QUESTION - Calling Intentional Foul with 26 seconds left

[Mark Padgett]

Originally posted by bradfordwilkins


The issue here was the kid went straight to this overly physical bear-hug with a player who did not nor ever (on that play) had the ball. To be honest, I think in the spirit of the game I wouldn't call an intentional had the player who was fouled had the ball.

Please explain why you wouldn't call this an intentional foul, since it exactly fits the definition.

[bradfordwilkins]

Because if the player had the ball, it could possibly be justified that A1 was reaching around the player going for the ball.

Making it thin enough water that I can let it pass as a common foul.

[golfdesigner]

Originally posted by bradfordwilkins
High School rules - intermural game

We had Team A down by about 4 with 26 seconds to go. Missed shot by Team A, rebound by B1 outside the paint who is about to begin dribbling the ball up the floor. A1 comes full speed into the paint and grabs B2 (who is also in the paint) in a complete bear hug, with momentum first moving them forward but then with A1 starting to pull B2 backwards while B1 has already begun his dribble and is about halfway to the outer edge of the 3-point line. To add to the flavor, while not a qualifying nor affecting part of the call, the entire Team A was screaming to "foul, foul!"

At the point where A1 begins to tighten his bear hug and pull B2 backwards, I call Intentional Foul. What would you say for the call? Of note perhaps, I almost considered calling a flagrant foul, that was the level of intensity of the foul.

Both my partners questioned the call after the game (although not questioning whether it by the BOOK was an intentional foul, but rather whether when they are fouling to stop the clock that it should just be a regular foul)

I normally agree to giving some leeway to these late game situations, however, IMO I made the right call because there was clearly no play on the ball and because of the aggressive nature of the foul.

Your thoughts and/or encouragement would be appreciated

Thanks

INTENTIONAL without a doubt, A1 didn't even play the player with the ball!!!