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. BAXI Manresa - Backcourt violation
The Blue team takes a throw-in in its frontcourt. Blue #11 misses the pass, the ball bounces on the floor in the back court before the ball is caught by Blue #23, whose pass is intercepted by an opponent. The game continues.
Article 30.1.2: A team in control of a live ball in the frontcourt has illegally returned the ball to its backcourt, if a player of that team is the last to touch the ball in the frontcourt and the ball is then first touched by a player of that team:
Who has part of the body in contact with the backcourt, or
After the ball has touched the backcourt of that team.
30-7 Statement: A live ball is illegally returned to the backcourt when a team A player who is completely in the frontcourt causes the ball to touch the backcourt, after which a team A player is the first to touch the ball either in the frontcourt or the backcourt.
However, it is legal when a team A player in the backcourt causes the ball to touch the frontcourt, after which a team A player is the first to touch the ball, either in the frontcourt or in the backcourt.
30-8 Example: A1 and A2 are both standing with both feet in their frontcourt close to the centre line. A1 bounce-passes the ball to A2. During the pass, the ball touches the team A backcourt, after which the ball touches A2 in the frontcourt.
Interpretation: This is a backcourt violation by team A.
Outcome: Incorrect decision by the referees. The Blue team had the control of the ball in its frontcourt and after the ball had touched its backcourt, it was first touched by Blue #23. This is a backcourt violation.
TC2: Unicaja vs. Galatasaray - Backcourt violation
The Green Team secures a rebound and starts a transition. Green #45 receives the ball and passes it to Green #9. The referee calls a backcourt violation.
Article 28.1.2: The team has caused the ball to go into its frontcourt during a dribble from the backcourt to the frontcourt, when the ball and both feet of the dribbler are completely in contact with the frontcourt.
Article 30.1.2: A team in control of a live ball in the frontcourt has illegally returned the ball to its backcourt, if a player of that team is the last to touch the ball in the frontcourt and the ball is then first touched by a player of that team:
Who has part of the body in contact with the backcourt, or
After the ball has touched the backcourt of that team.
Outcome: Incorrect decision by the referee. The ball has never gone to the Green Team frontcourt, so there is no backcourt violation.
TC3: Nanterre 92 vs. ERA Nymburk - Offensive foul
Black #17 drives to the basket guarded by White #1. A contact occurs and the referees call an offensive foul to Black #17.
Article 33.14: Holding is illegal personal contact with an opponent that interferes with an opponent's freedom of movement.
Article 34.1.1: A personal foul is a player's illegal contact with an opponent, whether the ball is live or dead. A player shall not hold, block, push, charge, trip or impede the progress of an opponent by extending the hand, arm, elbow, shoulder, hip, leg, knee or foot, nor by bending the body into an 'abnormal' position (outside the cylinder), nor shall a player indulge in any rough or violent play.
Outcome: Correct decision by the referees. It was Black #17 who created the illegal contact by grabbing the arm of White #1.