JR
See my initial response, because I think we agree 100%. I oppose the rule and its apparent underlying rationale, not the need to apply it. (And it isn't the only, or necessarily the first, rule I would change
)
tharbert
There are many inappropriate player actions that occur on the basketball court for which a coach must exercise leadership to prevent and impose discipline when the standards are violated. This is the only rule I can find that involves an action by a player (as defined by role, not by rule
) who is legitimately on the court but performing an illegal action, and results in the coach receiving a penalty. Two free throws is punishment enough, IMO.
If you can find any other rule that punishes a coach with a seatbelt when a player is legitimately on the court, please direct me to it. If not, why is this action so much worse than fighting, swearing, unsportsmanlike activity, etc.? Make any player T a seatbelt, because a coach shouldn't allow players to behave badly at any time.
This rule makes no sense to me whatsoever. And the seatbelt penalty really only happens because by rule, these kids on the court aren't "players" because the game hasn't started. Somehow, we have more control over all of their potential actions?! Most refs seem to think so. I exercise a lot of control over my players and how they behave, but cannot agree with that assumption.