[SD Referee]

Originally Posted by bainsey

I've been quiet in this forum this season, as I had leg surgery in September, and I'm inactive this year. Still attending some games, and I'd like some thoughts:

Am I the only one who doesn't like blowing the whistle for a common foul while a player is driving? I prefer to see if he can play through the contact, and if the contact remains upon the release, then call the foul.

To me, it's putting the ball-handler at a disadvantage by not having a patient whistle. If his RSBQ is compromised to the point where he can no longer effectively drive, then I believe a common foul is necessary, but other than that, I say "see it through."

And yet, I see others whistling during the drive, getting the common foul. Thoughts on this?

I'm with you and firmly believe in being patient. If you blow the whistle too early, you take a potential "and one" from the offense. Let them play it through and then decide on whether a foul call is needed. Late and correct is better than early and wrong. I'm intentionally slow/late on some of my calls in order to be patient and get it right. See the whole play.