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

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 over 7 years ago

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

Yesterday I asked about a held ball in streetball. Your answer was pretty useless. Can you direct me to the right person or place for a more “official” answer? ????

Asked by Menchi over 7 years ago

Sorry, my knowledge is about NFHS rules, and that is the focus of this space.

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.

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 over 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 over 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.

What does it feal like to be booed? Yea I know it’s a stuipid question but I want to know

Asked by The man over 7 years ago

It is tough when you first start out because you make mistakes and sometimes you deserve to be booed. That is why so many new refs quit. You have to have thick skin to not let it bother you . You also need to be lucky to work with good partners that will help you correct an error, or reinforce a good but controversisl call. It gets easier as you progress because you get better thru ref camps and experience, but if it continues to bother someone, they should think about giving it up.

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).