Slapping the backboard

[rhhudson]

I ref in a rec league with some very athletic players. A rule in the league call for a tech for slapping the backboard. This is a tough call. This happens sometimes when going up to block the shot. I do award the basket if contact with the backboard disrupts a shot attempt from going in the basket. Obviously I should be abidding by the league rules or talk to the commissioner about it, but I just think it is a tough rule to enforce. Thoughts and comments.

[jdw3018]

First, awarding the shot for slapping the backboard is wrong. You can never, by rule, award a shot for contact with the backboard.

I don't know if your rec league rule is different than NFHS rules, but by NFHS rules slapping the backboard is either during an attempt to block a shot and therefore legal, or it is an intentional act that earns a player a technical foul.

Slapping the board is never basket interference.

[rhhudson]

That is interesting. So if the contact with the backboard in an attempt to block a shot disturbs the goal, therefore altering the natural progression of the ball, you dont award basket interference. I guess I always viewed this rule wrong.

[Jurassic Referee]

Originally Posted by rhhudson

I guess I always viewed this rule wrong.

You aren't alone. It comes up at least once every year here. It's a common fallacy, sadly amongst some officials too.

[crazy voyager]

This may be becuse FIBA's rules are diffrent...
31.2.4 Interference occurs during a shot for a field goal when:
• A player touches the basket or the backboard while the ball is in contact with the ring.
• A defensive player causes the backboard or the ring to vibrate in such a way that, in the judgement of the official, the ball has been prevented from entering the basket.
• An offensive player causes the backboard or the ring to vibrate in such a way that, in the judgement of the official, the ball has been caused to enter the basket.

In other words if you slap the BB in a fiba game, and you (in the officials judgment) prevent (defense) or cause (offense) the ball (not) to enter the basket, that is BI and points should be awarded or removed.
But listen to the other guys in your case I am just speculating in why people never learn the rule properly

[Adam]

I don't know that I'd assume the myth has anything to do with FIBA rules. That implies people in the US are aware of FIBA rules.

[Adam]

Originally Posted by rhhudson

I ref in a rec league with some very athletic players. A rule in the league call for a tech for slapping the backboard. This is a tough call. This happens sometimes when going up to block the shot. I do award the basket if contact with the backboard disrupts a shot attempt from going in the basket. Obviously I should be abidding by the league rules or talk to the commissioner about it, but I just think it is a tough rule to enforce. Thoughts and comments.

If the league wants it called that tightly, call it that tightly. The players will adjust.
NFHS rules allow for a player blocking a shot (or trying to) to hit the backboard without penalty. However, if your league wants it called differently....