VEZPREM, HUNGRIA APRIL2007

PROBLEM SITUATIONS	ADVICE TO THE REFEREES
Excessive struggle between pívot and defender. Both pivot and defender use illegal methods to get better position and be ready when the ball comes. Holding and pushing is normal. Sometimes both are on the floor. Sometime more players are involved.	Mainly the task of the goal referee who must try to see who starts the illegal action. But the important thing is to take action early! If you wait until the ball arrives it is too late to make a good decision, and the game becomes too rough. If the defense is “open”, the court referee may be able to help from the outside.
Collision/fouls when shooting from the wing. Some times attacker and defender collide and it is difficult to see who is initiating the body contact. Sometimes the attacker tries to get an advantage or draw a 7-meter but sometimes the defender uses “dirty tricks”.	It is necessary to see the player movements before the collision; is the attacker going around or running into the defender? Is the defender using arms or a “tackle” to stop the attacker? Also do not assume the attacker is always innocent. The court referee should be help on this side.
Defense systematically inside goal area. This is when several player continuously work inside the area the whole time. If action is taken, they will just continue and many unfair and difficult situations will be created.	The goal referee must watch for this tendency already early in the game. It is not possible to wait for a situation where the illegal position become important. A verbal caution should be given as soon as these tactics are discovered. Progressive punishment if they continue!
7-mete awarded incorrectly when the defender is not inside the area. Many times the attacker “gambles” that the defender will move and/or that the referees will make a mistake, so he runs straight into the defender standing in a correct position.	The goal referee must anticipate this situation and watch where the feet of the defenders are before the collision! Also, standing on the line or just inside the line is not reason for a 7-meter. The rule says that 7-meter is for destroying a clear scoring chance. This mean being clearly inside or running inside from the side to gain time/space.
Progressive punishment being given incorrectly when there is a 7-meter for a foul. The instinct is too often to give a punishment also when the player really tries to be correct and go for the ball.	The 7-meter decision is normally OK. But it is very important to give the right message to the defender and not add a punishment when it is not justified. Watch more carefully the action of the defender and observe his intentions. Normally it is quite clear if the defender jut goes for the arm/body or not. The decision should be made by the goal referee who decide the 7-meter

Early in the game a yellow card is sometimes given when a “direct” 2 min. is justified. It seems there is an instinct to wait with “2min.” until all the 2x3 cards are given out. But is important to show that some fouls are more serious.	Even if want the systematic “build-up” of the punishments, be mentally ready to indetify the fouls early in the game that are more serious and deserve 2 min. (or perhaps even Red card); than continue the “build-up” in the normal way.
There is often not enough action against defenders who try to “provoke” offensive fouls through “Hollywood action.” This happens many times even if there is not body contact or if the defender is himself moving forward. It gives a bad signal if the impression if that the referees is that the referees do not see it or tolerate it.	The key to correct decisions to anticipate such action and quickly get the best position/angle. But this is not enough to see what happens and then jus avoid falling for the “trick” ! It is also important to show through body language and/or repeated, then it must be punished as unsportmanlike conduct.
Many times fouls during counterattack are not detected. The two referees do not manage to control the whole court, at the ball and away from the ball. The players take advantage. Fouls against running or jumping players can be very dangerous.	Quick reactions and correct running is needed from both referees when there is a counterattack which often starts suddenly and far out in the defense. There must be an agreed distribution of the job. Fouls against the player with the ball must be watched from a good angle, so they are seen correctly. Do not forget punishment even if you first give advantage!
Fast throw-off are sometimes allowed to take without enough discipline. The thrower is out of position or not standing still, or teammates are starting to early. Of course, opponents may also try to interfere.	The goal referee must be focused on the coming throw-off, with a good position not far behind the center line and more close to one side line. It is also important to be ready to whistle as soon as the players are in correct position. But make sure to look first! For the teammates, worry about “meters” no “centimeters”…
The early and tactically correct timing of the “forewarning” for passive play is typically good. But the timing of the whistle is often not so good! Sometimes it come too quickly after the warning and sometimes it comes at dangerous moment.	After the forewarning signal, most teams will try to shoot very soon, so you need not be in a “panic”, and you must give them a fair chance to do something. And when you decide to whistle, do not do it when they are in position to shoot or pass the ball to a free position. On the other hand, watch out for “provoked” free-throws..