Challenges in officiating Verticality

[Kansas Ref]

Most coaches these days instruct their defenders to "wall up" when applying defensive pressure on a shooter. In that position defender's hands/arms are straight upwards as the shooter tries for goal. A foul is typically not expected to be called in such a contested shot bcz its apparent to everyone that the defender was legally contesting the try for goal. In contrast, when defenders motion their hands/arms go downwards, making a "roof", as the shooter tries for goal we refs are challenged to detect contact--in fact I would assert that a foul is expected to be called. We refs are challenged to instantaneously and correctly differentiate between these two scenarios. Herein lies the challenge in officiating verticality.

[Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.]

Originally Posted by Kansas Ref

Most coaches these days instruct their defenders to "wall up" when applying defensive pressure on a shooter. In that position defender's hands/arms are straight upwards as the shooter tries for goal. A foul is typically not expected to be called in such a contested shot bcz its apparent to everyone that the defender was legally contesting the try for goal. In contrast, when defenders motion their hands/arms go downwards, making a "roof", as the shooter tries for goal we refs are challenged to detect contact--in fact I would assert that a foul is expected to be called. We refs are challenged to instantaneously and correctly differentiate between these two scenarios. Herein lies the challenge in officiating verticality.

Kansas Ref:

Not to change the subjuect but are you familiar with Mid America Youth Basketball Tour and the assault on the referee in Whichita this past weekend?

MTD, Sr.

[ilyazhito]

Originally Posted by Kansas Ref

Most coaches these days instruct their defenders to "wall up" when applying defensive pressure on a shooter. In that position defender's hands/arms are straight upwards as the shooter tries for goal. A foul is typically not expected to be called in such a contested shot bcz its apparent to everyone that the defender was legally contesting the try for goal. In contrast, when defenders motion their hands/arms go downwards, making a "roof", as the shooter tries for goal we refs are challenged to detect contact--in fact I would assert that a foul is expected to be called. We refs are challenged to instantaneously and correctly differentiate between these two scenarios. Herein lies the challenge in officiating verticality.

Indeed, that is challenging. Officials must distinguish between a defender dropping his arms as a natural result of being contacted in the chest, and the defender bringing down his arms or contacting the offensive player with his arms in a non-vertical position. This is because one is a legal play, and the other is illegal use of hands (NFHS) or a violation of the vertical cylinder (NCAAM, NBA, FIBA).

Mark, I haven't heard about the assault, but it is a clear disgrace.

[JRutledge]

It can be a challenging play, but I think this is mostly as a result of the offensive player initiating contact. Once you determine that fact, this play is not as hard. Because if the defender was not likely to contact the shooter, then you can really realize how the contact affected the shooter. Walling up has become common as players at the higher levels like college are doing it to not be in the RA. And as a result, players in the high school level are seeing the tactic and trying it in games with no RA (partially because it can make the shot difficult). But if you do not deem OIC, then this is likely a foul on the defender if they bring their arms down. Bottom line, see the entire play.

Peace

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.

Not to change the subject but are you familiar with Mid America Youth Basketball Tour and the assault on the referee in Wichita this past weekend?

Originally Posted by ilyazhito

I haven't heard about the assault, but it is a clear disgrace.

See new thread: Wichita Lineman (Glen Campbell, 1968).

https://forum.officiating.com/basket...ll-1968-a.html

[Raymond]

Referee the defense. If you referee the defense instead of staring at the ball you will see:

-- if the defender remains vertical and legal
-- if the defender walks into the offensive player
-- if the defender moves his arms forward and creates illegal contact
-- if the defender raises his arms late and illegally contacts the shooter while raising his arms
-- if the defender moves his arms forward creating illegal contact then returns his arms to vertical to give the illusion he was legal the entire time
-- if the offensive player creates contact that causes the defender's arms to collapse

This is all possible by refereeing the defense.