Quote:
Originally posted by Smitty
I don't know, Tim. That's a pretty rough statement. I may be the only one in this place who doesn't think the 3-second rule is a stupid rule. I think it makes sense and I will often try and get people out of the lane, but if they don't and they are in an advantageous position, I never have a problem making that call. What does bother me is when veteran officials say it's a bad thing to call it. I don't understand that at all.
I would ask the folks who think the 3-second violation is a terrible rule whether they think the 5-second closely guarded rule is stupid as well? Or the 10-second backcourt violation? What's the difference?
[Edited by Smitty on Feb 2nd, 2005 at 12:05 PM] [/B]
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As I said in my earlier post, I don't have a problem calling it - did so 3 times in a game last night, as a matter of fact. Big kid, liked to camp out in low post, often with one foot in the paint. When the guards were playing catch outside the arc, I said nothing. When it moved inside the arc he got "clear the lane", which he ignored. If the play continued toward the basket or they attempted an inlet pass to the post, whistle & 3 second call.
I guess my biggest problem is with the inconsistency in the way it is applied. As you noted, some officials will let a player pitch a tent in the lane. Others will blow the whistle at exactly 3 seconds when the kid has one toe in the paint and the ball is in a guards hands above the arc.