Illegal screen, all game/every game. That wasn't a remotely marginal screen. You don't make that call you cheat Iowa. Set a better screen. Don't blame the referee that had the courage to make the right call regardless of circumstances. Ask the New Orleans Saints about a ref not having the courage to throw a flag in a key situation. Refs at that level are paid a ton of money to have the guts to make the right call even in the toughest of circumstances. Get the play right... and they did.
So you probably think Beers also set "illegal screens" because defenders ran into her and bounced off. So every screen is illegal and so there should be no contact in basketball. Right. Just want to make sure I understand how you interpret the rules.
What he is saying is you don't change the criteria in the last 30 secs., 60 secs, 2 minutes, etc. because you hope for a different outcome. Or, want a game to extend to overtime.
I think this one was clearly a foul, and not even that borderline, so they had to call it. Also, UConn might have had another chance if they could have grabbed the rebound when Clark missed the second foul shot. Scanning through Twitter (I don't care what Elon calls it) I was impressed by the number of tweets about this. Man, the women's game has come a long way. I'm not even sure how much of the men's Final Four I'll tune into today, but I know I will be watching tomorrow!
You can look at it as "let 'em play" and "the refs shouldn't decide the outcome."
OR, you can look at it as "a foul's a foul, and it can't help but affect the play," and..."refs are choosing to be gutless at the end of the game." I, too, refereed (and umpired) for many years and it it was a foul in the first minute it was a foul in the last minute. Just like if it was a ball in the first inning it was still a ball in the last inning with one team up 12 to zip.
Yeah, and I did it long enough to know that MAKE-UP calls absolutely do happen. And I'm fine with that.
I agree with everything you said...except you're "fine" with make-up calls. That's where I lost you. That's where your integrity in officiating nosedives.
And a "PS." This happens frequently with plate umps also. Especially on outside pitches, which aren't easy to see because you line up (usually) on the inside of the plate. I've probably had a thousand where I said "dang, that really was a strike," and filed it away. Obviously you don't want to get too crazy with it because you'll blow your strike zone. But next really close one, consciously or not, you're going to remember.
Appreciate the sentiment. And while a very short memory is beneficial for sports officials, I've got a fairness streak I just can't shake. If I know I blew a call, or my partner did, I will likely later on give a "benefit of the doubt" call the other way. I won't "make one up," but in hoops there is so much contact you never really need to. Sorta helps that whole "it all evens out" thing be true.
Well, that's one man's opinion. I vote that an obvious call on a would that may affect the outcome of a game has to be made for the integrity of the rules.
Thank you Michael. Me too. I coached and I refed (of course, not at this level). As an official you can make constant calls, disrupt the game and get everyone upset with you (I learned this the hard way, to let them play). There are all kinds of ticky tack things to call on every play. I saw several times where the player was running before they got the ball down on the floor (technically a travel, even if they were trying to get the ball out of their hands). Defenders put hands on the ball handler constantly (hand check). That is legal as long as you don't redirect the offensive player (push or turn them). But what constitutes "redirect"? It is very hard to call unless it is egregious. And you rarely see a player set a screen with their feet inside their shoulders, which means pinned together. As long as they don't stick their legs out in a tripping effort, legs a little outside the shoulders are acceptable, at every level of basketball. If arms are crossed, even if the arms come off the chest a bit, are not pinned completely, you let it go. These players are not robots out their. So I take exception to inconsistently called games where most of the time the officials let the ticky-tack stuff go but then call it at critical times.
Agree Brian. Some refs act like Gods at times and should find another line of work. I was a girls baseball ref and tried had to do a good job. And fans wanted to crucify me at times. Officiating should never be the winning or losing factor.
So how far would you go to NOT call a foul in the final seconds? Would you treat the defense the same? If a defender grabbed the shooter would you call it? I disagree with you on this as the ref is then deciding to negate the rule book and use his/her own bias by not calling such an obvious foul.
I have no problem with you not making that call...as long as you don't make it at any point in the game. If your decide it isn't a foul, then it isn't a foul at any point.
