Basketball Referee Communication

Front

Block

Defender wasn't set before contact.

Back

“Coach, I saw your player still moving into position when contact occurred, so by rule that’s a block.”

Front

Charge

Offensive player runs into set defender.

Back

“Coach, I had the defender in legal position outside the arc, and the contact was to the torso—so that’s a charge by rule.”

Front

Illegal Use of Hands

Defender slaps or hand-checks the ball handler.

Back

“Coach, I saw hand contact that impeded the dribbler’s movement."

Front

Holding

Defender grabs jersey or arm.

Back

“Coach, I observed a grab that restricted movement—by rule, that’s holding.”

Front

Pushing

Defender uses extended body or arms.

Back

“Coach, I saw your player apply force with their forearm during the rebound. That’s a pushing foul by definition.”

Front

Traveling

Players takes extra steps or lifts pivot before dribbling.

Back

“Coach, the pivot foot lifted before the dribble started, so I had to call traveling.”

Front

Double Dribble

Players stops then dribbles again.

Back

“Coach, the player picked up their dribble and then dribbled again."

Front

Backcourt Violation

Player re-enters the backcourt after crossing halfcourt.

Back

“Coach, once team control was established in the frontcourt, the ball can’t return to the backcourt."

Front

Three-Second Violation

Offensive player in the paint.

Back

“Coach, I gave a verbal count, but your player stayed in the lane beyond three seconds."