MIES (Switzerland) - Each week, experts and referees observers are analysing the games. In order to improve the understanding of referees' decisions and 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: Filou Oostende vs U-BT Cluj-Napoca - Foul at the end of a quarter

Near to the end of the second quarter, Blue 8 gets the ball on a rebound and attempts a 2-point field goal. The referee calls a foul in the act of shooting on Yellow 5 at the same time as the game clock signal sounds for the end of the quarter. After deciding to use the IRS review, they decide that the foul occurred before the game clock signal sounded and award 2 free throws to Blue 8. The game clock was corrected to show 0.8 seconds.

F.3.1                     The following game situations may be reviewed at the end of the quarter or overtime:            

                              - whether and how much time shall be displayed on the game clock if:

                                             *  a foul was committed before the end of the quarter or overtime.

OBRI F-2.7          Example: B1 fouls A1 on his unsuccessful shot for a 2-point field goal when the game clock signal sounds for the end of the second overtime.

Interpretation: The IRS review can be used to decide, at the end of the second overtime, whether B1’s foul occurred before the game clock signal sounded for the end of the second overtime.

If the IRS review proves that the foul occurred before the end of the second overtime A1 shall attempt 2 free throws. The game clock shall show the remaining time.

Outcome: Correct decision from the referees. This is a reviewable situation. The IRS review provided conclusive evidence that the foul was committed before the end of the second quarter and that the game clock showed 0.8 seconds when the illegal contact occurred.

Tough Call 2: Galatasaray Nef vs MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg - Goaltending

Black 21 receives the ball for an alley-oop. The ball bounces on the rim and is tapped away by White 6. The referee calls a goaltending violation and awards 2 points to Black 21.

Article 31.2.1     Goaltending occurs during a shot for a field goal when a player touches the ball while it is completely above the level of the ring, and it is on its downward flight to the basket.

Article 31.2.3     The goaltending restriction apply until:

• The ball no longer has the possibility to enter the basket.
• The ball has touched the ring.

Outcome: Incorrect decision from the referees. The ball had touched the ring, so the goaltending restrictions do not apply. This is a legal play, and the game should have continued.

Tough Call 3: Hapoel U-NET Holon vs JDA Dijon - Travelling

Purple 12 receives the ball in the corner and the referee calls a travelling violation when he starts his dribble.

Article 25.2.1     A player who catches the ball while he is progressing:

• If, after receiving the ball, a player shall release the ball to start his dribble before his second step.
• The first step occurs when one foot or both feet touch the floor after gaining control of the ball.
• The second step occurs after the first step when the other foot touches the floor or both feet touch the floor simultaneously.

Outcome: Incorrect decision from the referees. Purple 12 received the ball (gained control of the ball) with his right foot on the floor (the so-called “step 0 or gather step”). The first step occurred when his left foot touched the floor. Then, to start his dribble, he released the ball before his right foot touched the floor, that is, before taking his second step. This is a legal play.

Tough Call 4: Filou Oostende vs U-BT Cluj-Napoca - Travelling

Blue 0 receives a long pass, makes a lay-up and scores.

Article 25.2.1     A player who catches the ball while he is progressing:

• May take two steps in coming to a stop, passing, or shooting the ball.
• The first step occurs when one foot or both feet touch the floor after gaining control of the ball.
• The second step occurs after the first step when the other foot touches the floor or both feet touch the floor simultaneously.

Outcome: Correct decision from the referees. Blue 0 received the ball (gained control of the ball) with his left foot on the floor (the so-called “step 0 or gather step”).  The first step occurred when his right foot touched the floor. The second step occurred when his left foot touched the floor again. He then lifted both feet to shoot and the ball left his hands before any foot touched the floor again. This is a legal play.