You sir are what the British call a dolt. I feel nothing but empathy for the emptiness in your existence. I hope you find peace and love in this world because you posses neither so far.
I quit when three man ball took over. It became more about them than the game. It was one of the greatest experiences of my life. Doing everything from 5th grade girls to high school. I dare you to Don a whistle and not make a fifth grader cry. Lol
I’m actually a proponent that at the end of close game, the officials should try to swallow their whistles and let the game be decided on the floor. However, while I guess folks want to create a controversy based on so many people writing about this one call, I don’t think there is a controversy as much as an attempt to manufacture one. It was clearly a foul. Not a close call. A very clear foul. And had they not called it, my guess is everyone would be writing about that, because it gets more readers than writing about a brilliantly played game.
It is disheartening to me that the focus is on the call, vs. focusing 100% on an absolutely marvelous basketball game that all of us were fortunate to watch. This game was so good it almost wiped away the agony of watching the 2nd half of the Blazers/Charlotte on PVR three days ago. There should be controversy around if that was an actual NBA game 😆
Agree, it was a very close & hard fought game. UConn had more steals and assists, Iowa had more boards. I didn’t walk away from game thinking anyone got cheated, and frankly didn’t realize it was a ‘controversy’ until JC’s story hit my inbox. I was just in awe at close game and Iowa somehow coming from behind to notch the W. Still am.
In other thoughts, the Blazers could not have picked a worse year to accumulate draft ping pong balls? Doesn't seem to be many standouts in NCAA men’s w/ clear translation to high impact on NBA this year.
We are 100% aligned. And it is really disappointing and you are so correct, on the Blazers bad luck on having a low draft pick and Golden States, on what at least on paper is not a great draft. I still remember how excited I was last year until our logo turned up at #3.
Not only was it a moving screen but Marshall took a forearm to the neck and face.
What is being missed here is that women's basketball officiating is poor at best. In their first round game with West Virginia, Iowa was molested by a bunch of thugs and rarely got a call.
I also fully agree with CB. And can I say, this is the first timer ever I have passionately followed the women’s big dance and actually have enjoyed it more so than the mens. I’ve been thoroughly entertained so maybe now can the get refs who are up to the task?
Here's the problem with the "Let the players determine the game" theory. It doesn't just apply to the offense. In this case, the defensive player wasn't allowed to help determine the outcome because of an illegal action by the screener (and I agree there's no question it was a foul, even in real-time). And in this case, if you watched the entire game, Gabby Marshall is a hard-working & effective defender. She would have affected whatever Paige Bueckers would have done with a final shot.
Your lips to God's ears, but Iowa has no bench, while SC's got a full second team. It might be close in the first half, but Iowa will collapse in the second from sheer exhaustion. Love to see a miracle, though. Maybe Clark hits all the threes she missed vs. UConn.
"threw her elbow"....LOL! Absolutely did not. Go back and watch again. She had her arms crossed over her chest, as taught. Her elbows were within the boundary of her body. If she turned a little, that does not constitute "throwing an elbow". To do that, the arms must be outside the frame of the body which is why players are coached to keep their arms pinned to their chest.
Try crossing your arms with hands at the shoulders and then "throwing an elbow". You can't. That is the reason that is taught by coaches. (I coached, I know). "Throwing an elbow" you cannot keep your arms crossed. Period. Try it yourself and find out.
I think you missed where Canzano correctly said (quoted Geno) that a foul can be called every play. If you have officiated (I have) you know that is true. When you spend months memorizing all the fouls and going through them in training drills, you get a little hardcore about fouls and try to call everything (I did). I learned. Trust me, good games are not called tight. They are called loose so long as one team does not gain an advantage or so that injuries and fights don't result. Often games are called very tight at the start by officials, to set the tone, and then loosened up as the game goes on so the game is about the players and not the officials. Nothing is more irritating for players, coaches and fans than a whistle every time down the court. Sorry, I completely disagree with you
She absolutely did throw her elbow. Problem is the broadcast didn’t show a good angle (at least I don’t remember seeing one). This angle clearly shows the screener moving AND throwing her elbow out.
