[KenThree]

Here's the ruling as interpreted by the folks mentioned in the brief artilce that appeared in Referee Magazine during the basketball season:


The following play was brought to our attention at Referee and illustrates the need for understanding team control and the correctable error rule. After sorting out the specifics and being unable to find an appropriate caseplay or ruling, we were amazed to find the incredible number of intricacies within the play. Through discussions with Mary Struckhoff (NFHS assistant director and basketball rulebook editor), Ed Bilik (NCAA men’s basketball rules editor) and Barbara Jacobs (NCAA women’s basketball rules editor), Referee was able to secure the proper ruling and interpretation for the play. This play can and should serve as a valuable learning tool for all officials.

Play: Team A brings the ball over the division line with 13 seconds left in the first half (second quarter). A1 is dribbling the ball near the top of the key when B1 knocks the ball away toward the sideline. In the scramble for the loose ball, A1 is whistled for a pushing foul with 6.5 seconds remaining (team A’s seventh team foul). Erroneously, the officials issue a bonus free-throw attempt to B1 who proceeds to make both free throws. The ball is then inbounded to A2 who dribbles the length of the floor and puts in a jumpshot from the free-throw line extended. The ball passes through the hoop and is bouncing on the floor when the horn sounds and the quarter expires. No player from team B had picked up the ball. The officials switch the possession arrow to indicate team A will have the ball to start the second half and head to the locker room. The officials discuss the play in the locker room and determine that the last foul should have been a team-control foul. But now, can the still correct the error and is so, what is the resulting penalty?

Ruling: In determining whether or not the error can be corrected, the timeframe and action after the error must be examined. The error occurred during a dead ball and involved the awarding of unmerited free throws. After the unmerited free throws, the ball became live when team A grabbed the ball to complete the inbounds pass. The ball remained live until the ball passed through the basket on A2’s shot attempt, at which time a dead ball ensued. The ball remained dead when the horn sounded and quarter expired serving as the point of interruption. The halftime period now became the longest dead-ball period possible within the game. Since a second live ball had not occurred, the timeframe to correct the error was still available (NFHS 2-10-2; NCAA 2-11-1). Team B loses the two points that were gained from the shooting of the unmerited free throws. The points are taken off the board and removed from the scorebook. Team A is allowed to keep the two points from the final basket since points scored prior to the recognition of the error shall not be nullified (NFHS 2-11-5; NCAA 2-11-3a). The point of interruption was halftime. For that reason, the ball will be put back in play via the AP arrow and possession is awarded to team A.

Team B’s coach is undoubtedly not going to be real pleased. Correctable errors are always bound to leave one team feeling like they got the shaft. However, to make the best of an unfortunate situation, it is extremely important to understand how to properly apply correctable errors when they have occurred.