When is a foul a foul?

[ChuckElias]

Originally posted by zebraman
A foul is a foul until the final horn sounds.

A foul could even be called after the horn sounds A foul could even be called as you're walking off the court.

In all seriousness, tho, braboa, let me say two things. First, if the shooter was disadvantaged then you call the foul in that situation. You mention the NBA, but even in the NBA Official's Manual, it is stressed that officials are supposed to "let the players decide" the game through the legal actions they perform; NOT by letting illegal actions go uncalled. If the contact warrants a foul, then you call it, regardless of the time remaining (assuming that (a) it's not a 40 point blowout and (b) the ensuing FTs can't send the game to OT ).

Secondly, you really do need to be aware of the time remaining. Not because it will determine if you make a call or not, but b/c you need to know where the clock is/was in case it doesn't start/stop properly. This is a critical game skill that you will have to develop. You shouldn't ignore the clock just b/c your partner has the last shot.

Just in case all of that makes my original point unclear -- ya done good

Chuck