Europcar Ref Review | NBL21 Round 2

Thanks to Europcar, each round the NBL's referees will review plays providing comprehensive explanations around rules and subsequent outcomes, showcasing the decision making required in real time from the NBL's Referee Panel.

Below are a series of plays and clips from Round 2 of NBL21 that have been reviewed.

Take Foul – End of Game Fouls

This is an example of a ‘take foul’ with the defensive team trying to stop the clock. In this example Dark Blue #16 is trying to foul Light Blue #13 to stop the clock late in the game. The defender makes an attempt to play at the ball and then continues the action to make contact expecting a foul and the clock to be stopped.

In these instances the league wants these fouls called so there is not an escalation of contact due to the initial contact not being called. This should have been a foul on Dark Blue #16 and side ball awarded to NZ Breakers.

Basket Interference

This is an example of defensive basket interference. White #10 after receiving the pass is trying to dunk the ball. Defender Red #33 rotates from the weakside in an attempt to block the shot. In doing so Red #33 inadvertently puts his hand through the ring when making contact with the ball.

As per rule 31.2.4 any player that reaches through the basket and touches the ball has committed interference. This should have been defensive basket interference, 2 points awarded to White and Red ball from the baseline.

Unsportsmanlike Foul Criteria 5 and Correctable Error

There are 3 elements to this play from Adelaide v South East Melbourne in Round 2. The first part of the clip is an example of an unsportsmanlike foul (UF) Criteria 5. Whilst the ball is in the hands of the inbound passer on the baseline White #28 grabs the waist of Blue #2 with two hands and the centre referee makes the call. As the clock has 2 minutes or less remaining in the 4^th quarter and the foul occurs whilst the ball is in the hand of the referee or the inbound passer shall be classified as an UF Criteria 5. The centre referee confers with the replay centre and asks to review whether the ball was still in the hands of the inbounds passer and this was confirmed and the call was then correctly adjudicated and an unsportsmanlike foul.

In the next part of the example the wrong free throw shooter has attempted the first free throw (Blue #21 instead of Blue #2). By rule this is a correctable error. Rule 44.3.3 – Permitting the wrong player to attempt a free throw(s).  The free throw(s) attempted and the possession of the ball if part of the penalty, shall be cancelled and the ball shall be awarded to the opponents for a throw in at the free throw line extended, unless penalties for further infractions are to be administered.

Correct Call – Unsportsmanlike foul Criteria 5 in the last two mintues

Correct Call – Cancelling free throws erroneously shot by incorrect shooter

Incorrect Restart – White should have had possession of the ball after the cancelled free throws and not Blue.

Johnson Spin Travel

This is an example of a travelling violation. Once an offensive player has established a pivot foot after completing a dribble, he cannot slide that pivot foot along the floor or lift the pivot foot and return it to the floor.

In this example, B#33 ends his dribble on a drive to the basket. He then plants his right foot as his pivot before his spin move towards the baseline. During the spin move he lifts, hops on the same the foot and slides his pivot foot along the floor. The referee correctly calls a travelling violation on B#33.

Johnson Unsportsmanlike Foul C1

This is an example of an Unsportsmanlike Foul – Criteria 1 (UF C1). A player is deemed to have committed a UF C1 if the contact they make with their opponent is not a legitimate attempt to play the ball within the spirit and intent of the rules.

In this example, defender B#21 is behind his opponent W#15 in the lane way as W#3 drives to the basket along the baseline. B#21 then shoves W#15 in the back just before W#3 starts his act of shooting. The referees correctly call an UF C1 on B#21 for no legitimate attempt to play the ball and W#15 is awarded two free throws plus White team possession.

Jo Lual-Acuil Unsporsmanlike Foul Criteria 4

This is an example of an Unsportsmanlike Foul – Criteria 4 (UF C4). This is also known as a clear path foul. A player is deemed to have committed a clear path foul (UF C4) if they make illegal contact from behind or laterally on an opponent who is progressing towards the basket and there are no opponent players between the progressing player, the ball and the basket.  This applies until the offensive player starts the act of shooting. Possession of the ball is not relevant.

In this example, W#0 catches a long pass under the basket in transition and is then pushed from behind by O#20. There are no Orange players between W#0, the ball and the basket, and W#0 is not in the act of shooting. The referees correctly call an USF C4 on O#20 as the foul fits all the criteria of a clear path foul. W#0 is awarded two free throws plus White team possession.