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

SubscribeGet emails when new questions are answered. Ask Me Anything!Show Bio +

Share:

Ask me anything!

Submit Your Question

651 Questions

Share:

Last Answer on September 20, 2019

Best Rated

Can a player who controls the ball re-control the after attempting a shot without it first hitting the rim, back board or another player?

Asked by Eddie Basketball almost 9 years ago

Yes, as long as the shot was deemed a legitimate try by the officials.

Regarding sliding or hopping on the non-pivot foot, I understand that a traveling call appears obvious, but can you tell me which of the 7 articles in the college rules under 'Section 6 Traveling', applies? I couldn't find any!

Asked by JJinVista almost 9 years ago

I focus on NFHS rules. In the high school rule book it states in Rule 4 Section 44 Article 3, "After coming to a stop and establishing a pivot foot,

a) The pivot foot may be lifted but not returned to the floor before the ball is released.b) If the player jumps, neither foot may be returned to the floor before the ball is released.c) the pivot foot may not be lifted before the ball is released to start a dribble.

section b rules out hopping or sliding giving up both the pivot and the non pivot.

If one or two NCAA basketball referees decides that the third referees call is incorrect or 'vindictive', can they overrule the third referee whether the third referee agrees to change the call or not?

Asked by Kamerch almost 8 years ago

I am not sure about NCAA rules, but I suspect no ref can overrule another as in NFHS rules.

One of our junior high players was called for travelling while shooting a free throw. Is there such a thing?

Asked by Bleacher Coach almost 9 years ago

No. There is no such violation. Likewise, there is no travelling on a throw in.

What happens if it is found that the name of a player is listed incorrectly after the book has been signed by an official the referee (either during or after the game?

Asked by Brooks about 8 years ago

If during the game, it is technical foul if the team conveyed inaccurate information before the game to the official scorer.

After the game, when the refs leave the visual confines of the court there is nothing that can be done (unless the state allows) post game protests.

I am dribbling right handed as I am driving to about the free throw line and I raise my right leg up and pause for a split second and crossover right hand to left hand and go for layup on leftside. Is it ok to raise my right leg up while dribbling?

Asked by Doug over 7 years ago

You cannot travel in yhe middle of legally dribbling. So yes you can!

Offensive player drives and shoots a layup. Defensive player goes for the block, whiffs, but slaps the backboard in the process. The ball comes off the front rim due to the backboard shaking, but the defensive player didn't touch the ball. Goaltend?

Asked by Philip almost 9 years ago

The call is defensive basket interference. Award the points but no foul unless the defender intentionally slapped the backboard.