Interesting Calls, Bizarre Plays of the Month - Oct 24
From surprise court cameos to intense dead-ball moments, stay prepared for it all
A wise mentor of mine told me that best of the basketball referees are those who cannot be surprised on the court, as they are ready for whatever the game throws at them. However, the situations below might stretch the imagination of even the most prepared referee—because let's face it, even the best can’t train for coaches taking mid-game strolls onto the court or players suddenly adding "hair styling" to their defensive moves. Here is a selection of calls from October, that will expand your horizons as referee.
1. Critical No-Call that decides the game
With seconds on the clock in a tie game, a fast break unfolds. The lead referee has a closed angle, and the center referee, who would have the open angle, is late to the spot Prime example of the active mindset throughout the game and anticipation of the play.
2. Scenario Thinking: Coach on the court during live ball!
An agitated coach steps onto the court during live play, frustrated by a no-call. This situation evidences why scenario thinking is important. Always be prepared to handle unexpected intrusions. Is the TF or DQF?
3. Dead-Ball Officiating: Always Active Mindset!
After a foul call, play stops, but an unexpected incident occurs when a player pulls an opponent’s hair. This action was caught by the lead referee who continued to observe players during a dead-ball moment. Referees must remember that these pauses still require vigilance, as conflicts can erupt when attention drops. Is this UF or DQF?
4.Total Chaos: No Calls, Coach on the Court, Unsportsmanlike Upgrade during deadball, all during the same sequence
In this chaotic Euroleague sequence, a no-call leads to a coach stepping onto the court, play continues, game is stopped with open fist by the lead referee when the ball goes out and the unsportmanslike foul is called! What happened here?