[JRutledge]

The term "Referee the Defense," is not a rulebook or casebook or even a Officials Manual term. The term is a concept on what works for basketball officiating. All it means is that you basically pay attention to the defense, instead of just focusing on the offense when officiating. This is done obviously to help officials make easier calls, especially the block/charge variety.

So at the very least you will not find this in the NF books, but you will see some reference to the NCAA Manuals. It is an officiating tool, to help get calls right and help understanding the game from an officiating perspective. I would suggest that you subscribe to this site or to Referee Magazine, you will hear this concept often in those publications. Or you can attend several camps and hear the same wording as it relates to what you are to do as an official.

Peace