[BktBallRef]

Originally posted by eroe39
This is a tough play. In my opinion there are certain situations where players are not entitled to the position they are in.

First, welcome to the board!

You're knew here so I'll tell you what most of us already know. When dealing with rule situations, opinions mean very little to those of us who are students of the game. Can you reference a rule that backs up your stand that "there are certain situations where players are not entitled to the position they are in?" Because I can, and will, give your reasons why several of the situations you present are not fouls on the defender.

If a player is on the floor with legs and arms spread out and a player falls over him the foul is on the player on the floor.

Not true. 10.6.1 E
10.6.1 SITUATION E: B1 attempts to steal the ball from stationary A1 who is holding the ball. B1 misses the ball and falls to the floor. In dribbling away, A1 contacts B1's leg, loses control of the ball and falls to the floor. Ruling: No infraction or foul has occurred and play continues. Unless B1 made an effort to trip or block A1, he/she is entitled to a position on the court even if it is momentarily lying on the floor after falling down. (7-4-1, 2)

If a defensive player is bent over and a player jumps into him on a drive to the basket and that offensive player is submarined and practically does a flip and falls to the floor hard the foul is on the defensive player.

Not true. 4-23-3d
ART. 3 After the initial legal guarding position is obtained:
d. [/b]The guard may turn or duck to absorb the shock of imminent contact.[/b]

If a player is standing with his legs spread out way outside the plane of his shoulders and he is set and a dribbler tries to get around him and trips over the defender's foot the foul is on the defender.

Agreed. 4-23-1
A player who extends an arm, shoulder, hip or leg into the path of an opponent is not considered to have a legal position if contact occurs.

If a defensive player is standing underneath the basket and a offensive player drives in for a dunk and then a collision occurs this is a foul on the defensive player.

Not true. 10.6.1 D
B1 is standing behind the plane of the backboard before A1 jumps for a lay-up shot. The forward momentum causes airborne shooter A1 to charge into B1.
Ruling: B1 is entitled to the position obtained legally before A1 left the floor. If the ball goes through the basket before or after the contact occurs, the player-control foul cancels the goal. However, if B1 moves into the path of A1 after A1 has left the floor, the foul is on B1. B1's foul on the airborne shooter is a foul during the act of shooting. If the shot is successful, one free throw is awarded and if it is unsuccessful, two free throws result. (4-19-1, 6; 6-7-4; Penalty Summary 2, 5a)

All these are tough plays but in my opinion illustrate that there are certain defensive positions that are unnatural and are not part of the game of basketball and thus should be penalized.

Then why aren't those situations considered fouls on the defense by those who write the rules. When we take it upon ourselves to call the game as we see it, we do a disservice to ourselves, the fans, players and coaches.

This philosophy is used by pro officials extensively, by college officials a great deal, and by high school officials not as much. Strive to match your philosophy to top notch officials and call fouls on these plays.

When officiating high school basketball, we must follow the rules for high school basketball, no matter what our brothers in the NBA and NCAA do. Strive to call the rules based on the game that you're officiating. Don't apply NBA and NCAA philsophies, rules, and mechanics to NFHS situations when the rules don't apply. You'll find that most of the situations here are posted by high school officials, based on NF rules.

Again, welcome to the board!