[justacoach]

Thanks for the enlightenment. I am always astounded at the deep and complete understanding of the rules nuances espoused by the esteemed members of this board. Could it be some of you are also Talmudic scholars or have benefit of training from Jesuit logicians??

I frequently refer officials to this board in the hope they can be motivated to improve their game.

We have always taught our players to chin the ball with elbows extended and to pivot away from pressure. We further explain that swinging elbows faster than the rest of the body is dangerous and is to be avoided both from a safety aspect and to avoid the draconian penalty that had been in force from '90's.
I was very interested in the points raised by the POE in 2002-2003 and thought I had a good handle on how this was to be treated. It was at this time that I determined to gain a closer acquaintance with the actual FED Rules book and also happened upon this discussion group.

What I have learned from this discussion

1. The horizontal elbow jerk mechanic can only denote a violation. I have often seen it used in my area when reporting a foul to the table. If a foul is deemed to have occurred it can only be one of the following...
P/C, Intentional or Flagrant, based on the judgement of the official as to severity. Ergo swinging of the arms/elbows that results in slight contact should be construed as P/C foul. Greater force may escalate it to intentional or flagrant.

2. As specified in 10-13-3, our long-time coaching points seem to be validated

SECTION 13 EXCESSIVE SWINGING OF ARM(S)/ELBOW(S)
ART. 1 . . . A player shall not excessively swing his/her arms(s) or elbows, even without contacting an opponent.
ART. 2 . . . A player may extend arm(s) or elbow(s) to hold the ball under the chin or against the body.
ART. 3 . . . Action of arm(s) and elbow(s) resulting from total body movements as in pivoting or movement of the ball incidental to feinting with it, releasing it, or moving it to prevent a held ball or loss of control shall not be considered excessive.

I am still in a quandary about Art. 3 above. The circumstances where we drill our players to chin the ball and pivot are involved with defensive rebounding.

If the defense is swarming my rebounder and attacking the ball, my player is going to chin and pivot to prevent a held ball.
What if, in the course of his full body pivot with elbows extended, he should make significant contact with one of the swarming defenders?

Please give me guidelines that you use in this situation.
Are his "total body movements"s with arms and elbows tolerated in light of 10-13-3 and does the defense have a greater duty to avoid contact??
I seem to be running into a majority of officials who have a glancing familiarity with the POE but who never read all the way down to Art. 3

Again, thanks for your guidance

I have a ready-made excuse...


I'm

justacoach