[SWMOzebra]

For me, the difference in the two positions being debated comes down to this: if I call violations as written, then I'm supported by the rules if/when a supervisor calls me to question a play he has seen on film (sent to him by a coach who disagreed with the call or the no-call).

Whether or not a travel occurs out in the open with no defensive pressure or in the paint where the ball handler is being double-teamed, the opposing team is being put at a disadvantage by not being awarded the ball when the other team violates.

All this being said, have I ever passed on a 3-second lane violation? Absolutely, in virtually ever game I've ever worked. Fudged on a 10-second FT count? Probably a half-dozen times. Given more than 10-seconds to reach the front court, regardless of pressure (using Fed rules)? Never. If they stop to talk to their coach while bringing the ball up in the backcourt and I get to 10? It's a turnover, pure and simple.

Throw-in violation? Lane violation during FTs? Kicked ball? Travelling? Illegal dribble? If it's in my area and doesn't require any guesswork on my part ... then the violation gets called. For me, it's all about consistency.