Not too many, I would suppose, notice how bad officiating has been in the world of basketball.
You don’t notice it if you merely are a regular spectator and cheer for no special team (NCAA, UAAP, PBA) because you enjoy the sport and are just passing the time away.
Oftentimes, you ignore that game officials – the refs – are so inconsistent that coaches of opposing benches yell and shout until they get a ‘T’ for protesting their errant calls.
I’m making this our topic for today’s piece in view of a particular NCAA match recently (I won’t mention the particular match-up so as not to put undue attention to the two teams that put out their best) where, in the last two minutes, a long two-pointer by the trailing team was credited as a triple that overturned a one-point deficit in its favor.
The refs did not immediately review the shot as prescribed by the rules. When the contest ended in regulation, the leading team lost by a mere point but when the coach strongly protested, it was only then that the refs considered reviewing the “three-point shot”. The trio went to the table officials and saw for themselves their collective error.
So, when the final score was tallied, the leading team was adjudged winner by a point. The losing ballclub calmly accepted the verdict.
In the UAAP, I see the same low level of officiating especially when something great is at stake (prestige and rivalry). Some of the time, refs make let go calls, meaning tough defense (body contacts) are not called for as long as the movement of the offensive player is not unduly hampered.
Some other time, a mere reach-in is whistled a foul to the consternation and surprise of both benches. This, even when the ball carrier did not lose the spheroid during the dribble. Usually, the foul is focused on a star player, either the center or the point guard.
This is also true of the PBA. Despite its long years of existence as the first pro league in Asia – despite the efforts of the commissioner’s office to improve officiating – past and present game officials appear to have not gotten the hump.
Because of these inconsistencies, you cannot help but be quizzically skeptic.
I am not crucifying these referees as if they should own up all the blame. Game officiating is one of the thankless jobs in the world.
What I want to point out is that basketball contests lose their luster and excitement when inconsistent officiating rears its ugly head. Players usually lose their cool and rough tactics are resorted to because of stupid calls.
The operative word is “consistency.”
League commissioners ideally should crack the whip on erring referees who perform below the standard level. Sometimes you cannot help but presume the nasty thought that “under the table” arrangements may be subtly going on.
I’ve always wanted to see teams, players and their coaches emerging with pride after exerting their best and winning the trophy.
Nothing like bringing home the bacon with a clean and clear conscience. (Email your feedback to fredlumba@yahoo.com.) Mt. 5:9: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.” GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!
