Contact on an opponent that is not a legitimate attempt to play the ball. The defender grabs the off arm of the dribbler, spinning her and sending her to the floor.
Excessive, hard contact caused by a player in an effort to play the ball or an opponent. Red #4 takes exception to her defender playing tight defense and gives her an open hand "get off me" warning shot.
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 1. it's on its downward flight to the basket or 2. after is has touched the backboard. The Gold defender reaches the ball BEFORE it makes contact with the backboard = legal.
A technical foul is a player non-contact foul of a behavioural nature including. The White defender, after making an incredible block on the shot, turns and taunts his opponent. Regardless of time/score, we can NOT allow unsporting behaviour to go unpunished.
Charging is illegal personal contact, with or without the ball, by pushing or moving into an opponent's torso. The defender is legal on this drive and is charged into by a very fast Red Dribbler, prior to any possible illegal footwork.
On a penetration play into the no-charge semi-circle area any contact caused by an airborne offensive player with a defensive player inside the no-charge semi-circle shall not be called as an offensive foul, unless the offensive player is illegally using hands, arms, legs or body. Legal defender who is inside the no charge semi-circle when airborne offensive player plows into her. *A foul should, however, be called on the defender who makes contact with the airborne shooter from behind.
A personal foul is a player's illegal contact with an opponent, whether the ball is live or dead. Gold #10 makes a great help play and attempts to block Blue #10's shot, contacting his arm. Blue #10 tries to "fool the refs" and whips his head back after the fact, flailing to the floor. In doing so, Blue #10 flings his arm back, striking Gold #10 in the face. While this is ugly, it is a personal foul charged to Gold #10, and we assume Blue #10's flailing arm to the face of Gold #10 is incidental.
Whenever a player gains control of a live ball on the playing court, that team must attempt a shot for a field goal within 24 seconds. A shot clock violation on White in their offensive front court. Ensuing throw in to Green in their back court - shot clock is set to 24 seconds.
Charging is illegal personal contact, with or without the ball, by pushing or moving into an opponent's torso. Green #5 establishes and maintains a legal guarding position. White #5 drives right into him, moving him out of the way, sending him to the floor.
It is a foul when an offensive or defensive player in the post position to shoulder or hip is opponent out of position, or to "interfere with the opponent's freedom of movement using extended arms, shoulders, hips, legs or other body parts." Green #5, a much smaller player, turns and faces White #11, then proceeds to grab his arm in an attempt to keep him from getting the ball - This is our first foul. As play continues, White #11 is frustrated and used his body to move Green #5 off of him. On the ensuing shot, Green #5 turns and faces White #11 again, and attempts to PUSH White away from getting to the rim during rebound action - second foul by Green #5. We must get the FIRST FOUL to avoid the melee' that occurs when early illegal action is not penalized.
Legal screening is when the player who is screening an opponent: *Was stationary inside his cylinder when contact occurred. In this play, the screener is clearly outside of his cylinder, is too wide, and ends up tripping the defender.
Legal screening is when the player who is screening an opponent: *Was stationary inside his cylinder when contact occurred. This is an illegal screen due to the screener never establishing a stationary position prior to contact.
Legal screening is when the player who is screening an opponent: *Was stationary and had both feet on the floor when contact occurred. There are 2 screens in this play. The first screen is legal, however the second screen is not. The screener "does establish" a legal position, however she comes out of her cylinder and knocks the defender of her intended path.
Illegal screening is when the screener: *Did not respect the elements of time and distance on a moving opponent when contact occurred.
The screen is illegal due to the screener still moving when contact occurs.
Illegal screening is when the screener: *Did not respect the elements of time and distance on a moving opponent when contact occurred.
This hand off screen is illegal because the dribbler, who intends to hand the ball off to her teammate and set a screen on her defender, is still moving when contact occurs. The elements of time and distance are clearly not adhered to in this play.
Illegal Screen: *If the opponent is in motion, the elements of time and distance shall apply. The screener must leave enough space so that the player who is being screened is able to avoid the screen by stopping or changing direction.
The screener in this play not only does not respect the element of time and distance on a defender in motion, but he moves with the defender (delays or stays in his way) not allowing enough space for the defender to avoid and get around him to maintain his check.
