Tough Call 5: Pinar Karsiyaka v BAXI Manresa - Charge

White 21 receives the ball being guarded by Red 2. He starts a dribble towards the opponents’ basket. There is a contact between White 21 and Blue 19 and the referee calls an offensive foul for charging. Article 25.1 To start a dribble, the pivot foot may not be lifted before the ball is released from the hand(s). Article 33.3 A defensive player has established an initial legal guarding position when: He is facing an opponent, and He has both feet on the floor. Article 33.4 When judging a charge/block situation involving a player with the ball, a referee shall use the following principles: The defensive player must establish an initial legal guarding position by facing the player with the ball and having both feet on the floor. The defensive player may remain stationary, jump vertically, move laterally or backwards in order to maintain the initial legal guarding position. Contact must occur on the torso, in which case the defensive player would be considered as having been at the place of contact first. Outcome: First, incorrect decision from the referees. White 21 committed a travelling violation, as he lifted his pivot foot (left foot) before releasing the ball to start his dribble. Regarding the contact situation, correct decision from the referees. Blue 19 had established an initial legal position and the contact occurred on his torso. Offensive foul for charging. The ball will be awarded to the Blue Team for a throw-in from the place closest to where the foul was committed.