When a basketball defender fouls hard while trying to stop a score, what must they do to avoid a technical foul or ejection?

• A. Grab onto the other player's jersey
• B. Tell the referee beforehand his intention
• C. Hold both hands in front of his face
• D. Make a sincere effort to go for the ball

Answer: (D)

The key idea is that officials look for a defender who is actively attempting to play the ball in a legal way. Making a sincere effort to go for the ball shows you’re contesting the shot or pass within the rules, rather than using rough or reckless contact. When you try to reach for the ball and maintain control—keeping your hands active to deflect or block without grabbing or striking—you’re more likely to be judged as making a legitimate defensive play. That type of effort helps avoid penalties like technical fouls or ejections that can come from reckless or excessive contact.

Grabbing the opponent’s jersey is clearly illegal holding and would quickly draw a foul and possible misconduct; telling the referee beforehand what you intend to do isn’t how officials evaluate a play and doesn’t excuse dangerous contact; holding your hands in front of your face doesn’t address the foul or demonstrate a defensive ball-play. So, the best response to avoid disciplinary action is to make a sincere, legal effort to go for the ball.