by Brian Keith Compton

Created on: August 26, 2009

Whether you're a referee or make your own calls in pick-up basketball, you always find that one hothead who wants every call his way. My advice: 'You can't stop them. You can only hope to contain them.'

During those noon-hour pick-up games at places like the YMCA, you'll find a mixed bag. Some play for fun and some are competitive. But when the play intensifies, even the nicest guys can become combative. Times like these you look to floor leaders to keep everyone in check.

Sometimes, it takes an organizer to get these games started. When you have one vocal guy in the group, things get done. But the dynamic changes the more vociferous players you add to the mix.

In these pick-up games, the offensive usually gets to make the foul calls. The defensive can call turnovers like out of bounds or traveling. Players rely heavily on the honor system. Unfortunately, some blur the lines of reality just to get their way.

If you become a regular, players get a feel for your demeanor and tendencies on calls. There is an accepted level of understanding and respect when you make a call. And then there are those guys that make everyone groan just by showing up.

The frustration usually begins when people either don't understand the rules or have their unique interpretations. Some don't know what it means to carry or palm the ball when they try to hop step past you in the lane. They don't know that the ball can hit the top or side of the backboard and still be in play. The calls for traveling come when they see it but not when they do it.

To keep a game moving, not every contact becomes a foul call. The rules are usually lax until a game is tight or coming to a close. Then every touch or bump seems to gets called. That's when most of the disputes arise.

Having to call your own fouls can be precarious. Some players may get upset with you. The hotheads who make every ticky-tack call think it's okay to shove you with their body on the other end of the court. There's no reasoning with them. It gets to a point where you don't even want to call a foul. But you have to draw the line somewhere. Those who are quiet and do not challenge calls when they know they are right are giving up their right to be heard at times when a call should be made or overturned.

That's why it's important to play in an established gym where some regulars act as leaders. There are some players who will step up and keep things in order. Usually, when there is a dispute, it's important to get the input of other

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