Illegal Screen: *If the opponent is in motion, the elements of time and distance shall apply. The screener must leave enough space so that the player who is being screened is able to avoid the screen by stopping or changing direction.
This is an illegal screen on White as her opponent is in motion and the elements of time and distance are clearly not adhered to. She does not have an opportunity to avoid the White player who is not "aware" the defender is coming, however clearly takes her out of the play. While this appears "accidental", it opens up a clear 3 point shot for her teammate, therefore must be penalized.
Illegal screening is when the screener: *Did not respect the elements of time and distance on a moving opponent, when contact occurred.
This is a blind screen on a moving opponent. The screener is still moving to her left when contact occurs. The defender has no idea the screen is there and takes a hard hit. This is a foul that needs a whistle!
Illegal Screen: *If the opponent is in motion, the elements of time and distance shall apply. The screener must leave enough space so that the player who is being screened is able to avoid the screen by stopping or changing direction.
The screen is "not legal" for the simple fact he is still moving when he makes contact with the defender. HOWEVER, being as the defence reads this easily and makes a simple, effective switch, we don't necessarily need to call this. If you choose that route, you need to put the screener on "notice" and let him know he needs to clean up his screens.
Illegal Screen: *If the opponent is in motion, the elements of time and distance shall apply. The screener must leave enough space so that the player who is being screened is able to avoid the screen by stopping or changing direction.
Gold #8 never establishes a set, legal screening position. Instead, she moves into Red #12, displaces her, and causes her to stumble as she attempts to get around the screen to her check. This illegal screen provides an open shot for her teammate which as fate would have it, she drains. We need a foul on this play!
The defensive player may not enter the cylinder of the offensive player with the ball and cause illegal contact when the offensive player is attempting a normal basketball play, such as dribbling, pivoting, shooting and passing. The defensive player must establish an initial legal guarding position without causing contact before taking this position.
White 11 not only does not establish a legal guarding position, she enters the cylinder of the dribbler, makes contact with her body/arms, causing the dribbler to lose control of the ball.
The offensive player cannot spread his legs or arms outside of his cylinder and cause illegal contact with a legal defensive player in order to gain additional space.
Gold 14 has established a legal guarding position and is legally moving to maintain it as Green 10 attempts to drive to the basket. Green 10 moves into the cylinder of the defender, and uses his shoulder to create space. This is an offensive foul on Green 14 for displacing Gold 14.
The defensive player may not enter the cylinder of the offensive player with the ball and cause illegal contact when the offensive player is attempting a normal basketball play, such as dribbling, pivoting, shooting and passing.
White 10 establishes an initial legal guarding position however does not respect Blue 10's cylinder, reaches forward and makes illegal contact with her arms. Blue 10 takes exception and then gives White 10 a little "back off nudge". We need to get the "first foul" on these types of plays - which is on White 10.
The defensive player may not enter the cylinder of the offensive player with the ball and cause illegal contact when the offensive player is attempting a normal basketball play, such as dribbling, pivoting, shooting and passing.
White 20 does not respect Black 33's cylinder, creating contact with her by placing and keeping her arm on the dribbler's hip, then pushing her off balance with her body as she attempts to pivot and pass the ball.
The defensive player may not enter the cylinder of the offensive player with the ball and cause illegal contact when the offensive player is attempting a normal basketball play, such as dribbling, pivoting, shooting and passing.
We do not want to allow this illegal contact (moving into the cylinder of a dribbler and initiating contact while attempting to steal the ball) go unpunished as this may lead to frustration and possible retaliation by the dribbler. The only way we make this type of lazy, illegal defense stop is to put a whistle on it!
The defensive player may not enter the cylinder of the offensive player with the ball and cause illegal contact when the offensive player is attempting a normal basketball play, such as dribbling, pivoting, shooting and passing.
White 32 establishes an initial legal guarding position however steps forward, entering the dribbler's cylinder. She then uses both her body and hands to knock the dribbler off her path, causing her to lose the ball.
Illegal use of the hands or extended arm(s) occurs when a defensive player is in a guarding position and the hands/arms remain in contact with an opponent, with or without the ball, to impede their progress. The "touching" of an opponent with the hand(s) is not necessarily a foul, unless an advantage is gained, such as this contact RESTRICTS the freedom of movement.
Gold 14 places 2 hands on dribbler Blue 3, however they do not remain "on" and do not impede the progress of the dribbler. This action does not require a foul.
