For FIBA officials (new rule)

[Jay R]

For those of you who use FIBA rules, I'm interested in what you think of the new unsportsmanlike foul rule which is similar to the NBA's clear path foul.

First here is the rule as it is written:

Art. 36.1.4 Unsportsmanlike foul If a defensive player causes contact with an opponent from behind or laterally in an attempt to stop a fast break and there is no opponent between the offensive player and the opponents’ basket, then the contact shall be judged to be unsportsmanlike.

The NBA's version (clear path) specifies that it applies from foul line to foul line. The FIBA rule does not. Maybe I'm being picky here. But if you take the new rule literally, a player on a fast break going for a layup who is fouled from behind (or laterally) could be charged with an unsportsmanlike foul.

[JugglingReferee]

Originally Posted by Jay R

For those of you who use FIBA rules, I'm interested in what you think of the new unsportsmanlike foul rule which is similar to the NBA's clear path foul.

First here is the rule as it is written:

Art. 36.1.4 Unsportsmanlike foul If a defensive player causes contact with an opponent from behind or laterally in an attempt to stop a fast break and there is no opponent between the offensive player and the opponents’ basket, then the contact shall be judged to be unsportsmanlike.

The NBA's version (clear path) specifies that it applies from foul line to foul line. The FIBA rule does not. Maybe I'm being picky here. But if you take the new rule literally, a player on a fast break going for a layup who is fouled from behind (or laterally) could be charged with an unsportsmanlike foul.

Since I do FIBA rules, I think the important words are in blue bold. I don't recall fast break being defined in the rulebook, so the interp could be if the defender has a legitimate opportunity to play defense, then a non-UNS foul should be called. Otherwise, it's UNS.

On a quicker turnover, the new defense might be caught off guard and once ther're beat by that step or two, and they foul, it is UNS. But if they're trying to get back to play defense, and they do so in a reasonable way, then non-UNS.

Judgment call. I won't have a problem implementing this at all.

[canuckrefguy]

Glad to see rule changes adopting the Fed/NCAA backcourt violation rules.

There are some changes to Technical and Unsportsmanlike fouls that, at first glance, seem overly tight - but ultimately they are judgement calls, and need not end up in a flood of unnecessary calls.

[NICK]

Bloody good rule and pretty easy to administer. Cheers

[Scrapper1]

I also heard that FIBA has decided to give an Unsportsmanlike Foul for distracting tactics, like yelling or clapping, behind the shooter when the defender makes no attempt to play defense. I kind of like that rule.

[eg-italy]

Originally Posted by Scrapper1

I also heard that FIBA has decided to give an Unsportsmanlike Foul for distracting tactics, like yelling or clapping, behind the shooter when the defender makes no attempt to play defense. I kind of like that rule.

That's a technical foul; an unsportsmanlike foul requires contact.

Ciao

[NICK]

Too right, unsportsmanlike foul requires contact. I would warn first though then give a technical foul for distracting shooter at the free throw line and make sure both teams hear the warning. cheers

[eg-italy]

Originally Posted by NICK

Too right, unsportsmanlike foul requires contact. I would warn first though then give a technical foul for distracting shooter at the free throw line and make sure both teams hear the warning. cheers

Right, if the act does not cause an evident disadvantage we should issue a warning, but only to the offending player's team. Just like for a delay of game, such as interfering with the ball after scoring a basket.

Ciao

[Scrapper1]

Originally Posted by NICK

I would warn first though then give a technical foul for distracting shooter at the free throw line and make sure both teams hear the warning. cheers

Sorry about using the wrong terminology. My understanding was that this call was not regarding free throws at all. It was regarding a defender who has been beat (like on a fast break) and can't make a play on the ball. So out of desperation, he or she yells at the shooter to distract him/her.

The ruling I heard was that if the shot is made, the game is stopped and a warning is issued to the player through the coach. If the shot is unsuccessful, immediate unsporting technical foul.

Is that correct?

[gottaluvhoops]

An official warning is to be given when the game clock is stopped and the ball is dead. It should be communicated to the coach accordingly and shall apply to all members of the team for similiar actions for the remainder of the game.