While I agree that a coach should make different strategy decisions based on time, situation and score, as a fan that is not what I want from an official. I want consistency. I would think that the coaches and players would want consistency too. Don’t tighten or loosen the calls just because it is late in the game. Call it the same. That is your job.
This screen was illegal in three ways (per the NCAA rulebook).
1. Her base was too wide.
2. She was sliding
3. Her left arm was outside of its normal width (it was a chicken wing, but that term isn't in the rule book).
It was a crappy pick. "Let the players decide it"? They did... she set a pick that was illegal on three points...any one of which would have been enough for a foul...by rule.
David, you're completely right about not understanding why refs should swallow their whistles at critical times. Good take.
Regarding Lanning...we still have more Huskies/Ducks games to be played. The pendulum swings, David, and I'll be here to politely remind you of the next Huskies misfire. Kinda like Huard throwing to the corner from Oregon's 8-yard line vs. the Ducks in '94. You remember, don't you? Wheaton's pick? https://youtu.be/UAKa9dYmPog?si=CN-SOCDwDI3xm0Cg
There are going to proponents on both sides of this issue so my opinion doesn't matter. What I took from this is that Paige Bueckers is not only a talented basketball player but also a class act. I am now a Paige Bueckers fan....and I wasn't prior to this game. I also find myself with very little interest in the Men's Tourney. The women have spoiled me....and that is a great thing.
Yes to women’s game at this level being superior to men’s. Best basketball game I ever saw in person was Sabrina Ionescu led Oregon Ducks taking down Miss. St in regional final, 2019 Moda Center. And I’m not even a Duck fan! Women’s game has only matured and gotten better since then. These girls play fundamental BB and it’s gorgeous to watch.
John - while I often agree with you, I have to take issue with the so-called "controversy" (media driven and embellished) in the Iowa v. UConn game. If we adopted some kind of "end of game don't call an obvious foul" philosophy it would end up as a travesty and impossible to officiate. The controversy would then expand into what constitutes the end of the game, what contact is enough or not enough, and what score differential should invoke the philosophy? The contact in question was an obvious foul and needs to be called no matter when it occurs.
The job is hard enough without injecting another difficult judgement into the mix which would always be questioned by the losing team and, of course, the media. The more judgements you add.....the more inconsistency will necessarily occur. In football, when should we not call holding - last 2 minutes? 1 minute? last play of the game? What should the score be - one touchdown behind, 10 points, 3 points, what yard line, what down, etc. etc.?
The "controversy" changes the narrative taking a well-earned victory away from the deserving team. Blaming officials is the new national pastime these days. No wonder there is a shortage of officials at the youth level!
Welp. Seems to me setting an illegal screen is taking an unfair advantage, to the detriment of your opponent - in the first half, the second, overtime, whenever. But I take your point.
Me personally, I have seen enough of the UConn women's dynasty, impressive though it is. Some new blood at the top is good for the game, I reckon.
She moved, and then stuck her elbow out. The elbow is always whistled. Clearly a foul. If you want the “players to decide it,” don’t employ refs. Let the players police themselves. “Call your own fouls” is what we called it at the Y. We all know how well that works.
Brian McMorris. You are the one who needs to watch it again from all angles. Such an obvious foul. Huge player, still moving when contact occurred, slightly lowered her shoulder and pushed the elbow out slightly - illegally impeding the smaller defender. The ref was right on top of it and make the correct call. I think you have a bias against the referees (maybe got some calls against you when you were coaching? Guess what we all did!. Outstanding game, some missed calls, some no-calls and some brilliant calls. Wait, what, the refs are human too? Just like players, coaches and fans.
I read this BFT shaking my head. Since when is it okay to suggest that maybe it could be okay if the referees let the women “play on”, and overlooked a foul because the game was nearly over. In my mind, that thought is over the top.
As someone who officiated high school and college baseball for over 20 years, I'm never buying the argument that officials should change the way they officiate if it's late in a tight game.
Never.
