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: Aliaga Petkimspor vs. Pallacanestro Reggiana - GOALTENDING
White #5 makes a layup and the ball is blocked by Blue #11. The referees call a goaltending violation.
Article 31.2.1: Goaltending occurs during a shot for a 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, or
After it has touched the backboard
Outcome: Correct decision by the referees. The ball was above the level of the ring and had already touched the backboard. White #5 shall be awarded two points.
TC2: AEK Betsson BC vs. Bertram Derthona Basket - GOALTENDING
Black #11 makes a layup and the ball is deflected by Yellow #24. The referees call a goaltending violation.
Article 31.2.1: Goaltending occurs during a shot for a 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, or
After it has touched the backboard
Article 31.2.3: The goaltending restrictions apply until the ball:
No longer has the possibility to enter the basket.
Has touched the ring.
Outcome: Incorrect decision by the referees. The ball had already touched the ring and it was not inside the basket when it was deflected by Yellow #24. This is a legal play.
TC3: AEK Betsson BC vs. Bertram Derthona Basket - INTERFERENCE
Black #1 releases the ball for a shot and the ball rebounds from the backboard. Yellow #77 pulls the ring down and the referees call an interference violation.
Article 31.2.4: Interference occurs when:
A player causes the basket to vibrate or grasps the basket (ring and/or net) in such a way that causes the ball to take an unnatural bounce or to change direction, thus the ball is prevented from entering the basket or is caused to enter the basket.
A player grasps the basket and plays the ball.
Outcome: Incorrect decision by the referees. Yellow #77 pulling down the ring was not the reason for the ball not entering the basket, neither did it provoke any unnatural bounce or change its direction, as the ball had already hit and moved away from the basket before the ring being pulled down. Also, Yellow #77 did not grasp the ring and play the ball. The game should have continued.