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Watching two great games last night between UA-AUB and MIZZOU-OSU and a smattering of other D I games on TV this year, it is my observation and opinion that officials are allowing players on the perimeter to shift their pivot foot after catching the ball and squaring up on the defense. I was a former D I player and my playing experience is at odds with what I observe on television. Since I have started Federation officiating two years ago I know my focus is sharpened but I don't see my fellow Federation offials allowing such shifty feet at the high school level. The shifting pivots I observed last night provided no distinct advantage to the offensive player being on the perimeter and there was generally not exceptional defensive pressure being put upon the (offending) players. However, toward the end of the Alabama game the foul calls were getting tighter and during their comeback, Center calls one of these pivot shifts which were no different or more aggravated then the others described.

For the DI knowledgeable, is there a conscious or default loosening up of the traveling rules when there is no advantage? Is there an NBA influence that is migrating to the college game?