The defensive player may not enter the cylinder of the offensive player with the ball and cause illegal contact when the offensive player is attempting a normal basketball play, such as dribbling, pivoting, shooting and passing.
Defender White 24 begins legally and attempts to move down the lane line to maintain a legal guarding position on dribbler Blue 23. White 24 moves off her straight line and slightly forward into Blue 23, causing her to go to the floor. This is a foul on White 24 for initiating contact.
The offensive player cannot spread his legs or arms outside of his cylinder and cause illegal contact with a legal defensive player in order to gain additional space.
Blue 20 establishes a legal guarding position on ball handler White 20. As White 20 attempts to drive to the basket, Blue 20 maintains a legal guarding position.. White 20 uses her arm to shove and create space to shoot over Blue 20 and is correctly called for an offensive foul.
Illegal guarding from the rear is personal contact with an opponent by a defensive player, from behind. The fact that the defensive player is attempting to play the ball does not justify contact with an opponent from the rear.
White 23, while attempting to chase down a loose ball that Black 2 is about to secure, essentially "body checks" Black 2 from the side/rear, sending her to the floor. This could easily be considered an Unsportsmanlike Foul for excessive contact. We need to be sure we are aware of the context of our game (time/score) when making our decision. An Unsportsmanlike Foul will give the team who is down 5 points the opportunity to score 2 points, throw the ball in, and potentially score another 2 or 3 points and tie the game.
33.14 - Holding is illegal personal contact with an opponent that interferes with his/her freedom of movement. This contact can occur with any part of the body.
In this play, Blue 11 switches to play defense on White 9, creating a mis-match. While White 9 attempts to move across the key, Blue 11 has a hold of her arm, then moves to wrapping her other arm around White 9’s waist so she cannot get to the entry pass.
33.14 - Holding is illegal personal contact with an opponent that interferes with his/her freedom of movement. This contact can occur with any part of the body.
33.13 - Illegal guarding from the rear is personal contact with an opponent, by a defensive player, from behind, regardless if he/she is attempting to play the ball.
33.15 - Pushing is illegal personal contact with any part of the body where a player forcibly moves or attempts to move an opponent with or without the ball.
White 4 is mis-matched with a much taller post player, Black 22. White 4 used his body to displace/push Black 22 as he is attempting to catch an entry pass for a clear lay up.
33.16 - Fake is any action by a player to simulate that he has been fouled or to make theatrical exaggerated movements in order to create an opinion of being fouled and therefore gaining an advantage.
White 4 mysteriously goes down on her own accord as she moves across the key towards the ball. It is clear this is NOT an attempt to fake and fool the official, as she goes down in a great deal of pain. It’s clear the defender is legal and does nothing to cause this to occur.
33.15 - Pushing is illegal personal contact with any part of the body where a player forcibly moves or attempts to move an opponent with or without the ball.
During this inbounds play, Red 22 clearly uses her forearm to displace White 2 and create space for herself to receive the inbounds pass. The OFFICIAL with the best open look is the CENTER….however anyone who sees this can call it!
33.12 - The principle of verticality (cylinder) applies also to post play. The offensive player in the post position and the defensive player guarding him must respect each other’s rights to a vertical position.
Help defender, White 11 establishes a legal guarding position on the low block as Green 5 beats his perimeter defender and drives to the basket. Green 5 initiates contact with White 11 who stands his ground. Primary defender White 14 recovers and comes from behind to cleanly block Green 5’s shot attempt. Great no call!
33.11 - Illegal use of the hand(s) or extended arm(s) occurs when the defensive player is in a guarding position and his/her hand(s) or arm(s) is placed upon and remains in contact with an opponent with or without the ball, to impede his/her progress.
33.12 - The principle of verticality (cylinder) applies also to post play. The offensive player in the post position and the defensive player guarding him must respect each other’s rights to a vertical position. It’s a foul by an offensive or defensive player in the post position to shoulder or hip their opponent out of position or to interfere with their opponent’s freedom of movement using extended arms, shoulders, hips, legs or other parts of the body.
Red 22 reaches over the top of White 33’s arm causing a lock up of their arms. White 33 attempts to free herself, however Red 22 has a good “hold” of her arm. This is an offensive foul.
