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Expert: - 1/30/2012


Question
Team Blue down by 3 points, had possession of the ball, 12 seconds on clock. Inbound play worked perfectly, great ball movement, last pass was to the corner for 3 point shot but referee stepped in front of the pass and the ball went out of bounds. With only 6 seconds on the clock he announced "white ball." White ended up winning the game by 3. I wondered if that was the correct call and what rule states or backs up that call?

Answer
April,

That is a very unfortunate accident at such a crucial point in the game. It sounds like the official was out of position. However, the Official is part of the game and if a ball inadvertently hit the official and then went out of bounds, he made the right call. Since Team Blue was the last to touch the ball before it went out of bounds, even though it hit the official, he has no choice but to award possession to the White team.   

Thank you for your question.  

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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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