned. However, B2 was guilty of traveling since B2 fell to the floor while holding the ball. (References: Rule 4.35.2, Rule 9.9.3, Rule 4.44.5)
2007-2008 Plays of the Week - Week #5
2007-2008 Plays of the Week - Week #4
2007-2008 Plays of the Week - Week #3
2007-2008 Plays of the Week - Week #2
2007-2008 Plays of the Week - Week #1
