Contributed by reader

Controversial refereeing marred a recent basketball match where Anglican High School (AHS) edged out Raffles Girls’ School (RGS) 49-48. A lot was at stake in the game with both teams in contention for a spot in the quarter-finals of the National B Division Basketball Championship.

This recalls another refereeing controversy going back to a match held last year in the National C Division, where a last second shot by a Woodgrove Secondary player was counted despite errors in time keeping.

A few incidents in the last two quarters of the game made RGS coach Guangyi furious as he felt that AHS were handed a great advantage in the final moments. These calls came on top of other dubious calls throughout the game.

Incident 1: (3rd quarter 4m32s)
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p4x8AJ72FD0

While RGS was defending, AHS #5 set up a screen for PG #10. The screen was not established and it happened that RGS defensive player #7 crashed into the screen. The AHS #5 fell to the ground in a dramatic way. A foul was called on the RGS #7 instead of the AHS #5.

It was clearly a badly executed screen with the screener at the wrong position and still moving while setting up the screen.

Incident 2: (4th Quarter, 4m23s)
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YmHrqnwNWag

Hannah Ng went for a breakaway lay-up, and the AHS #6 made contact with her. A call from the tailing referee was clearly heard, while the front leading referee stopped and looked at the trailing referee. Although the foul was obvious, and the referee had even blown her whistle to make a call, she changed her mind.

Incident 3: (4th Quarter, 16.9secs)

With 16.9secs on the clock, in the crucial moments of the game, RGS called a time-out and set up a play. Hannah Ng managed to find a place under basket for a lay-in.

However, it was clearly seen that the AHS #5 slapped her shoulder while Hannah was making the shot. The basket tied the game and if the foul had been called and the free throw awarded, there would be a chance for RGS to take the lead, which would have made a the difference in the game.

Incident 4: (4th Quarter, 6.2s)

[Violation of FIBA Official Rules, ART 18.2.4 & ART 18.2.5]

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g6DzDx7uQmc

Cross-referencing to the FIBA Official Rules, as quoted below:

[Art 18.2.4: A time-out opportunity ends when the ball is at the disposal of a player for a throw-in or a first or only free throw]

[Art 18.2.5: Two (2) time-outs may be granted to each team at any time during the first half; three (3) time-outs at any time during the second half and one (1) during each extra period.]

After RGS #9 Hannah Ng made the basket to tie the game, AHS started the ball quickly. AHS managed to bring the ball up to half court and suddenly a 3rd time-out was awarded to AHS. It was obvious that AHS called for a time-out after the throw in yet the time-out was given.

Refer to the following videos:

AHS first time-out in 3rd Quarter, 4min38sec left on the clock.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ONCUWA2Zsk

AHS second time-out at the 5min39secs mark of 4th Quarter.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1s8Gmo7dZ2A

RGS first time-out in 4th Quarter 7min36sec
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8nkjMdGqeBc

RGS second Time-out in 4th Quarter 36.7sec httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BNdlZEQq5N4

RGS third time-out in 4th Quarter 16.9sec
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jkCoUiEtuQM

Incident 5: (4th Quarter, 6.2s)

After AHS called for a 3rd time-out, AHS attempted a throw-in at mid court. RGS #9 Hannah Ng managed to slap the in-bound pass out. The game clock did not move at all although the ball had already come into contact with the player on court. It could have wound down 0.5s, to 1s on the clock and mount extra pressure on AHS.

Incident 6: (4th Quarter, 6.2s)
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cCJiRwZ5COM

[Violation of FIBA Official Rules, ART 18.2.4 & ART 18.2.5]

[Art 18.2.4: A time-out opportunity ends when the ball is at the disposal of a player for a throw-in or a first or only free throw]

[Art 18.2.5: Two (2) time-outs may be granted to each team at any time during the first half; three (3) time-outs at any time during the second half and one (1) during each extra period.]

After the first attempted throw-in, the AHS #6 received the ball from the referee again. With the tall Hannah blocking her view, she had difficulty in finding a teammate to pass to for the throw-in. With the 5-second violation winding down to only 1 second, the 4TH TIME-OUT was awarded.

Although the RGS coach made a protest at the official table, the senior referee choose to stand near the game clock and did not clarify with the table officials.

Incident 7:
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cWj_5KoXtdI

AHS managed to throw in successfully, and the ball reached the hands of the AHS #5. She drove in and two RGS players were guarding her. With the slightest contact, a foul was called on the RGS #5. If they were to be consistent, the same type of foul should be already been called while Hannah was making the last under basket.

Although there are qualified FIBA referees refereeing the game, questionable calls are affecting the outcome of the match.