How to Signal a Charge in Basketball
In basketball, a charge is when the player on offense commits a contact-based foul. The defender is able to draw a charge by getting his feet set and planted. If the defender does not get positioned in time, he could get called for a blocking foul. Read on to learn how to signal for a charging foul violation as a basketball referee.
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Instructions
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As the referee, you must whistle the play dead to let the players, coaches and spectators know that a violation has been committed.
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The signal for a charging foul is simple. Place your right hand on the back of your head, and point your left arm straight ahead. This is the official and universal signal that referees use to show that a charging foul is being called.
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As a referee, you need to make sure the scorekeepers know who committed the foul. Often using your fingers to show what jersey number the player wears is a good indicator, but each league has its own rules.
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Give the ball to the other team. Unlike a defensive foul, calling a charge does not result in shooting free throws. The other team does, however, get the ball.
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Tips & Warnings
Calling a charge is tricky business. Sometimes people will not get fully positioned before taking the contact.
Be careful to not call all fouls charges or blocking fouls.
Pay attention if the defender's feet were set prior to making contact. If they were positioned, then it is likely a charge. If the defender's feet were still moving, it is likely a blocking foul.
