[Rick82358]

The criteria for a closely guarded count are being within 6' and ACTIVELY Guarding the player with the ball. A defender who is just standing within 6' of the player with the ball should not cause you to start a count.

How can you adjust for players being shorter or taller? the distance between the players feet is what you are looking at, it is a static distance always 6'. If two players are 6' tall and both are bent at the waist that puts them almost touching with their upper bodies If they are shorter then the distance will be larger between their upper bodies but they will still be 6' apart.

If the mechanic bothers you or your assoc. says do not use it then do not use it - I seriously do not believe it is going to hurt your ratings any evaluator worth their salt will look at the whole picture of how you are officiating. The book says nothing about talking to players about pushing and shoving or telling them to move out of the paint that is just good preventive officiating - but will it get you a lower rating - doubt it.
But if I have a coach in a NFHS game who is constantly harping for a five second call and the player isn't within the 6' or is moving in and out of that zone I am going to use it as a communication tool for that coach to realize that IMO we do not have a count and why. The hope is that it will shut them up.

But the most important thing that needs to be said is that when both criteria are met, the defender is within 6' and actively guarding the ball - YOU HAVE A COUNT. That will make the rest of this conversation irrelevant.