Jeff,
Easy to say when you're not working that level.
When in Rome....
Simply put, the NBA is a different animal. The rules that are in place were put there for a reason. Usually because a player or team tried to take advantage at one time. Such as the "away from the play" foul that came about because of Wilt Chamberlain. Or the 5 second backdown count, (Charles Barkley and Mark Jackson) I can't tell you the Genesis of this rule but,
most likely the reason they don't stop play is that players have tried to fake injuries to stop a clear advantage by the other team or to stop the clock. (NFL comes to mind)
Does it bite them in the a** sometimes, yes.
Anyone who has Worked Pro-ball or even high level High School or College, knows that players are fine actors and will try for the Oscar any chance they get.
When you work HS or College, by all means stop the play!
You are allowed to by rule. In the NBA they are not.
Just for confirmation, I e-mailed one of the referees from the game and asked if the rule as I stated it and the handling of it was correct. He said yes.
And he said to say Hello to the Board.
[Edited by DrakeM on May 20th, 2003 at 04:05 PM]