[rwest]

BktBallRef,

I agree to a point. But lets take an example. Football. In Pop Warner its illegal for an offensive lineman to move once set before the ball is snapped. Its the same for HS, College and the NFL, even though the skill level is different.

So why should a player be allowed to take two steps in the pros but not in NCAA? If they are more skilled, and they are, they should be able to play without the extra steps. The reason for the change when it comes to traveling, has nothing to do with the skill difference. It has everything to do with the entertainment value. People like to see a dunk or a move in the paint that is clearly a walk, at least by HS rules.

Another example, in Baseball. Is it not true that the refs give a little more leeway to the SS or 2nd Baseman when turning a double play? I know I've seen plays where the SS was off of 2nd base but in the vicinity when he got the ball, yet they still turned a double play. Why give them that if they are so much better than college players? Entertainment value.

One more example....

When I call 5/6 year old basketball games, I don't call traveling by the book. If I did, no points would be scored by anyone. These kids are not skilled enough to play the game without traveling. But as the skill level goes up, my expectations do to and I'll call it more strictly. So why give the Pros more leeway than I would a HS kid if its not for the entertianment value?

Do you disagree with my assertion that some rule changes are made to make the game more entertaining?



[Edited by rwest on May 5th, 2005 at 05:16 PM]