Please give me the rationale I would need to explain that kind of thinking to players and coaches - not to mention fans - that would be affected because I'm making the subjective decision that it's time to "let the players decide the game"...with the implication I'm not calling it by the book, fairly and the same as I was calling it earlier in the game. Please...tell me how I explain that rationale, particularly when I make the decision during the game that we're now at the point where I change the way I should be officiating.
The two worst decisions an official can make are, 1 - change the way I officiate because it's late in a tight game, and, 2 - I just blew a call, so I'm going to give the other team a "make-up" call.
No good official will ever purposefully do either. Never. Not once. It's completely without integrity.
Illegal screen, all game/every game. That wasn't a remotely marginal screen. You don't make that call you cheat Iowa. Set a better screen. Don't blame the referee that had the courage to make the right call regardless of circumstances. Ask the New Orleans Saints about a ref not having the courage to throw a flag in a key situation. Refs at that level are paid a ton of money to have the guts to make the right call even in the toughest of circumstances. Get the play right... and they did.
Spot on. Couldn't agree more.
So you probably think Beers also set "illegal screens" because defenders ran into her and bounced off. So every screen is illegal and so there should be no contact in basketball. Right. Just want to make sure I understand how you interpret the rules.
What game were you watching ? She leaned in and threw her elbow
Yes, chicken wing came out, away from the body. Iowa gal then sold it further w/ head toss. Great game, and a true tale of 2 half’s.
What he is saying is you don't change the criteria in the last 30 secs., 60 secs, 2 minutes, etc. because you hope for a different outcome. Or, want a game to extend to overtime.
Really stupid questions, Brian. Why?
Try reading what Scott wrote one more time. Frankly, it makes a ton of sense.
Wow. That’s a real dumb comment. Or maybe you’re still in junior high.
As a life long Rams fan that was the correct no call 🤣
I think this one was clearly a foul, and not even that borderline, so they had to call it. Also, UConn might have had another chance if they could have grabbed the rebound when Clark missed the second foul shot. Scanning through Twitter (I don't care what Elon calls it) I was impressed by the number of tweets about this. Man, the women's game has come a long way. I'm not even sure how much of the men's Final Four I'll tune into today, but I know I will be watching tomorrow!
I refereed for years and you do not make that call period.
Why? Because you always swallow a whistle in the last 60 secs to treat it differently than the first 60 secs?
You can look at it as "let 'em play" and "the refs shouldn't decide the outcome."
OR, you can look at it as "a foul's a foul, and it can't help but affect the play," and..."refs are choosing to be gutless at the end of the game." I, too, refereed (and umpired) for many years and it it was a foul in the first minute it was a foul in the last minute. Just like if it was a ball in the first inning it was still a ball in the last inning with one team up 12 to zip.
Yeah, and I did it long enough to know that MAKE-UP calls absolutely do happen. And I'm fine with that.
I agree with everything you said...except you're "fine" with make-up calls. That's where I lost you. That's where your integrity in officiating nosedives.
And a "PS." This happens frequently with plate umps also. Especially on outside pitches, which aren't easy to see because you line up (usually) on the inside of the plate. I've probably had a thousand where I said "dang, that really was a strike," and filed it away. Obviously you don't want to get too crazy with it because you'll blow your strike zone. But next really close one, consciously or not, you're going to remember.
Appreciate the sentiment. And while a very short memory is beneficial for sports officials, I've got a fairness streak I just can't shake. If I know I blew a call, or my partner did, I will likely later on give a "benefit of the doubt" call the other way. I won't "make one up," but in hoops there is so much contact you never really need to. Sorta helps that whole "it all evens out" thing be true.
Well, that's one man's opinion. I vote that an obvious call on a would that may affect the outcome of a game has to be made for the integrity of the rules.
