FOULS IN THE IN THEPAINT

This year’s rule change on free throws may increase the number of situations involving illegal contact while “boxing out.”

In recent years, skilled “boxing out” techniques have deteriorated from legal contact using good body positioning to acts that clearly involve illegal contact.

It is not uncommon to see players using their arms, forearms or hands while boxing out to restrain or push the opponent from getting into position for a rebound.

Quite often, the opponent will then respond by using his/her arm to hook the illegally extended arm of the player boxing out.

This usually results in a pushing/pulling match to get free or to prevent the opponent from getting the ball.

In some cases, one or both players end up on the floor or worse, a fight ensues. The following sequence of pictures will illustrate:

COULD LEAD TO… THIS

WHICH MIGHT LEAD TO…

THIS WHICH COULD RESULT IN…

THIS SO …

If you see this... TWEET do this:

Officials must be alert to get the first foul or perhaps, even a double foul.

This should be addressed in every pre-game discussion.

POINT OF EMPHASIS p. 6 Watch All Involved in Rebounding, Post Play

“Come- on, ref. She’s over the back!”

How many times have we heard that line? As officials, we know “over-the-back” does not constitute a foul. “On-the-back” can be a different matter.

For the Lead and Center official, being ready to take a quick step or two to get the proper angle is crucial to making a correct call or no-call.

How would you rule these situations?

By rule, this is now a foul and must be called. There is no need for individual interpretation or opinion. Is this contact by white on the post player legal?

Placing an extended arm bar on a player with the ball is a foul. No need to wait to see if the ball goes in or not to determine if this is incidental or illegal contact.

Fouls in the paint are not always committed by the defender. Center official: be ready to help out.

RULE 4 – 45: Verticality applies to an initially established legal guarding position. The following are some basic components of verticality.

Rule From a legal guarding position, the defender may rise or jump vertically and occupy the space within his/her vertical plane.

Rule The hands and arms of the defender may be raised within his/her vertical plane while on the floor or in the air.

Rule The defender (in front of #50) may not “belly- up” or use the lower body to cause contact outside of his/her vertical plane which is a foul.

Blocking and charging fouls in the paint can be a problem for officials. Often, the play begins in one’s coverage area and ends up in another’s. Double whistles and occasional conflicting calls can result.

OHSAA Director of Officiating, Denny Morris would prefer the Lead take control of the call on double whistles when the ball is coming from the Trail’s primary into the Lead’s primary. Trail: withhold any signal.

Double Whistle Drive from Trail to Lead

On drives from the Center’s coverage area, the Lead should withhold any signal. Let the Center take control of the call.

Double Whistle Drive from Center to Lead

Secondary defender from Lead’s primary comes over: Lead be ready to help.

It appears #3 has started the customary arm and foot movements on a try for a goal.

If so, the illegal use of the arm by the defender is preventing the shooter from completing these movements. The continuous motion rule should apply. Rule

If this player is attempting a try for goal, the continuous motion rule applies. The dribble has ended and he is permitted to complete the customary step prior to release. Rule

Although there may be illegal contact on the defender, the dribble has not ended. Continuous motion does not apply here.

“a skillfully - executed block is, to a defensive player, what a spectacular scoring play is to an offensive player.” POINTS TO CONSIDER:

“having a patient whistle. Anticipate what might happen (foul) but don’t make up your mind that it will happen.” CONSIDER:

“Hustle to get good angles on all shooting attempts, especially those in the paint.” Would you call this a foul? CONSIDER:

“Call the obvious!” If there is arm-to-arm contact here during the shooting motion, make the call.