My take on all of this is there no one set of rules that is perfect.

In our province (New Brunswick), there is a movement to adopt one set of rules for the different levels of play: probably NCAA. Right now, High Schools use FIBA and colleges use NCAA. Many officials work both levels and the differences are numerous. Our provincial association is looking at the adoption of one set rules which would benefit players, coaches and especially officials.

For the record, I believe that FIBA is the weakest (or feeblest) in terms of interpretations. Especially its no goaltending rule above the cylinder. This rule is irrelevant at the lowest levels since nobody plays above the rim, but at higher levels it's a joke.

--I had it in a game last year. 3 point attempt tipped by defender jumping from inside the line and then following through and fouling the airborne shooter. Basket was good.

Defender's coach refs FIBA games sometimes and as I am reporting the foul asked if the scorers made a mistake and shouldn't I notify them to only score 2 points because of the tip. Fortunately I knew the rules discrepency between the two interpretations and explained that he was right under FIBA but not in this game under NF rules.



[Edited by oc on Sep 15th, 2003 at 04:50 PM]

I'm just fortunate that I ref'd in British Columbia, Canada & now I'm reffing in Hong Kong. So many differences in terms of culture, attitude & the level of officiating. I have learned that I SHALL COMPLY WITH WHATEVER MY ASSOCIATION INSTRUCT or I dont ref. I wish I have the chance to ref in U.S.A in the future.

I don't agree. It seems to me that if the defender can jump that well, both in terms of height and timing, he deserves a reward!

Although, I'm with mick in thinking it's not going to happen very often.

I agree with rainmaker. If you want it to count for three, don't let the defense tip the ball. I think, however, that it's silly to reward an offensive player in the hypothetical case where a defender jumps from beyond the arc (think fast break jumps hot from 18 feet) to tip a 2-point attempt. Essentially, we're granting the offense a point for a bad offensive play. I can see the case for consistency in discounting the position of the defender in all cases (a la NF rules).