Thank you Michael. Me too. I coached and I refed (of course, not at this level). As an official you can make constant calls, disrupt the game and get everyone upset with you (I learned this the hard way, to let them play). There are all kinds of ticky tack things to call on every play. I saw several times where the player was running before they got the ball down on the floor (technically a travel, even if they were trying to get the ball out of their hands). Defenders put hands on the ball handler constantly (hand check). That is legal as long as you don't redirect the offensive player (push or turn them). But what constitutes "redirect"? It is very hard to call unless it is egregious. And you rarely see a player set a screen with their feet inside their shoulders, which means pinned together. As long as they don't stick their legs out in a tripping effort, legs a little outside the shoulders are acceptable, at every level of basketball. If arms are crossed, even if the arms come off the chest a bit, are not pinned completely, you let it go. These players are not robots out their. So I take exception to inconsistently called games where most of the time the officials let the ticky-tack stuff go but then call it at critical times.
Agree Brian. Some refs act like Gods at times and should find another line of work. I was a girls baseball ref and tried had to do a good job. And fans wanted to crucify me at times. Officiating should never be the winning or losing factor.
Dumb response. If it’s a foul, call it.
So how far would you go to NOT call a foul in the final seconds? Would you treat the defense the same? If a defender grabbed the shooter would you call it? I disagree with you on this as the ref is then deciding to negate the rule book and use his/her own bias by not calling such an obvious foul.
I have no problem with you not making that call...as long as you don't make it at any point in the game. If your decide it isn't a foul, then it isn't a foul at any point.
You sir are what the British call a dolt. I feel nothing but empathy for the emptiness in your existence. I hope you find peace and love in this world because you posses neither so far.
I quit when three man ball took over. It became more about them than the game. It was one of the greatest experiences of my life. Doing everything from 5th grade girls to high school. I dare you to Don a whistle and not make a fifth grader cry. Lol
Because I’d make you look bad? I was faster quicker and better than you ever were. Just ask me
Snowflake got triggered! Lol
Based on your responses it's pretty clear who got triggered.
You wouldn’t know who Jack Madden was would you?
I keep saying, if it's called consistently, no problem. Fact is, it wasn't! Iowa never got called
I’m actually a proponent that at the end of close game, the officials should try to swallow their whistles and let the game be decided on the floor. However, while I guess folks want to create a controversy based on so many people writing about this one call, I don’t think there is a controversy as much as an attempt to manufacture one. It was clearly a foul. Not a close call. A very clear foul. And had they not called it, my guess is everyone would be writing about that, because it gets more readers than writing about a brilliantly played game.
It is disheartening to me that the focus is on the call, vs. focusing 100% on an absolutely marvelous basketball game that all of us were fortunate to watch. This game was so good it almost wiped away the agony of watching the 2nd half of the Blazers/Charlotte on PVR three days ago. There should be controversy around if that was an actual NBA game 😆
What Noury said.
Agree, it was a very close & hard fought game. UConn had more steals and assists, Iowa had more boards. I didn’t walk away from game thinking anyone got cheated, and frankly didn’t realize it was a ‘controversy’ until JC’s story hit my inbox. I was just in awe at close game and Iowa somehow coming from behind to notch the W. Still am.
In other thoughts, the Blazers could not have picked a worse year to accumulate draft ping pong balls? Doesn't seem to be many standouts in NCAA men’s w/ clear translation to high impact on NBA this year.
We are 100% aligned. And it is really disappointing and you are so correct, on the Blazers bad luck on having a low draft pick and Golden States, on what at least on paper is not a great draft. I still remember how excited I was last year until our logo turned up at #3.
Maybe Blazer’s can bundle up picks and roster into trade for established talent, preferably a lights out small forward.
Not only was it a moving screen but Marshall took a forearm to the neck and face.
What is being missed here is that women's basketball officiating is poor at best. In their first round game with West Virginia, Iowa was molested by a bunch of thugs and rarely got a call.
I also fully agree with CB. And can I say, this is the first timer ever I have passionately followed the women’s big dance and actually have enjoyed it more so than the mens. I’ve been thoroughly entertained so maybe now can the get refs who are up to the task?
Agree with CB.
Like you said the officials are in a no win situation- if no foul was called and U Conn wins on the ensuing 3-Point shot, then “Iowa was robbed”.
