[bainsey]

I do NFHS soccer and basketball, and I agree with much of SCL's sentiments.

There are indeed fewer whistles in soccer, but it makes those calls much more important. One thing I like about soccer is the slower whistles. We are required to "see contact through" before calling the foul. We judge advantage far more so in soccer than in basketball, and honestly, I think basketball should do that more often.

For example, if A-1 handchecks B-2 while B-2 is driving to the basket, we're supposed to whistle a common foul. I've become a bigger believer of seeing the play through, and holding my whistle until the shot is released. To whistle prematurely is do penalize the ball-handler, who might get off a decent shot. I've learned that from soccer, which has a better grasp of advantage, IMO.

Basketball has its advantages in its structure and organization, though. We don't pre-game enough in soccer. We don't discuss enough potential soccer situations, and since as few as one could turn the tide of a game, it should be worth the little time it takes to prepare for it.

I still stay hockey is the toughest. All of us can run (in varying degrees). Not all of us can skate.