[Back In The Saddle]

I like the way you handled this. You allowed the players a reasonable amount of time to get set up in what they felt were the most advantageous positions. You let the players decide what those positions were. The constant tension between the offense looking for the advantage and the defence trying to neutralize that advantage is a natural part of the game. You drew your line in the sand, clearly. When one of the players crossed that line, you took care of it. What's not to like?

I'm in two minds about lane violation suggestion. I really like that the penalty is less severe. I think it would also send a pretty clear message, thus solving the problem. But it feels kind of "sneaky," like trying to ambush a player. I'd also be concerned about accidentally hitting the player with the ball while he's in the lane.