[rsl]

Ok, I know there is no such thing as a "reaching" foul, but when a dribbler challenges a defender and the defender pokes at the ball, the defender can easily commit either an illegal use of hands foul or a blocking foul. When reffing this kind of contact, what do we watch for? How do you judge between a legal steal and a foul?

I am looking for some guidelines similar to the ones we have for block/charge. where we check for LGP, referee the defense, make sure the defender is vertical, and look for contact on the torso.

I know to move so that I can see between the players, but with the dribbler often changing direction quickly it is easy to get straight-lined. Then, when the defender suddenly knocks the ball loose, it is hard to tell if he hit more than ball. Especially with "hand is part of the ball" rule, 4-24-2.


Any pointers?