Ask The Ref # 48 - More Advantage/Disadvantage

I've gone into the topics of "advantage/disadvantage" and the "spirit and intent" of the rules on numerous occasions in the past.  I want to continue emphasizing these concepts so that you (our readers) will understand how the rules makers intended for the game to be called.  Here are five common plays to consider.

Play 1 - Team A has just scored and fallen back on defense.  There is no defensive pressure by Team A as player B-1 takes the ball out of bounds on the end line for a throw-in to teammate B-2.   B-1 carelessly has his toe barely over the end line.  Do you believe the "spirit and intent" of the rules would have the referee pick this up and call a line violation on Team B?

Play 2 - (From 1/3/08 - Villanova at DePaul)  A Villanova guard, deep in his mid-court area with no defensive pressure at all, caught a pass from a teammate following a missed shot.  As he made the catch, he appeared ready to pull it out and re-start his offense.  He took one small step backwards (away from the basket) before starting a dribble.  He further retreated with his dribble as his second step began.  Do you believe the "intent" of the rules would be for the referee to pick up this infraction and call a "traveling" violation?  (Note:  A game official DID make this rather arbitrary call.  Villanova coach Jay Wright was understandably upset and vehemently disagreed with the call and could be seen repeating the words "That's TERRIBLE!!" to the official.  Unfortunately, by overstating his case instead of simply making his point, Coach Wright earned a technical foul for his extended protest.)

Play 3 - A-1 throws a sharp pass to teammate A-2.  The pass hits A-2 in the hands and falls to the floor where A-2 picks it up and begins his dribble.  The referee sees all of this and is not certain that there was control when the ball hit A-2 in the hands and therefore does not call a double dribble violation when A-2 begins his dribble.  Do you believe the "spirit and intent" of the rules would have the referee arbitrarily decide on behalf of the defense here and call a violation on the dribbler?

Play 4 -  A-1 is being closely guarded by B-1 and, in fact, is being "touched" by B-1.  But the referee sees that A-1 is clearly in control of the situation and in no real danger of losing the ball.  As A-1 surveys the court, he realizes he can drive right past his defender and does so.  As A-1 drives toward the lane, B-1 "reaches" and a "slap" is clearly heard.  Nonetheless, A-1 goes right down the lane for a dish-off to his post man, A-5.  Do you believe the rules intend for the "slap" to have been called a "FOUL!!" immediately or would you think it more appropriate for the referee to make a judgement as to whether or not an advantage had been gained before making a decision??

Play 5 - Team A shoots and misses.  The ball rebounds off in the direction of defensive rebounder B-5 who, with inside position, jumps to secure the ball.  At the same moment, offensive player A-5 who is positioned behind B-5, also jumps to get the rebound and, in the process, bumps B-5 in the back. The bump is obvious, but in the opinion of the nearest official, has no effect on B-5 or his ability to control the rebound or to land cleanly.  Would you think the "spirit and intent" of the rules would have the referee penalize A-5 for a foul (erroneously called "over the back") in this situation??

ALL of these plays are common to basketball.  ALL of them are "advantage/disadvantage" situations which require the officials to view them in terms of the "spirit and intent" of the rules.  ALL of them should be judged as "NO CALL" situations because neither team gains an advantage (or is placed at a disadvantage). 

It is a fundamental principle of basketball, specifically described in the rules, that the "spirit and intent" of the rules MUST be taken into consideration by the game officials.  The rules makers understand that it's a better game when there is flow and the referees can reasonably and correctly distinguish between the calls that MUST be made versus those that do not need to be made.

Do you have a question?  Have you seen a play you didn't understand?   Was there

a controversy you'd like clarified?  Send your questions in and I'll do my best to get you an answer.

                                                            Skip Yutzler

                                                         IAABO Board 127

                             36 Years High School and Junior College Official

                            5 Times NY State HS Championships - Glens Falls

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