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 "tough calls" of Gameday 9:

Tough Call 1 - Last second shot is referred to the Instant Replay System

During the last seconds of the game, Black 31 attempts a 3 point shot which is successful but the referees decide to consult the Instant Replay System to check the validity of the basket. After following the procedure and reviewing the situation, the Crew Chief correctly informs the teams that the shot was out of time and the basket cancelled.

Outcome: Correct call by referees.

OFFICIAL BASKETBALL RULES
Art. 9 Beginning and end of a period or the game
9.8. A period, extra period or game shall end when the game clock signal sounds for the end of the period. When the backboard is equipped with lighting around its perimeter, the lighting takes precedence over the game clock signal sound.

Tough Call 2 - Unsportsmanlike foul under the basket

Black 17 (in the low post) turns and passes the ball baseline to Black 11 on the weak side. As Black 11 curls around his defender, White 17 goes towards the basket and as he attempts to shoot, White 17 commits an unsportsmanlike foul for excessive contact.

Outcome: Correct call by referees.

Tough Call 3 - Error on goaltending violation

White 19 steals the ball and fast breaks to the opponents’ basket, closely followed by Black 5. White 19 releases his attempt to goal and before the ball touches the backboard on its upward flight, the referee calls a goaltending violation by Black 5.

Outcome: Incorrect decision on a legal play.

Tough Call 4 - Multiple travel situation on baseline attempt to shoot and then shot clock violation

Green 44 in the low post, receives the ball and turns to shoot but the ball rebounds off the backboard and is rebounded by Green 20. This player turns and attempts to drive and shoot. He makes two travel violations which are clearly illustrated by the 4 photos hereunder, showing his illegal foot movements for the first travel and then the second travel. Finally, before he can release the ball to shoot, the shot clock signal and LED lights show the shot clock violation in the 5th photo. The travel violation was called by the Lead referee and then the Centre and Trail called the shot clock violation. Good position and focus for all the referees.

Outcome: Correct call by referees.