MIES (Switzerland) - Experts analyze all BCL 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: UCAM Murcia vs. Nanterre 92 - INTERFERENCE
White #23 shoots for a field goal, the ball bounces on the rim and is touched by Red #19. The play continues.
Article 31.2.4: Interference occurs when:
A defensive player touches the ball or the basket while the ball is within the basket, thus preventing the ball from passing through the basket.
Article 16.1.2: The ball is considered to be within the basket when the slightest part of the ball is within the basket and below the level of the ring.
Outcome: Incorrect decision by the referees. Some part of the ball was below the level of the ring when Red #19 touched the ball. Two points should have been awarded to White #23.
TC2: Unicaja vs. Manisa Basket - UNSPORTSMANLIKE FOUL
After a White team basket, Green #1 makes a long pass from behind his own endline to Green #7. The referees call a foul on White #30. After a short discussion, the referees decide to use the IRS review to check the possibility of upgrading the foul to an unsportsmanlike foul. After the review, an unsportsmanlike foul was called on White #30.
Article 37.1.1: An unsportsmanlike foul is a player contact which is:
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.
the progressing player is attempting to gain control of the ball.
the ball has been released on a pass to the progressing player.
This applies until the offensive player starts the act of shooting.
Outcome: Initial incorrect decision, corrected after the use of the IRS. The illegal contact created by White #30 met one of the four criteria to be considered an unsportsmanlike foul.
TC3: Unicaja vs. Manisa Basket - FOUL IN THE ACT OF SHOOTING
Green #1 fakes to shoot and starts a drive to the basket. A foul is called on White #99, and the referee considers that the foul was committed before the act of shooting started.
Article 15.1.3: The act of shooting in a continuous movement on a drive to the basket or other moving shot:
Starts when the ball has come to rest in the player's hand(s), upon completion of a dribble or a catch in the air and the player begins the shooting motion preceding the release of the ball for a goal.
Outcome: Incorrect decision by the referee. The ball was already resting in Green #1 left hand when the contact occurred. Two free throws should have been awarded to Green #1.
TC4: Rytas Vilnius vs. Galatasaray - HOOKING
Black #77 receives the ball in the low post, being guarded by White #0. He drives to the basket and a contact occurs. The referee calls an offensive foul to Black #77.
Article 33.11: It is a foul by an offensive player with the ball to:
'Hook' or wrap an arm or an elbow around a defensive player in order to obtain an advantage.
Outcome: Correct decision by the referee. Black #77 hooked his defender, restricting his freedom of movement and not allowing him to play defense.