33.12 - The principle of verticality (cylinder) applies also to post play. The offensive player in the post position and the defensive player guarding him must respect each other’s rights to a vertical position. It’s a foul by an offensive or defensive player in the post position to shoulder or hip their opponent out of position or to interfere with their opponent’s freedom of movement using extended arms, shoulders, hips, legs or other parts of the body.
Blue 33 leans into White 1 as she is coming down the floor and preparing to set up in her post position. There is NO INTENT to put White 1 to the floor and the contact by defender Blue 33 is not excessive. A personal foul should be called on this play.
33.12 - The principle of verticality (cylinder) applies also to post play. The offensive player in the post position and the defensive player guarding him must respect each other’s rights to a vertical position. It’s a foul by an offensive or defensive player in the post position to shoulder or hip their opponent out of position or to interfere with their opponent’s freedom of movement using extended arms, shoulders, hips, legs or other parts of the body.
This is a great example of tough post play that ends up turning ROUGH. Both players are jostling for and to maintain the best position possible. Red 33 ends up pushing and displaces White 1 on the post entry pass, causing her to lose control of the ball.
33.12 - The principle of verticality (cylinder) applies also to post play. The offensive player in the post position and the defensive player guarding him must respect each other’s rights to a vertical position. It’s a foul by an offensive or defensive player in the post position to shoulder or hip their opponent out of position or to interfere with their opponent’s freedom of movement using extended arms, shoulders, hips, legs or other parts of the body.
At 0:46 seconds into this play, we have Green 5 turn and face White 11. Green 5 then initiates a grab on White 11’s arm - FIRST FOUL. At 0:45 seconds, White 11 takes exception and “moves” Green 5 out of his way. Surprisingly, White 11 passes the ball out to the wing for a shot instead of taking advantage of the mismatch, then prepares to rebound. At 0:40 seconds, Green 5, knowing he is too small to turn and block out much bigger White 11, he faces him and begins to push/hold him from getting to the basket. The end result is a foul called against White 11 for “pushing” Green 5 to the floor. This is a very LATE and INCORRECT CALL…WHICH leads to a much larger problem…….
WE MUST TAKE CARE OF THE FIRST FOUL TO AVOID THINGS “GOING SOUTH” ON US AND TURNING INTO A MELEE!!!
33.12 - The principle of verticality (cylinder) applies also to post play. The offensive player in the post position and the defensive player guarding him must respect each other’s rights to a vertical position. It’s a foul by an offensive or defensive player in the post position to shoulder or hip their opponent out of position or to interfere with their opponent’s freedom of movement using extended arms, shoulders, hips, legs or other parts of the body.
This is a really difficult play. Red 25 and Black 33 are “mixing it up in the post, jostling for position. Red 25 initiates the contact while Black 33 works hard to maintain guarding position. It’s very hard to see where Black 33’s right arm and what it might be doing prior to Red 25 flailing like she’s been shoved by that arm and they both hit the deck. End of the day….this cannot be a NO CALL. The Lead official, who has the best look at the right arm of Black 33 sees something we don’t as we watch from the camera angle, and calls a defensive foul on Black 33.
33.14 - Holding is illegal personal contact with an opponent that interferes with his freedom of movement. This contact (holding) can occur with any part of the body.
Focus on Grey #11 and Green #8. Are they in legal and equal rebounding position?
YES - they are both clutching/grabbing one another equally with neither gaining a distinct advantage. Play on - BUT keep your eyes on these two during rebounding situations.
33.14 - Holding is illegal personal contact with an opponent that interferes with his freedom of movement. This contact (holding) can occur with any part of the body.
Focus on the rebound action in the middle of the paint under the basket. Who fouls who? Watch Grey #33 reach under to clamp White #14's arm. This is becoming a very common occurrence during rebound action and if we don't have our eyes where they need to be to catch the first act, we often penalize the wrong player.
33.15 - Pushing is illegal personal contact with any part of the body where a player forcibly moves or attempts to move an opponent with or without the ball.
Find Green #5 and White #7. A foul is called by the Lead official. Is this a good decision? YES - White #7 is in an optimal rebound position in front of the basket, however ends up under the basket as the play unfolds. The decision to call a foul here is something a lot of us would pass on due to White 7 passing the ball easily to his teammate. That said, we do not want this type of activity to continue throughout the game, therefore "nipping it in the bud" is a good decision and sends a clear message.
