Official (basketball)

In basketball, an official (also known as a referee, umpire, or simply "ref") is a person who is responsible for enforcing the rules and maintaining order during a basketball game. The officials' duties encompass a wide range of actions, including:

• Calling fouls: Officials are responsible for identifying and calling fouls committed by players, such as illegal contact, tripping, or unsportsmanlike conduct. They signal the type of foul and indicate which player committed it.
• Calling violations: Officials also call violations of the rules, such as traveling, double dribble, or out-of-bounds plays.
• Administering the game: This involves starting and stopping the game clock, awarding possession of the ball, controlling substitutions, and ensuring the game progresses according to the rules.
• Ruling on scoring: Officials determine whether a shot is valid and award points accordingly (2 points, 3 points, or 1 point from a free throw).
• Resolving disputes: Officials make judgments on plays and interpret the rules in cases of disagreement between players or coaches.
• Maintaining a safe environment: Officials are also responsible for ensuring the safety of the players and can stop the game if they believe there is a dangerous situation.

Basketball games typically have a crew of officials, usually consisting of two or three individuals, who work together to oversee the game. The lead official (often referred to as the crew chief) is responsible for overall management of the officiating team and communication with coaches and scorekeepers. Officials must have a thorough understanding of the rules of basketball and be able to apply them fairly and consistently. They must also possess excellent judgment, communication, and decision-making skills.