Minnesota Controversial Ending

[chapmaja]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

I will just say from my experience working my own tournament, I discussed in every game that if we had a last second shot and it was close, get together to make the call. We do not need to be in a hurry. If you have a call as the C or T, just make the call if it is obvious. If there is any doubt, we should get together before a decision is made. No double signals are wanted or needed. Make one ruling.

That is what I discussed with my crew when we worked the last 5 games of the tournament. There was hardly a game where we could hear the horn anyway, so this is what I suggested. The big guys get video replay in their games, we don't. So we might as well take our time if every other level can review the video.

Peace

I had a wreck league game this season with an interesting end of quarter situation.

The gym we are in only has a scoreboard on one end, so even though I was the lead (2 man system), I am (per league directors mandate), supposed to also have the clock. This is a gym with about three feet of end line space, so not much room to move back.



The situation was as follows: Ball inbounded from near the corner with 1 second left to the corner. Player catches the pass attempts a shot prior to the buzzer with his foot just behind the 3 point line. I am trying to watch the foot, for contact of a defender stepping out on the shooter, and watch for the ball off the shooters hands before the horn.

I, after trying to watch all parts of this play, try going to my partner to make sure we agree on how everything played out. His response " That's your call, I have no idea."

Sometimes its hard to go to your partner when he isn't going to be helpful. You just have to pray you have partner(s) that are more helpful than he was.

After I ruled it a good basket, the defense then wanted to argue the 2 or 3. I was 100% sure this was a three. I couldn't be 100% it was out of his hand on time.

Oh, and being Rec League the idea of a pre-game is "your going to toss this game." My partner that night didn't show up until the 2nd quarter.

[Camron Rust]

Originally Posted by chapmaja

The gym we are in only has a scoreboard on one end, so even though I was the lead (2 man system), I am (per league directors mandate), supposed to also have the clock. This is a gym with about three feet of end line space, so not much room to move back.
.

And your play situation is exactly why this is a bad idea. A lot of people promote it but trying to look at a clock on a wall nowhere near the play itself and a shooter at he same time is likely to make things worse than just looking at the shooter and listening for the horn as is supposed to be done. The odds that the clock will be behind the shooter relative to either officials is a low probability proposition. Then, you have to concentrate so much on the numbers, you're likely to miss a foul. Looking for something to light up is really only a good idea if that thing is on the backboard where it is far easier to see it light up (not focused on it saying a specific number) and the shot at the same time.

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by Camron Rust

... trying to look at a clock on a wall nowhere near the play itself and a shooter at he same time is likely to make things worse than just looking at the shooter and listening for the horn as is supposed to be done.

Agree. Assuming no red lights, near the end of periods, as the lead, or as the trial, I'm noting the time on the clock at the beginning of play, making sure that the clock properly starts (if applicable), and then directing my attention to the players, looking for fouls, and violations, while counting down the seconds in my head, and listening for the horn. If a whistle sounds before the horn, I'm looking at the clock again to make sure it stops in a timely manner, and putting time back on the clock if I have direct knowledge via my mental countdown, or (hopefully) my observation of the clock.

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by chapmaja

I couldn't be 100% it was out of his hand on time.

2.13 SITUATION: The signal to end the fourth quarter cannot be heard by the officials. The table officials disagree as to whether the ball was in flight during a try for field goal when time expired or if a foul occurred before the ball became dead. RULING: The final decision shall be made by the referee, and unless he/she has knowledge to alter the ruling, the goal shall count if it was successful and the foul shall be charged and penalized. (2-5-5)

[deecee]

It's wreck league, in some cases being close enough is good enough. Nothing is on the line except fragile egos.

[chapmaja]

Originally Posted by deecee

It's wreck league, in some cases being close enough is good enough. Nothing is on the line except fragile egos.

You mean the two fans in the stands for the games are NBA scouts looking at these guys to be the next Kobe. (Normally they are wives/girlfriends who are guilt tripped into coming to the game to watch).