Fan Interference with Breakway Layup

Oz Referee

Originally posted by Mark Dexter

Originally posted by dhodges007

Originally posted by Mark Dexter
Fighting is defined (but not limited to) attacking an opponent. If the guy on the floor can't be given a T, he's not an opponent, and is fair game 🙂

We had a thread here earlier this year where a starter hit one of his own players for not giving him the ball. T was given to that player for fighting. He is obviously not an opponent.

I'd be more inclined to T the player fighting with someone in the stands. If two guys from the same team are going at it, I leave that alone.

Mark, please tell me you're joking! If anyone on a team throws a punch during a game, whether it be at an opposing player, coach, official, fan, or team mate - then they get tossed. There are NO exceptions. To the best of my knowledge this applies at all levels of the game (and most other sports - excluding ice hockey, oh an boxing 🙂).

If for nothing else, you have to toss them for unsportsmanlike conduct or "bringing the game into disrepute".

Oz Referee

Originally posted by dhodges007

Originally posted by Oz Referee
I have a problem with both giving the basket, and calling a T for several reasons:

1. The player might have missed the basket. (Or the shot clock expired, or an off the ball foul, or a myriad of other possibilites).

2. Can you guarentee that the spectator was supporting Team B? Here are some other possibilities:
i) Has personal grudge against that player
ii) Was drunk/high/just not-quite right in the head
iii) Doesn't follow Team B, but supports Team C which needs Team A to lose to make the finals.
iv) Supports Team A and hopes that the refs will grant the basket/call a T.

IMHO I believe the only action that could be taken, within the rules, is to stop play, reset the shot clock and grant a throw in to Team A. At this point it would probably be a good idea to explain your ruling to both coaches. Have the spectator removed, eithered by court management, or by security/police.

If he/she is on a break away...how would the shot clock expire?

Well, how about this:

Team A inbounds ball in back court, Team B is pressing. B2 knocks ball out after TeamA has reached an 8 count in the backcourt. If this happens three times, then the shot clock would be down to anything from 10 or less. Team A breaks the press, has a fast break...etc...etc

I know it is improbable, but it is possible.

Mark Dexter

Yes, Oz Ref, if a player threw a punch at anyone, he/she would be ejected. (Especially in the intramural leagues I ref - the players argue with their teammates more than their opponents at times!)

Oz Referee

For a moment there I thought you were suggesting that teamates fighting shouldn't be penalised.

Mark Dexter

Originally posted by Oz Referee
For a moment there I thought you were suggesting that teamates fighting shouldn't be penalised.

What I might not do is charge the player with a technical foul - I don't know if I would give team B the chance for points in a case like this.

BktBallRef

Originally posted by Mark Dexter

Originally posted by Oz Referee
For a moment there I thought you were suggesting that teamates fighting shouldn't be penalised.

What I might not do is charge the player with a technical foul - I don't know if I would give team B the chance for points in a case like this.

If you're not going to call a T, then what are you going to call?

Oz Referee

Just DQ them with no free throws - I'm not sure if it is in the rules, but this could come under the section that was discussed in a previous post about "situatitions not covered in the rule book".

BktBallRef

It doesn't work like that. We can't do things just because we want to, as this situation is covered by the rules. If you're going to eject them or fighting, then you have to call the necessary T fouls.

Dave Brost

Mark-
I understand your theory about not wanting to give free throws to team B becuase two Team A players were fighting. But isn't this the same as Team A coach swearing at the officials. I assume you would give him a "T". Either way, it is Unsportsmanlike Conduct. In both cases, what took place did not directly involve Team B, but rules say they will benefit from Team A's actions. Just a thought.

eventnyc

Under the "Basketball Rules Fundamentals" No. 7 reads.....The only infractions for which points are awarded are goaltending by the defense or basket interference at the opponent's basket. You can not award points in this instance.

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