MIES (Switzerland) - Experts analyze all Basketball Champions League, powered by Ameresco SUNEL games each week. In order to improve the understanding of referees' decisions and to increase transparency, we publish some of those Tough Calls, along with an explanation.
TC1: Hapoel Netanel Holon vs. Cholet Basket - Shot clock
Close to the end of the overtime, the Red team take a throw-in from their endline with 28.9 seconds on the game clock.
Red #44 shoots, the ball misses the ring and the shot clock signal sounds just before the offensive team regains the control of the ball.
The referee calls a shot clock violation and decide to use IRS for a possible malfunction of the shot clock. After the review, the game clock is adjusted to 4.3 seconds.
Article 29.1.1: To constitute a shot for a goal within 24 seconds:
The ball must leave the player's hand(s) before the shot clock signal sounds.
After the ball has left the player's hand(s), the ball must touch the ring or enter the basket.
F-3.3.14 Statement: The IRS review can be used to decide at any time of the game, after a malfunction of the game clock or the shot clock, how much time shall be displayed on the game clock or shot clock.
In determining the correct time to be displayed on the shot clock the referees shall consider whether the ball touches or misses the ring on a shot for a goal and whether a new team control was established before the game was stopped.
Article 29.1.2: When a shot for a goal is attempted near the end of the shot clock period and the shot clock signal sounds while the ball is in the air:
If the ball misses the ring, a violation has occurred. However, if the opponents gain an immediate and clear control of the ball, the signal shall be disregarded, and the game shall continue.
OBRI 29/50-11 Example: After a goal scored by the opponents and with 25.3 seconds on the game clock, team A has the ball for a throw-in from behind its endline. Close to the end of the shot-clock period, A1’s pass to A2 is deflected by B1 and the shot clock signal sounds. The referee calls a shot clock violation with the game clock showing 0.8 of a second.
Interpretation: This is a shot clock violation by team A which occurred with the game clock showing 0.8 of a second. The game shall be resumed with a team B throw-in from the place nearest to where the game was stopped, with the game clock showing 0.8 of a second.
Outcome: The referees can use the IRS at any time of the game to review a possible malfunction of the clocks.
This is a shot clock violation as the ball missed the ring before the shot clock period expired. However, the game clock was not reset according to the Official Basketball Rules.
The violation occurs when the referees determine that there is no possibility for the opponents to gain an immediate and clear control of the ball.
The game clock must be stopped when the referee calls the shot clock violation. The referees have to identify the moment when the calling referee’s arm starts to raise.
In this situation, the game clock should have been reset to 3.7 seconds.
TC2: Rytas Vilnius vs. MLP Academics Heidelberg - Traveling
White #00 tries to dunk the ball, Red #9 blocks the shot and White #00 returns to the floor with the ball in his hands.
The referee calls a travelling violation to White #00.
OBRI 12-13 Example: A1 jumps with the ball in the hands and is legally blocked by B1. A1 then returns to the court having one hand or both hands still firmly on the ball, while B1 is no longer touching the ball.
Interpretation: This is a travelling violation by A1.
OBRI 12-12 Example: A1 jumps with the ball in the hands and is legally blocked by B1. Both players then return to the court with both of them having one hand or both hands firmly on the ball.
Interpretation: This is a jump ball situation.
Outcome: Correct decision by the referee as only White #00 had his hands on the ball when he returned to the court.
TC3: Promitheas Patras BC Vikos Cola vs. Legia Warszawa - Shooter's Foul
Green #42 plays a back-to-the-basket dribble, guarded by White #12. When he shots to score, the referee calls an offensive foul on Green #42.
Article 33.1: The offensive player cannot spread the legs or arms outside of the cylinder and cause an illegal contact with the defensive player in order to gain an additional space.
Article 33.2: The offensive player, whether on the court or airborne, shall not cause contact with the defensive player in a legal guarding position by:
Using the arms to create more space (pushing off).
Spreading the legs or arms during or immediately after a shot for a goal.
Outcome: Correct decision by the referee. Green #42 created an illegal contact with his hand, preventing the defender from trying to block the shot.