MIES (Switzerland) - 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 this week's "tough calls":

Tough Call 1: Besiktas Sompo Sigorta v Casademont Zaragoza - Act of Shooting

Near the end of the game, Red 8 leaves the floor and attempts a 3-point shot with 2 seconds to go. Defender 12 tries to defend this shot with his arms straight up (inside his cylinder, legal play) but he moves forward and creates a contact by occupying a spot on the playing court that was free when Red 8 jumped into the air to shoot.

According to the Official Basketball Rules (art. 33.5), a player who has jumped into the air from a place on the playing court has the right to land again at the same place. He has the right to land on another place on the playing court provided that the landing place and the direct path between the take-off and landing place is not already occupied by an opponent at the time of take-off.

Outcome: Correct decision from the referees. Foul in the act of shooting. 3 free throws awarded to Red 8.

Tough Call 2: Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem v AEK - UF

Towards the end of the second quarter, Black 44 has the ball in his hands and is closely guarded by Red 17.  The defender tries to steal the ball but creates a contact with his right hand and arm on the shoulder of Black 44. Black 44 reacts to this contact and extends his right elbow outside his cylinder, making contact with Red 17’s face.

According to the Official Basketball Rules (art. 33.11),  an illegal use of the hands or extended arms occur when the defensive player is in a guarding position and his hands or arms are placed upon and remain in contact with an opponent to impede his progress.

The article 37.1.1  specifies that an unsportsmanlike foul is a player contact foul which, in the judgement of an official is an excessive, hard contact caused by a player in an effort to play the ball or an opponent. 

Outcome: First contact: incorrect decision from the referees. A foul should have been called against Red 17 for creating an illegal contact against an opponent. Second contact: correct decision from the referees. The contact created by Black 44 with his elbow against the opponent’s face must be called as Unsportsmanlike Foul.

Tough Call 3: Polski Cukier Torun v SIG Strasbourg - Act of Shooting

Blue 45 attempts a dunk but misses the basket. He regains control of the ball and fakes a shot. Defender Grey 14 jumps to defend the shot but loses his balance. On his way down to the floor, he extends his right leg outside his cylinder, creating a hard contact on the arms of Blue 45. Lead referee calls an Unsportsmanlike Foul. The Crew Chief proposes to check the IRS and after reviewing the Crew Chief decides to downgrade the call to a Personal Foul.

According to the Official Basketball Rules (art. 46.12), the crew chief is authorized to use an Instant Replay System to decide, during any time of the game, whether a personal, unsportsmanlike or disqualifying foul met the criteria for such a foul or shall be upgraded or downgraded or shall be considered as a technical foul.

The article 37.1.1 specifies that an unsportsmanlike foul is a player contact foul which, in the judgement of an official is an excessive, hard contact caused by a player in an effort to play the ball or an opponent. And the article 46.11 mentions that the crew chief will make the final decision whenever necessary or when the referees disagree. To make a final decision he may consult the umpire(s), the commissioner, if present, and/or the table officials.

Outcome: Incorrect final decision from the referees. The Crew Chief’s decision was based on the supposed intention of Grey 14. However, the foul meets the criteria to be called as Unsportsmanlike Foul.  When deciding if a foul should be personal or unsportsmanlike, referees must only consider the action, never the supposed intention.

Tough Call 4: BAXI Manresa v Lietkabelis - UF

White 8 starts a transition play, driving to the basket of the opposing team.  Defender Red 45 steps into his path without establishing a legal guarding position (both feet on the floor and facing the opponent) and creates a contact with his hip. The referee calls a blocking foul. Then the referees decide to check the IRS. After review of the IRS, the referees decide to upgrade to Unsportsmanlike Foul.

According to the Official Basketball Rules (art. 46.12), the crew chief is authorized to use an Instant Replay System to decide, during any time of the game, whether a personal, unsportsmanlike or disqualifying foul met the criteria for such a foul or shall be upgraded or downgraded or shall be considered as a technical foul.

The article 37.1.1 specifies that an unsportsmanlike foul is a player contact foul which, in the judgement of an official is an unnecessary contact caused by the defensive player in order to stop the progress of the offensive team in transition – C3.

Outcome: Correct final decision from the referees after the IRS review. The foul meets the C3 criteria and should be called as an Unsportsmanlike.