Ummm yeah...I would say it creates an unfair advantage if taller teams camp in the key. Advantage/disadvantage is code for I can't be bothered watching out for that as well. It's simple...it's a rule so call it. It's the same if the ball goes out of court..call it!

Any Aba refs know what the actual interpretation is?

I do think it would be true that they simply dont call it because there are other calls which are more important???

I think it is more a case of it only gets called if the ball is being passed to the player who is standing in the key

I think a lot of people forget the rule states the player must be in the key for MORE THAN 3 seconds, so it's not a case of 1-2-3 bang.

Some also forget that the 3 second count doesn't start until the ball in in bounded from an out of bounds situation.

As far as actually making the call goes, I think refs want to know that the dude camping in there is definitely advantaging the offensive side. It's one thing to be taking up space in there, but if they're not scoring, screening for team mates or getting on the offensive glass, then they're really probably advantaging the defense, since it's clogging up space in the key.

I'd say it's definitely a low priority call for the referees, and is generally pretty easily solved by communicating with the player.

Unfortunately, a lot of "sideline referees" just see someone with a toe in the keyway for 3 seconds & want a call made.

omg!!!
as a referee do you really think we should be focusing on 3 seconds, or would you rather us worry about the real stuff like fouls under the basket or illegal screens.
i can tell you if we miss something big, like massive contact on a shooter, 3 seconds pales in comparison.

omg!!!
Do you really think basketball has changed so much in 5 years that you shouldn't focus on all the rules? Or would we rather you worry about the other rules like fouls under the basket or illegal screens.
I can tell you if you miss something big or small, it matters to the players, coaches and spectators who pay money to see real basketball, with all the rules like massive contact on a shooter, 3 seconds and Pales at the Bar!

3 seconds used to be called in ABA/State league, why is it harder to call it now, compared with back then?

5-10 years ago, basketball was more physical, yet the 3 seconds call was still made. Don't turn ABA into a NBA scorefest - keep it about honest defence and don't reward poor offence. Just cos some bastards too dumb to count to 3, doesn't mean he deserves pity - his coach should teach him to count!!!

Arggh!!!

Want three seconds called, try educating your players and being a little bit more proactive. 'Who is on number 14, someone get on him' will get my attention as a referee a lot more than 'how long how long'. Every time someone asks how long I make sure I look away from the keyway and then look back, hence I have to start counting again.

Australias better coaching staff are saying it is about 6 - 7 seconds before something should be done. 3 seconds is very weak call in the modern game unless you have already tried to move the player on with your voice.

Instead of getting defensive and making excuses just call the three seconds for small teams its a disadvantage so if their camped in their just call the thing. Stop dodging the rule and just call it if there in their for a long time. As for umpires not calling it if people asked for it are you telling me that umpires would be that petty to not call something because they were annoyed with the sideline. No way im so surprised.

One umpire a few years ago had the female coach scream " How Long "
so the umpy replied " Oh about 6 inches "

no! really...? Trevor Sayer used that one when he umpired in 1954 Melbourne Olympics. :P

So the reason it very rarely get's called is because the count starts when ball is in front court and if the ball is passed to a player in the key, he is entitled to have extra time to bounce the ball or go staight up.

Better of just talking to the players and letting them know to get out.

so its ok to call three seconds if a player is in the key, has been in for exactly 3 seconds when someone shoots a three.

seeing as he now has an offensive rebounding advantage and has been in for more than 3 seconds, even though a shot has been put up?

As for VC Fan, no because you the player who is in the act of shooting as the 3 seconds comes up, therefore the 2nd allowance overalls. Intent of the rule is to prevent man mountain not moving at all.

If the ball comes off the ring of a 3 point attempt I believe you are at a disadvantage by being in the key. The ball normally springs off to around the keyway line markings.

What do you do to the big guy in offence who goes to cut thru the key, gets a bump as hey enters the key (therefore he wastes 1 second getting back to where he should be cutting), then looks around for the ball (another bump, another 1 sec wasted). He is been in there now for 4 seconds! Do we call the 2 seconds because he is gaining an advantage or do we call the foul for the worlds smallest bump, which in effect has disadvantaged the offence by now making him use up his 3 seconds in the key or do we call the 3 seconds?

My call: We call nothing, we get our voice on the inside players, they both know they are being watched and therefore they hopefully put up a good fair contest against each other. A little bit of give in the nothing contact that occurs, a little bit of give in how long. End result, good flow, good game control, and most importantly GREAT CONTEST.

*over rules*