I'll just throw my 2 cents worth in here, too. Giving the ball OOB to the team that may have been fouled but you passed on it is good game management. It doesn't happen all that frequently in any one game, but does occur. Better flow to the game if you just give it right back. Same with rebounds and other situations--pass on the contact if no advantage gained. The backcourt situation, though, is pretty cut and dry in most respects. If it last touches a player from Team A, you have a violation when he touches it. True, it might seem like Team A is getting a bum rap, yet who is to say that wasn't simply good defense and the dribbler didn't protect the ball well enough? Most coaches know this aspect of the backcourt rule, and will let you know it if they come up on the wrong side of your decision to "turn your head the other way." I wouldn't consider making that call being a "walking rule book," particularly since you're willing to show some discretion on those other types of situations. It simply lends itself to less discretion than those others. Good overall philosophy, though. You'll no doubt have smoother games with good "flow" by not over-refereeing minor contact.
[This message has been edited by Todd VandenAkker (edited February 28, 2000).]
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