Punch Ball

[Loudwhistle]

I saw a player punch the ball two weeks ago. Get this one, the player was shooting a one and one, he makes the first free throw and the ball bounces back to him, he then punches the ball back to the administering official, who then bounced the ball back to the shooter to finish his last free throw. Nobody did anything. The shooter didn't show any attitude or disrespect as he sent the ball back to the ref. I was wondering what could have been called if one of the reffs called the violation right when the punch happened? (obviously the violation for punching the ball) What would be the proper way to continue the game at that point?

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by Loudwhistle

I saw a player punch the ball two weeks ago. Get this one, the player was shooting a one and one, he makes the first free throw and the ball bounces back to him, he then punches the ball back to the administering official, who then bounced the ball back to the shooter to finish his last free throw. Nobody did anything. The shooter didn't show any attitude or disrespect as he sent the ball back to the ref. I was wondering what could have been called if one of the reffs called the violation right when the punch happened? (obviously the violation for punching the ball) What would be the proper way to continue the game at that point?

In this situation, the ball wasbn't live -- so there's no penalty.

On the OP: this was called and caused a minor ruckus in an NBA game a few years ago.

My take: I'll call it if the player gains some advantage or there are others around. Not in the situation as originally presented.

[Jurassic Referee]

Originally Posted by Loudwhistle

I saw a player punch the ball two weeks ago. Get this one, the player was shooting a one and one, he makes the first free throw and the ball bounces back to him, he then punches the ball back to the administering official, who then bounced the ball back to the shooter to finish his last free throw. Nobody did anything. The shooter didn't show any attitude or disrespect as he sent the ball back to the ref. I was wondering what could have been called if one of the reffs called the violation right when the punch happened? (obviously the violation for punching the ball) What would be the proper way to continue the game at that point?

Was the ball live when he punched it?

If a player punches the ball after a timeout is granted, is that a violation?

Edit: I see that Bob got there before me.

[mbyron]

Originally Posted by Jurassic Referee

I just whisper in their ear "don't do dat". That's just me, though.

[Bad Zebra]

Eesh. That's just wrong.

[Loudwhistle]

Yuck, now that's a Bad Zebra!!

[Johnny Ringo]

I have called this once in 18 years. Girls V game and a scramble for a loose ball when a player was on the floor punched the ball out of the huddle. I called it and nobody really knew what I called, but nobody yelled either. My partner knew the rule as well and said that was a first for him. Still waiting on the second instance!

[MelbRef]

So what's the mechanic for a punched ball?

I had a girls JV game last season where a player spiked the ball out of the lane during rebounding instead of grabbing it. It seemed like a natural volleyball reaction to me. (pretty funny actually)

Now that I understand the rule better. What is the mechanic?

[Adam]

Same as the mechanic for causing the ball to go through the basket from below, or a throwin spot violation, or any other violation without a specific mechanic. Hand up, verbalize the infraction, point the direction for the new throw in.

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by Snaqwells

Throwin spot violation.

See NFHS Signal #26.

[26 Year Gap]

I can envision a soccer goalie type of play during rebounding action, though I have never witnessed it. I am sure it is a safety type of rule as others have pointed out. Might be an interesting question to pose to an interpreter as to its origin and the reasoning. It may have been a rule change in years gone by and an explanation usually accompanies rule changes.

[Upward ref]

Originally Posted by BillyMac

Jurassic Referee: Just curious, how many times in your career, did you have an opportunity to "not" make this call? I've been involved with basketball for over forty years, as a player, coach, fan, parent, and official, and I've never observed a player strike the ball with their fist, until yesterday.

As I new guy I have to say I saw a player (same holiday tournament as my jump ball post) do this. thurs. night on a throw in right at the opposing teams bench A1 throws in to A2 who lightly strikes it with his fist right back to A1 who had just stepped in. At that time I wondered why the ref didn't call although I thought it was no big deal . also wondered about the "intent of the rule, but was just basically happy with me spotting it !