Quote:
Originally Posted by Nevadaref
Of course, a held ball is the correct decision in this play as described, but if that is missed, then a common foul is the next option.
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Indeed, a held ball appears to be the correct call, both by rule/case, and context/spirit of the game. I would disagree that a common foul is the next option.
By calling a common foul, nothing but confusion, not only for partners, but probably players/coaches/fans/table/etc. results. Most of the time, the correct ruling is the best ruling, but not always, and I think this case is proof.
The official erred by not choosing the correct, and best, call initially (held ball). The official erred again by choosing the correct, although not the best, call secondarily (common foul).
IMO, since the held ball was not correctly ruled, the official should have ruled a shooting foul, which is an incorrect ruling, but the best ruling.
I am willing to wager that the official was the only person in the gym who knew that technical rule on that play.
Many rules are set aside for the betterment of the game. I wonder why the official skipped an obvious ruling (held ball) that everyone would understand and elected to make a technical ruling that no one would understand (at the time of the play).