hand as extension of ball rule...nba/high school

Question
High school basketball game and offensive player holding ball....defensive player swings down and a clear "slap" is heard due to hitting hand and offensive player loses ball...the Ref does not call anything and uses the rule of Hand being an extension of ball...is this a fair representation of rule.  If so then why don't we teach everyone to clearly hit the hands while they hold ball??  Thanks  Michael

Answer
Hi Michael,

First and foremost referees are not suppose to make calls based on sound, rather what they see. If the official saw the defender slap the hand, then it really is part of the ball, and your very rarely going to get a foul call. It really just depends on what the official sees, and how he/she interprets how it plays out.  Sometimes you'll get the call, and sometimes you won't. It's not really a matter of being a fair interpretation of the rule, but rather if the official feels that the defender made illegal contact or not.