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: AEK BC vs. Karditsa Iaponiki - All ball and interference
Blue #23 passes the ball to Blue #22, who tries to dunk the ball. The shot is blocked by Yellow #0 and finally the ball goes out of bounds.
Article 32.1.1: A foul is an infraction of the rules concerning illegal personal contact with an opponent and/or unsportsmanlike behavior.
Article 31.2.4: Interference occurs when:
A player grasps the basket and plays the ball.
Outcome: Correct no call by the referees regarding the blocked shot as there was no illegal personal contact.
However, Blue #22 committed a basket interference that should have been called, as Blue #22 grasped the ring and played the ball. A throw-in should have been awarded to the Yellow team.
TC2: AEK BC vs. Karditsa Iaponiki - Defensive interference
Blue #23 drives to the basket and makes a layup when the ball is blocked by Yellow #0 and the play continues.
Article 31.2.4: Interference occurs when:
A player reaches through the basket from below and touches the ball.
Outcome: Incorrect decision by the referee. Yellow #0 reached through the basket from below and touched the ball. Two points should have been awarded to Blue #23.
TC3: Unicaja vs. Fitness First Wurzburg Baskets - Personal foul in transition
Green #55 starts a fast dribble when a contact created by White #19 is called as personal foul.
Article 37.1.1: An unsportsmanlike foul is a player contact which is:
Contact with an opponent not legitimately attempting to directly play the ball within the spirit and intent of the rules.
Excessive, hard contact caused by a player in an effort to play the ball or an opponent.
An unnecessary contact caused by the defensive player in order to stop the progress of the offensive team in transition. This applies until the offensive player starts the act of shooting.
An illegal contact caused by a player from behind or laterally on an opponent, who is progressing towards the opponent’s basket and with no opponents between the progressing player and the basket, and
the progressing player is in control of the ball, or
the progressing player is attempting to gain control of the ball, or
the ball has been released on a pass to the progressing player.
This applies until the offensive player starts the act of shooting.
Article 37.1.2: The referee must interpret unsportsmanlike fouls consistently throughout the game and judge only the action.
Outcome: Correct decision by the referees.
White #19 made a legitimate attempt to play the ball and the contact did not meet any of the criteria to be considered as unsportsmanlike foul.
Personal foul and two free throws for Green #55 for team fouls penalty.
TC4: Joventut Badalona vs. Elan Chalon - Contact initiated by the shooter
White #8 attempts a jump shot being guarded by Green #24 and the referee calls a personal foul to Green #24.
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: Incorrect decision by the referee.
The contact was initiated by the shooter, without creating any effect on the freedom of movement of Green #24.
Therefore, this should have been a no call as there was no illegal contact, and the game should have continued.