Question: I coach a girls' high school basketball team in the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference. Yesterday a call was made that I have never heard of and I would like to know if the referee used his own interpretation of a rule. This situation is as follows:
On a full court man to man press, the in bounder passes the ball to a teammate going down the court for a fast break. The defensive player, with her back to the ball, hears her teammates signaling that the pass is going long, and therefore puts her hands up to block the pass. The ball hits her hands and the play is stopped by the ref, who calls a technical foul. The technical foul called was obstruction of the offensive player's view. Does this even exist??????? Thanks for your help.
GEORGE'S RESPONSE: This should be a play on. The defender is not requires to be facing the pass nor the line of the pass. This should be a play that continues on.
Question: Team A is in the bonus (1 and 1). Team B has the ball and drives to the basket. Team B player is called for an offensive foul. Does team A shoot (1 and 1)? If the situation was reversed and Team A had the ball and Team B was called for a blocking foul. Team A would shoot 1 and 1. Thanks!
GEORGE'S RESPONSE: If player B-1 had the ball and the foul was player control, there would be no 1 and 1. If player B-1 did not have control but the ball was still in team control, a 1 and 1 would be shot if in the penalty. If player A-1 had the ball and a blocking foul was called on B-1 (not in the act of shooting) a 1 and 1 would be shot if in the penalty. Keep in mind, if the team foul limit reaches the 10th, 2 shots would be awarded on the plays.
Question: In high school basketball, when a player shoots an airball, can that player be the first thing to touch the ball? Thanks
GEORGE'S RESPONSE: Once a player in high school make a try for the basket (shoot), they are allowed to recover the attempt even if it does not hit the rim.
Question: What is the best position to be in as the lead referee when the ball is in the front court? I've seen refs stand out as far as the three-point line and as close the foul lane extended to the baseline. The reason I ask is a player was driving baseline in a Washington Catholic League game Saturday and went flying out of bounds. As I watched the defender, who had his hands straight up in the air, the coach screamed that his player got bumped out of bounds. It was a three-person game and I couldn't tell if the player was out of control on his drive to the basket or if he did get "chested" out of bounds because I wa straight-lined. Where is the best place to stand as lead so as to not get straight-lined? Thanks.
GEORGE'S RESPONSE: The ideal beginning location for the lead in a 3 person crew is half way between the 3 point arch and the lane line. Your movement should be based on getting the best position to referee the defense. There are some times on a drive you may need help from the trail (if play is strong side). Work on officiating more than the arms up in the air. Players get really cute with putting their arms up and then "riding" with their chest and waist. This is a foul, not incidental contact and should be called (re-route). Work on looking at a broader verticality range.
Question: As I have been reflecting on this season in review. I looked back at my game, and I find one area that I need to work on the most. I find that I allow emotion to come into my game. I know what it was like to get to the last 4 mins. As was stated in the news letter last month. What can I do as an official to maintain an even level throughout out the game. With out losing my concentration to work the game as it deserves. Any and all suggestions welcome.
GEORGE'S RESPONSE: Keep your emotions in check. Don't let the emotions of others affect yours. If your emotions rise, get them under control right away. Realize that the game intensity WILL change near the end of the game. Be READY when it happens so that you are not "chasing the game" at that point. Be on top WHEN it occurs.