33.14 - Holding is illegal personal contact with an opponent that interferes with his freedom of movement. This contact (holding) can occur with any part of the body.
Find White #33 and Blue #10. White has a solid rebound position as Blue comes out of nowhere and takes over White's rebound spot. White #33 ends up grabbing Blue #10's arm as they jostle to rebound the shot.
Unfortunately the calling official cannot see this due to being "stacked" by a number of players in the area, and calls a foul on the Blue #10 on reaction alone. The saying, "if you can't clearly see the play don't guess" comes into play here. The Center official clearly is about to come in with a whistle as well, but shows discipline and allows the primary official to have a primary whistle. It appears the officials are considering having a discussion prior to administration of the decision at the table, however this does not take place, and consequently, we put a foul on the incorrect player. A quick discussion between the Lead and Center could have saved this from occurring.
33.14 - Holding is illegal personal contact with an opponent that interferes with his freedom of movement. This contact (holding) can occur with any part of the body.
33.15 - Pushing is illegal personal contact with any part of the body where a player forcibly moves or attempts to move an opponent with or without the ball.
Do you see anything illegal on this rebound play?
YES - White #6 holds and backs Green #9 away from reaching the ball as it comes off the rim. The Center official has the best look at this play as she can clearly see the left arm of White #6 wrapped around the defender, as well as see the displacement as White pushes Green away from the basket. Luckily, the ball ends up ricocheting off a White teammate, directly into the hands of the defense for an easy lay up. As officials, we need to understand and get our eyes on the correct match-ups in our primary coverage area. That is, the Center is responsible for weak side players and perimeter players, the Lead has strong side players under the basket, and the Trail has perimeter players who come flying in from outside and can help on other illegal action their partners' cannot see.
33.15 - Pushing is illegal personal contact with any part of the body where a player forcibly moves or attempts to move an opponent with or without the ball.
Watch White #9 who puts the player in the dark jersey, who is attempting to get to the ball, to the floor by falling and causing the player in the dark jersey to also fall. We need a whistle on this play by either the Lead or the Trail. Lead would have first crack at this play. The Trail, who is starting to bail out early needs to stay put, or better yet, take a step down towards the action.
33.3 - A defensive player has established an initial legal guarding position when:
He is facing his opponent
He has both feet on the floor
This is an interesting play. All action prior to the two players ending up on the floor is legal. The Center official correctly calls a blocking foul on Red #11 who is in an illegal guarding position (laying on the floor is never legal guarding position). Due to this position, White #3, in an effort to get the rebound, has her legs chopped out from under her. The Lead should have primary whistle on this play but does not. The Center does a great job and comes in with a secondary cadence whistle and makes the call.
33.14 - Holding is illegal personal contact with an opponent that interferes with his freedom of movement. This contact (holding) can occur with any part of the body.
Watch White #3 and Blue #9 on this play. Blue #9 works hard to establish a good rebounding position. White #3 uses his body to take the right leg of Blue #9 out from under him, sending him to the floor. The Lead correctly calls a foul on White #3. The Trail official, who correctly protects the perimeter shooter before moving her eyes to rebound action, needs to be ready to make a call of assistance if the Lead does not pull the initial trigger. Step down as the Trail to assist with rebound action.
33.15 - Pushing is illegal personal contact with any part of the body where a player forcibly moves or attempts to move an opponent with or without the ball.
Watch Blue #8 and White #4 on this attempted rebound off the initial missed shot. White #4, who has excellent rebound position, is put to the floor by Blue #8 who comes from behind and completely takes White #4 out. The Lead must position adjust as need be to see this action to correctly assess the foul. This is a big enough foul for the Trail to come with a late whistle and help the Lead, as the foul directly leads to a scoring opportunity. While we have to be careful about coming in with a "long distance" call as the Trail here, everyone in the gym sees this foul. End of the day...."Obvious TRUMPS Everything"
33.15 - Pushing is illegal personal contact with any part of the body where a player forcibly moves or attempts to move an opponent with or without the ball.
On this rebound play, we have a long rebound being chased down by two players. Clearly Blue #11 has inside rebound position and should have no trouble getting to the ball. White #15 comes over the top of Blue #11 as well as shoves him from behind, making this an easy and obvious foul on White.