Should referees look for legal actions to avoid calling fouls?

Referees are expected to enforce the rules consistently and impartially throughout the game, regardless of the game's score or time remaining. This means they must prioritize calling fouls for illegal actions, as these infractions can significantly impact the game's flow and fairness.

When referees actively look for legal actions with the intent to avoid calling fouls, it can lead to inconsistencies in officiating. Players may take advantage of this approach by pushing the boundaries of fair play, leading to unaddressed illegal actions that could harm player safety and the integrity of the game. Moreover, while some fans or players might perceive leniency in officiating as beneficial, the true aim of a referee is to uphold the rules, maintaining fairness and ensuring that the game is played according to the regulations set forth by FIBA.

Referees are trained to recognize and appropriately respond to all forms of play, and their responsibility is to make calls based on what happens on the court. Therefore, the focus should be on enforcing the rules rather than seeking to promote a certain style of play by overlooking fouls.