Here's the problem with the "Let the players determine the game" theory. It doesn't just apply to the offense. In this case, the defensive player wasn't allowed to help determine the outcome because of an illegal action by the screener (and I agree there's no question it was a foul, even in real-time). And in this case, if you watched the entire game, Gabby Marshall is a hard-working & effective defender. She would have affected whatever Paige Bueckers would have done with a final shot.
Great point
Bang on.
Leaned in and threw her elbow. There fixed it for you John. It was the right call. Now go Iowa beat SC !!
Your lips to God's ears, but Iowa has no bench, while SC's got a full second team. It might be close in the first half, but Iowa will collapse in the second from sheer exhaustion. Love to see a miracle, though. Maybe Clark hits all the threes she missed vs. UConn.
How dare you! Impeach Canzano and you are demoted to the Larry Scott bbq in hell.
That is darn funny!
"threw her elbow"....LOL! Absolutely did not. Go back and watch again. She had her arms crossed over her chest, as taught. Her elbows were within the boundary of her body. If she turned a little, that does not constitute "throwing an elbow". To do that, the arms must be outside the frame of the body which is why players are coached to keep their arms pinned to their chest.
She threw a so-called chicken wing. The elbow/arm was clearly extended and it was a foul. No question.
Try crossing your arms with hands at the shoulders and then "throwing an elbow". You can't. That is the reason that is taught by coaches. (I coached, I know). "Throwing an elbow" you cannot keep your arms crossed. Period. Try it yourself and find out.
Brian, swallow apparent bias, and really watch the play.
Thanks for your input “Coach Brian”. It’s till a foul 🤣
I think you missed where Canzano correctly said (quoted Geno) that a foul can be called every play. If you have officiated (I have) you know that is true. When you spend months memorizing all the fouls and going through them in training drills, you get a little hardcore about fouls and try to call everything (I did). I learned. Trust me, good games are not called tight. They are called loose so long as one team does not gain an advantage or so that injuries and fights don't result. Often games are called very tight at the start by officials, to set the tone, and then loosened up as the game goes on so the game is about the players and not the officials. Nothing is more irritating for players, coaches and fans than a whistle every time down the court. Sorry, I completely disagree with you
I acknowledge your disagreement and thank you for doing so respectfully.
She absolutely did throw her elbow. Problem is the broadcast didn’t show a good angle (at least I don’t remember seeing one). This angle clearly shows the screener moving AND throwing her elbow out.
https://youtu.be/YfG21q7SjFE
Clearly there is ‘space’ between chicken wing and body. Left leg also placed in front of Iowa player path. Video shows it. Why is this controversial?
I watched it many times. You might want to go back and have a second look Husky fan
Why do you mention Duck & Husky fans which obviously have zero skin in this matter?
UConn Husky fan
While I agree that a coach should make different strategy decisions based on time, situation and score, as a fan that is not what I want from an official. I want consistency. I would think that the coaches and players would want consistency too. Don’t tighten or loosen the calls just because it is late in the game. Call it the same. That is your job.
Great take - you're absolutely correct.
This screen was illegal in three ways (per the NCAA rulebook).
1. Her base was too wide.
2. She was sliding
3. Her left arm was outside of its normal width (it was a chicken wing, but that term isn't in the rule book).
It was a crappy pick. "Let the players decide it"? They did... she set a pick that was illegal on three points...any one of which would have been enough for a foul...by rule.
Paige had it right
As many have said, ‘twas the elbow that made the difference.
Never understood the swallowing of the whistle in the closing moments of a game…but there’s a lot to refereeing I don’t understand
I like that Lanning’s still recognized for his decisions in Husky games 😎
GO DAWGS
David, you're completely right about not understanding why refs should swallow their whistles at critical times. Good take.
Regarding Lanning...we still have more Huskies/Ducks games to be played. The pendulum swings, David, and I'll be here to politely remind you of the next Huskies misfire. Kinda like Huard throwing to the corner from Oregon's 8-yard line vs. the Ducks in '94. You remember, don't you? Wheaton's pick? https://youtu.be/UAKa9dYmPog?si=CN-SOCDwDI3xm0Cg
It never gets old!!
