No clear look on fast break...

[zeedonk]

I'm looking for advice on the following situation at different levels of play (MS, Sub V and V):

For 2 person, I am trail and team B steals the ball and heads the other way on a fast break. A1 defends B1 going to the rack. I am not to the end line and am preparing to find an angle to see the play and officiate any contact, but A1 is between me and B1. I may be straight-lined or not, but in any event, I don't get a clear look and B1 goes up awkwardly or in general looks like he's fouled. I don't see obvious contact, but can't be sure either way.

How best to call this play? I know that it's not appropriate to call what you don't see, but I also recognize that there are game management situations that may call for something. At the lower levels, I'm OK with managing this. At the big boy level, calling or not calling will lead to lots of discussion with the Head Coach.

Whaddya got and how do you discuss it with the coaches?

In 3 person, I am hoping that the C comes in to help me, but the same question can be asked there too.

Thanks for the sage advice...

Z

[mbyron]

The higher you go, the more important it is to call only what you see. That's an argument for getting in position, since if you have too many of these that's a good reason to think you've reached the highest level you're capable of officiating. "Game management" is no excuse for being out of position.

[Indianaref]

I was watching a college game this weekend and a similar situation to yours happened. In this instance, where he was beat, you can see that the new lead slowed up, got slightly behind the play and was able to get the best possible angle.

[Adam]

When this happens, and it happens to everyone at all levels, get to the spot where you have the best chance of seeing through the players, whereever that spot is. There are still going to be times you get straighlined, but searching for angles will help. And if you don't see it, don't call it.

[doubleringer]

I agree with everyone else. If you don't see it, don't call it. How would you defend a guess to a coach? If you get asked about the play, don't lie. "Coach, I had a player run in front of me right as the shot went up so I didin't get a good look. I'll work hard to make sure it doesn't happen again." If the coach doesn't get that, then an opportunity to blow your whistle may present itself.

[Loudwhistle]

Originally Posted by doubleringer

I agree with everyone else. If you don't see it, don't call it. How would you defend a guess to a coach? If you get asked about the play, don't lie. "Coach, I had a player run in front of me right as the shot went up so I didin't get a good look. I'll work hard to make sure it doesn't happen again." If the coach doesn't get that, then an opportunity to blow your whistle may present itself.

Love your last line!