What is a shot

[grunewar]

I had two situations this week where more senior officials gave me differing opinions on what constitutes a shot. i.e - when does it start?

Section 4-41-2 states a player is shooting when "in the officials judgement is throwing or attempting to throw for goal." Art 4-41-3 then states "a try starts when the player begins the motion which habitually precedes the release....."

Situation 1 was MSB, I called a shooting foul near the basket and my partner later disagreed (in private) I said I thought he was in the act of shooting and granted the free throws. He said the ball had to be above the waste. I disagreed, but didn't argue the point.....because I was never going to win.

Situation 2 was JVB. My different partner granted a similar shooting foul that I granted earlier. I asked him why as I had a similar situation earlier and was questioned. He said he was taught to always give the player the benefit of the doubt.

Any thoughts?