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 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.

what happens if a player hits a 3 pointer and while the ball is in the air there’s a foul underneath the basket on the defense? I know in the NBA the guy that got fouled would get 1 free throw. But our ref said that HIgh School rule is different. ???

Asked by Bill about 7 years ago

Count the basket and enforce the common foul under the basket. In bound ball or free throws if in the bonus.

After I ended my dribble, and put down my left foot as my pivot foot. Can I step thru and jump off my right foot to do a layup? Some people keep saying you have to jump off with both feet to avoid to be called travel. Thank you very much.

Asked by Joseph about 7 years ago

With the exception of a step to a jump stop, where neither foot can be a pivot, you are correct. Let's suppose your right foot is the pivot. You can step with your left foot and lift your pivot (right foot) and shoot or pass. It has to be this way or you could not shoot a lay up. However, if you touch the floor with your right foot after lifting it or drag your left before releasing the ball it is travelling.

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 about 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.

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

Asked by Mikey about 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.

Now we are allowing players to take two steps going to the basket not shooting the ball but passing it off. My understanding is you get 11/2 0r today 2 steps on a layup. What's the difference in taking two step anytime an passing it.

Asked by Joe over 7 years ago

The traveling rule is not stated in terms of 1 1/2 or 2 steps. Here is the rule:

1) if you catch the ball with both feet on the floor, either foot can be the pivot.

2) if you catch the ball in the air and land simultaneously on both feet, either can be the pivot.  If one foot hits the floor first it must be the pivot.  However, if you catch the ball in the air hop on one foot then land on both feet, neither can be a pivot.

3) once you have established your pivot foot you can lift the pivot but must pass or shoot before the pivot returns to the floor. (and of course you cannot hop on your non-pivot foot if the pivot foot is in the air).

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 about 7 years ago

See the answer in the previous question.