[APG]

Originally Posted by BigCat

8 years...good. I respect your opinions but lately you are just disagreeing to disagree. I haven't seen it in 22 years of college....but I have seen it at lower levels. Nobody is acting as if it is a world crisis. What's' the harm in having it also be a violation? I've seen defenders cross line and shooters back up before contact. Your statement that crossing the line always results in contact is just wrong. I agree with you that it is dumb for defense to do it. That's why I'm fine with rule. If somebody does cross line without contact they should still be penalized.

It's a rule that logistically is difficult to even officiate with real accuracy unless you're working with 3 officials. It adds the responsibility for the trail to determine whether a defender entered in the semi circle early prior to the ball hitting the basket. The trail already had enough on his plate...on top of that rebounding action. When deciding between adjudicating this violation...especially with no contact and rebounding action....most officials are gonna to go to rebounding action.

I'm one of those that saw no need for the rule. It doesn't help anything IMO. Slight contact with the free thrower after he's released the ball? Never heard a coach or player complain about this. If contact warrants a foul, then call the foul. As to the claims of freedom/restrictions being the same for the FT about entering in early...the purpose of that restriction is to not allow the FT to intentionally miss and sprint in to get his miss as he has the advantage of knowing he's going to miss on purpose and where he wants to miss it. Having the restriction on those entering the lane serves no real legitimate purpose IMO.