quote:
Originally posted by Brian on 01-31-2000 05:52 PM
There are some things that allow no judgement, and lane violations are one of them. It is either touching the line before the ball hits the rim or it isnt.
There are many things that DO allow some judgment and discretion, and lane violations ARE among them. Whether leaving on the release as in NCAA or "on the rim" as in high school, players are generally trying to stretch the envelope in order to get in rebounding position as quickly as possible. There are many borderline violations in this situation that are best left ignored unless a player clearly gains an unintended advantage. The toe on the line just before the ball hits the rim falls into this category--hardly an advantage for the player, and easily ignored at the official's discretion. Many rules were written with a certain intent in mind, usually to prevent a player from gaining an unintended advantage. Thus, they can't always be interpreted and enforced literally, as with this toe-on-the-line situation. Three-seconds in the lane is a similar situation, one that leaves room for judgment and discretion. Plus, the game circumstances should be in one's mind--A blowout? Ignore the minor violation on the free-throw shot. A 6th grade game? Give 'em 4-5 seconds in the lane before calling it. Being too literalistic can make for a very long and boring game.