There are going to proponents on both sides of this issue so my opinion doesn't matter. What I took from this is that Paige Bueckers is not only a talented basketball player but also a class act. I am now a Paige Bueckers fan....and I wasn't prior to this game. I also find myself with very little interest in the Men's Tourney. The women have spoiled me....and that is a great thing.
Yes to women’s game at this level being superior to men’s. Best basketball game I ever saw in person was Sabrina Ionescu led Oregon Ducks taking down Miss. St in regional final, 2019 Moda Center. And I’m not even a Duck fan! Women’s game has only matured and gotten better since then. These girls play fundamental BB and it’s gorgeous to watch.
John - while I often agree with you, I have to take issue with the so-called "controversy" (media driven and embellished) in the Iowa v. UConn game. If we adopted some kind of "end of game don't call an obvious foul" philosophy it would end up as a travesty and impossible to officiate. The controversy would then expand into what constitutes the end of the game, what contact is enough or not enough, and what score differential should invoke the philosophy? The contact in question was an obvious foul and needs to be called no matter when it occurs.
The job is hard enough without injecting another difficult judgement into the mix which would always be questioned by the losing team and, of course, the media. The more judgements you add.....the more inconsistency will necessarily occur. In football, when should we not call holding - last 2 minutes? 1 minute? last play of the game? What should the score be - one touchdown behind, 10 points, 3 points, what yard line, what down, etc. etc.?
The "controversy" changes the narrative taking a well-earned victory away from the deserving team. Blaming officials is the new national pastime these days. No wonder there is a shortage of officials at the youth level!
Welp. Seems to me setting an illegal screen is taking an unfair advantage, to the detriment of your opponent - in the first half, the second, overtime, whenever. But I take your point.
Me personally, I have seen enough of the UConn women's dynasty, impressive though it is. Some new blood at the top is good for the game, I reckon.
She moved, and then stuck her elbow out. The elbow is always whistled. Clearly a foul. If you want the “players to decide it,” don’t employ refs. Let the players police themselves. “Call your own fouls” is what we called it at the Y. We all know how well that works.
She did not "stick her elbow out". She rotated with the contact. Her elbow stayed inside her shoulder. Watch again
Watched multiple times. She clearly threw the chicken wing.
Brian McMorris. You are the one who needs to watch it again from all angles. Such an obvious foul. Huge player, still moving when contact occurred, slightly lowered her shoulder and pushed the elbow out slightly - illegally impeding the smaller defender. The ref was right on top of it and make the correct call. I think you have a bias against the referees (maybe got some calls against you when you were coaching? Guess what we all did!. Outstanding game, some missed calls, some no-calls and some brilliant calls. Wait, what, the refs are human too? Just like players, coaches and fans.
Well he said he used to coach Soooooo
The point being I know the game as it is in the rule book and as it is on the court. Do you?
That was a moving screen. Basketball 101.
Bro you don’t sound very smart. In the rule book that’s a clear foul SMH
can't move, the defender did, that's also in the rule book
https://twitter.com/shu_b0x/status/1776458023516491968
She did
I read this BFT shaking my head. Since when is it okay to suggest that maybe it could be okay if the referees let the women “play on”, and overlooked a foul because the game was nearly over. In my mind, that thought is over the top.
Great column - very provocative.
As someone who officiated high school and college baseball for over 20 years, I'm never buying the argument that officials should change the way they officiate if it's late in a tight game.
Never.
Please give me the rationale I would need to explain that kind of thinking to players and coaches - not to mention fans - that would be affected because I'm making the subjective decision that it's time to "let the players decide the game"...with the implication I'm not calling it by the book, fairly and the same as I was calling it earlier in the game. Please...tell me how I explain that rationale, particularly when I make the decision during the game that we're now at the point where I change the way I should be officiating.
The two worst decisions an official can make are, 1 - change the way I officiate because it's late in a tight game, and, 2 - I just blew a call, so I'm going to give the other team a "make-up" call.
No good official will ever purposefully do either. Never. Not once. It's completely without integrity.