What is a shot
 

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?

Thoughts? Both theories from those other officials are ridiculous. The shooter's waist has nothing to do with nothing. And you make each call on it's merit according to <b>your</b> judgment, without artificially always favoring the offensive team over the defensive team.

Any movement of the hand, arm or foot -- any movement -- that is normally part of a shooting motion is the beginning of the try. If the player gathers the ball and lifts his arm one millimeter toward the basket, he's in the act of shooting. If he is fouled at that point, you award free throws, even if he still has his back to the basket. The location of the ball has nothing to do with it.

Very clear in that ..... "in the officials judgement is throwing or attempting to throw for goal."

That is a call each official individually needs to make and is theirs and theirs alone.

Thanks for the input.

I always listen to my senior partners and file their advice and guidance away -right or wrong it is all experience. If I have questions I refer to the rule or case book or come here and look for previous posts or advice.

I appreciate your insights.

This is a great forum for us newbies!

Only in "garbage time". :D