Quote:
Originally posted by RunninRef
Just got home from an amature church league game - (as a spectator in disguise)- with an interesting twist on the last 15 seconds of the game.
What's your call in this situation?
15 seconds left in the game. Team A = 41 / Team B = 40. Team A with the ball in forecourt. Both teams have fouls to give. At the 7 second mark Team B's player is called with his 4th foul and storms off the court thinking it's his fifth foul, leaves the court and goes outside in a hallway away from the team and court. Nothing is called on Team B's player other than the foul. No one catches the 4th foul situation - (except me and one other parent from Team A of course, sitting in the stands). I don't say a word. I'm there to watch and observe play. Team B now has only four players on the court. No other subs to come in. Team A puts the ball into play. At the 5 second mark, Team B's 4th player is whistled for his 5th foul and he sits down on the bench. Still no free throws yet for team A. No other subs for team B. Team B down to 3 players on the floor. Team A puts the ball into play - clock goes 4 / 3 / 2 and team A throws the ball out of bounds with 1.7 seconds left on the clock. Team B immediately calls time out to talk thing over. During the timeout, the player from Team B who left the court earlier thinking he had fouled out returns to Team B's bench, un-noticed by everyone but me. Team B prepares to put the ball into play. Team A drops back for defence and guards the remaining 3 players from Team B. At the very second Team B puts the ball into play, the player from Team B who left the floor earlier with the 4th foul, steps onto the floor - (without reporting)- and launches a 70 foot prayer from backcourt. You got it - it went right through the net - swish!!!!!! Time runs out - game over!
The situation happened so fast, the two officials and the scorers table knew something was wrong, but didn't immediately recognise what just happened. Of course team B went crazy with team members and fans on the floor. The two floor officials got together and discuused what just happened - went to the scorers table and discussed with them what just happened and then they spotted me sitting in the stands - minding my own business. They wanted my "official" opinion being the Director of Officials for the league. I want to know what you would have told them - your game replay for the last 15 seconds,and your advise so maybe I can get some sleep tonight! Awaiting your replay!
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By rule the B player should have gotten a T for leaving the floor for unauthorized reasons.
The same player should have received a T for not reporting or being beckoned, unfortunately he becomes a legal player when the ball becomes live, if the officials failed to catch it.
Now the way the play was described it appears that the player was aware that he was entering to fool the opponents, by entering the way he did, so it could fall under an unsporting T.
If it were my decision I'm calling it a forfeit for making a travesty of the game.