Tough call at a tough time in a tough game...

[Oz Referee]

I read an account recently of something that happened a few years back in a NBA game. I know that the Bucks were one team, but I'm not sure who the other one was.

Anywho, Team A is down by 2 points, less than 5 seconds to go. A1 throws a hail-mary up on the buzzer and it drops - Team A win the game. The bench for Team A is understandably elated, and rush onto the court to congratulate A1. The referee calls a technical foul on the bench for coming onto the court, B1 shoots two free throws and Team B wins the game by 1.

I would be interested in hearing the opinons of other referees if this is the right way to call a game. Although it is technically correct, I have a few problems with referees making calls like this, as I don't believe that it is good for the game.

The article included a few comments from the NBA referees involved in the game, along with the then Director of Referees. All these comments supported the decision to call the technical foul on the basis that it is up to the referees to enforce all of the rules, not to decide which ones to enforce.

I look forward to your comments