Ten Second Free Throw Violation ...

[JRutledge]

I had a partner call this over 15 years ago. I just remember the routine was very unusual and the shooter even walked away from the line. Then he went back to the line and took a long time. It was probably 15 seconds and it is the only time in my career I have seen it called in person. I still joke with the official that he called this, but all in fun.

Peace

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by BillyMac

If I did ever call it, I can 100% guarantee that my referee buddies would give me hard time at the local watering hole after the game. Probably get stuck buying a few beers.

Originally Posted by JRutledge

I still joke with the official that he called this, but all in fun.

Thirty-five years ago, when the girls first switched to a smaller basketball, a good friend of mine tossed a girls ball to start a boys high school varsity game that wasn't discovered for several minutes. Our local guys, and a few guys from other Connecticut boards (word spread quickly across the state), never let him forgot about it. It was discussed at his wake. Here in Connecticut we're what'cha call experts when it comes to "chain yanking", and "ball busting".

Note: I recently told this story to a young rookie official who responded, "You mean the girls haven't always used a smaller ball?". Ouch. Thanks for reminding me that I'm old.

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

... the routine was very unusual and the shooter even walked away from the line.

Every once in a great while I'll have a player who wants the ball while he's a step outside the semicircle. As the lead, I'll tell him to get inside the circle because he's "not Larry Bird".

With apologies to Senator Lloyd Bentsen: "Young man, I officiated Larry Bird's games. I knew Larry Bird. Larry Bird was a friend of mine. Young man, you're no Larry Bird".