Ask The Ref # 49 - BLARGE!

One of the most perplexing plays in basketball involves the following scenario:

Offensive guard A-1 drives hard past his defender (B-1) and down the lane.  As he continues toward the basket, he pulls in the ball from his dribble and goes up to shoot.  A second defender, B-4, slides over to try to draw a charge.  Just prior to colliding with B-4, A-1 releases his try for goal.  As both players crash to the floor, the "trail" official (who has rightfully followed this play from the start) blows his whistle and emphatically signals a "blocking" foul on B-4.  However, the lead official, seeing the play from a different perspective, simultaneously blows his whistle and immediately signals a "player control" (charging) foul on A-1.  To further confuse the situation, the shot by A-1 enters the basket.

OK, folks......got the picture??  Now what??

This play is known in the officiating community as a "BLARGE" or, half "block" and half "charge."  It can be a nightmare for the game officials at the moment it occurs because, most certainly, both coaches will make their opinions known.  You can imagine the chaos if there is any hesitation on the part of the officials as to how to sort it out.

Here's the solution.  The officials will confer, the play will be ruled as a "double foul" and the goal will count.  In high school boys, this means that Team A will get two points for the field goal, the two players will each receive a foul (B-4 for the block, A-1 for the charge) and the ball will then be put in play from the "point of interruption" with no free throws being taken, which is always the case for a double foul.  Since the goal is scored, Team B will get the ball on the end line for a throw-in.  Case closed.

It doesn't happen often, thank goodness, but when it does, it's usually because of a momentary loss of focus on the part of the officials.  This does not imply they are wrong, but that they probably could have  handled it better.  What should happen is that the "trail" official would signal "foul" without immediately indicating what foul he has......he would simply raise his fist to indicate a foul is being called.  Hearing his partner's whistle, he would typically defer to his partner (the "lead" official) because the play is headed in that direction.  The "lead" would then make the call (in this case, a player control foul) and the goal would be cancelled.  The ball would be turned over to Team B for a throw in from the end line.

Oh, and one more thing........what to do if the shot had missed??  In that case, think again of "double foul.....point of interruption."  The double foul would remain and since the point of interruption was when the ball was in the air (and neither team had control) the next possession would be determined by going to the "alternate possession arrow."

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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