Slapping the backboard

[Mark Padgett]

Originally Posted by BillyMac

Girls varsity. As the trail, I was watching something on the floor

Did you get her number? HAHA - double pun!

[Brad]

Ignore the slap and concentrate on the ball going in

This is almost never a technical foul and too many officials get caught up with this rule. The rule is intended to address unsportsmanlike conduct for slapping the backboard out of frustration, not hitting the backboard in an attempt to block a shot (even if you *know* that the player has no real chance of blocking it -- he might think he does!)

[Nevadaref]

Originally Posted by Brad

Ignore the slap and concentrate on the ball going in

This is almost never a technical foul and too many officials get caught up with this rule. The rule is intended to address unsportsmanlike conduct for slapping the backboard out of frustration, not hitting the backboard in an attempt to block a shot (even if you *know* that the player has no real chance of blocking it -- he might think he does!)

Sorry, Brad, I know that it's your board, but I have to disagree. The first thing upon which to focus is the possible unsporting behavior. Taking care of the conduct of the players is primary. A simple basket is not going to be that much of a problem. You can always get some help from a partner or the table crew on that. Plus, I would think that most of the players would honestly tell you whether or not the ball went in.

Officials aren't paid to watch baskets, they are there to make the tough decisions. Technical fouls for slapping the backboard is definitely in that category. In fact, the NFHS has made this a POE for the upcoming season.

2008-09 POINTS OF EMPHASIS
...
4. SLAPPING THE BACKBOARD. The incidents of players slapping the backboard are increasing throughout the country. The rules specify that "intentionally slapping or striking the backboard" is a technical foul (10-3-5). The spirit and intent of that rule is to penalize a player for drawing attention to him/herself or as a means of venting frustration. A player who strikes the backboard in a legitimate attempt to block a try for goal should not be penalized. Basket interference cannot be ruled in either of the above situations. Basket interference only occurs if the ball is interfered with while in the cylinder above the basket ring or by touching either the ball or any part of the basket while the ball is on or within the basket (4-6).

[Brad]

The spirit and intent of that rule is to penalize a player for drawing attention to him/herself or as a means of venting frustration.

I've never seen a player do this and in the cases where I have seen a technical called by officials the player was not "drawing attention to him/herself or as a means of venting frustration".

Not knowing whether a basket was good or not because you were focusing on whether or not to assess a technical foul for slapping the backboard is inexcusable. These types of technicals call themselves. If you have to think about whether or not the slap merits a technical foul or not, it doesn't.

[Jurassic Referee]

Originally Posted by Brad

The spirit and intent of that rule is to penalize a player for drawing attention to him/herself or as a means of venting frustration.

I've never seen a player do this and in the cases where I have seen a technical called by officials the player was not "drawing attention to him/herself or as a means of venting frustration".

Not knowing whether a basket was good or not because you were focusing on whether or not to assess a technical foul for slapping the backboard is inexcusable. These types of technicals call themselves. If you have to think about whether or not the slap merits a technical foul or not, it doesn't.

I have....and the subsequent "T" called was well deserved.

Having said that, fwiw I agree completely with everything else that you said.

Personally, I wonder if the FED put in that POE because of all the officials that wrongfully insist that a backboard whack can also be BI. Lord knows that we get enough of 'em on this forum every year.

[Dan_ref]

Originally Posted by Brad

Not knowing whether a basket was good or not because you were focusing on whether or not to assess a technical foul for slapping the backboard is inexcusable. These types of technicals call themselves. If you have to think about whether or not the slap merits a technical foul or not, it doesn't.

Absolutely agree. And while it may be easy (and embarrassing IMO) to ask the table whether the ball went in you can't ask them if you missed BI/GT on the shot after the foul.

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by Dan_ref

Absolutely agree. And while it may be easy (and embarrassing IMO) to ask the table whether the ball went in you can't ask them if you missed BI/GT on the shot after the foul.

And, you can more easily see / rule on the slap out of the corner of your eye / by using your ears than you can rule on the basket or BI/GT.

Focus on what you need to focus on; get the rest by "feel."

[Raymond]

Originally Posted by bob jenkins

Focus on what you need to focus on; get the rest by "feel."

Helpful advise when officiating the annual Hugh Hefner Playboy Bunnies for Charity basketball game.