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Basketball Instruction/hand as extension of ball rule...nba/high school

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Expert: - 1/21/2010


Question
High school basketball game and offensive player holding ball....defensive player swings down and a clear "slap" is heard due to hitting hand and offensive player loses ball...the Ref does not call anything and uses the rule of Hand being an extension of ball...is this a fair representation of rule.  If so then why don't we teach everyone to clearly hit the hands while they hold ball??  Thanks  Michael

Answer
Hi Michael,

First and foremost referees are not suppose to make calls based on sound, rather what they see. If the official saw the defender slap the hand, then it really is part of the ball, and your very rarely going to get a foul call. It really just depends on what the official sees, and how he/she interprets how it plays out.  Sometimes you'll get the call, and sometimes you won't. It's not really a matter of being a fair interpretation of the rule, but rather if the official feels that the defender made illegal contact or not.

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Bret Temple

Expertise

My expertise is in the art of Officiating Basketball and I can answer questions pertaining to basketball rules; youth level through CIF High School, NCAA college and NBA rules as well. I can either help define a specific rule for you, or interpret a specific rule to clarify how other officials and I view and call the game.

Experience

I have been a Basketball Official now for over 19 years, officiating at all levels. I have attended numerous training camps throughout the years in an attempt to constantly become a better official. I have been evaluated by top Officiating organizations and I've had the honor of being selected to officiate at the highest levels including former Division 1 College and NBA players.

Organizations
NASO (National Association of Sports Officials) CBOA (California Basketball Officials Association)

Education/Credentials
El Sorrino Officials Association Accreditation CIF Certified(California Interscholastic Federation) WCPBL(West Coast Professional Baskeball League) The NBA Developmental League training

Past/Present Clients
Los Angeles City Parks and Recreation, Calabasas Basketball League, Calabasas Semi-Pro Men's League, AYBA California Interscholatic Federation, ARC League , (WCPBL)West Coast Professional Basketball League, Gary Grant Youth Basketball Program

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