<P> Basketball is regarded by many fans as among the most difficult sports to officiate . Usually basketball officials have only a brief moment to determine if an infraction has occurred, due to the speed of play of the game and the officials' proximity to the action . Especially difficult is the "charge / block" call as to which player is responsible for contact . Officials often rely on instant replay to review plays . </P> <P> Despite the misconception that basketball is a non-contact sport, officials often let a large amount of marginal or incidental contact pass uncalled . An official must always be wary of not just what is happening around the ball, but the roughness of play going on around the whole court, adding to the job of the official . </P> <P> Further complicating the job of an official is the proximity to the crowds . Unlike football or baseball, the crowd is nearly always located within a few feet of the official, as are coaches and other players on the bench . To combat this, officials are able to remove a fan from the arena with an ejection . </P> <P> When a violation occurs, game action is immediately stopped . These include traveling, illegal dribbles, out - of - bounds, and other violations . The official is required to blow the whistle and immediately stop play and award the ball over to the opposing team . </P>

What is the difference between an umpire and a referee in basketball