Tough Calls

Each week, experts are analysing the games. In order to improve the understanding of referees' decisions and to increase the transparency towards our fans, we publish some of those "tough calls", together with an explanation.

Please find below the latest "tough calls":

Tough Call 1 - End of period shot for goal is referred to the Instant Replay System to ascertain if the basket is valid or not

With only 2.6 seconds remaining in the second period, 3 Blue under pressure from defender 2 Yellow, dribbles and launches a 3pt shot for goal. The ball entered the basket and the Crew Chief requests the use of the IRS to confirm or cancel the points. The final decision was that the attempt was out of time and NO basket.

Outcome: correct decision from the officials.

Tough Call 2 - Illegal use of the elbow by an offensive team player in accordance with Art.33.1 disrespecting the cylinder principle

Team Black are in offense with 2.58 minutes remaining. 9 Black looks for help from colleague 22 Black to receive a pass, but as defender, 0 Yellow attempts to block the passing lane. 22 Black extends his arm outside his cylinder and contacts his opponent on his throat. Offensive foul is called.

Outcome: correct decision from the officials.

Tough Call 3 - Act of shooting - New FIBA Interpretation Art.37-8 introduced on March 1st

During a Team Black offense, 15 Black passes the ball to 4 Blue who slips on to the floor and the ball is gathered by 5 White who fast breaks to the Team Black basket with an open path. 15 Black chases from behind as last defender and fouls 5 White after he has commenced the act of shooting. Under the new interpretation, this is a shooting foul situation, not an unsportsmanlike foul (unless deemed excessive). 

Outcome: correct decision from the officials.

Tough Call 4 - Art.30.1.2 Ball returned to the back court was incorrectly applied by the Trail official

Offensive player 34 Blue receives a pass from a colleague close to the mid court line. As he catches the ball, it bounces on the floor and whilst his hand is not in contact with the ball, his left foot contacts the mid court line. The Trail official incorrectly applies the rule Art.30.1.2 and calls a violation against 34 Blue.

Outcome: incorrect decision from the officials.