Slap the backboard T?

[Danvrapp]

Originally Posted by cozzmokramer

ART. 4 . . . Illegally contact the backboard/ring by:
a. Placing a hand on the backboard or ring to gain an advantage.
b. Intentionally slapping or striking the backboard or causing the ring to vibrate while a try or tap is in flight or is touching the backboard or is in the basket or in the cylinder above the basket.

I wonder if everyone is overthinking this word 'or.' Or, ironically, if it is another case of a poorly worded rule...

What if it is intended to mean "intentionally slapping or striking the backboard so as to make the ring vibrate." In other words, making the ring vibrate was the intent of slapping the backboard. I honestly don't know how you can slap the backboard hard enough that you would consider a T, yet the ring wouldn't vibrate.

A player thinks "geez...I won't be able to actually touch the ball and block the shot, but if I hit the backboard with enough force that the ring vibrates, the ball may fall off and/or not go in....

I know that the debate has been had that it is very difficult to adjudicate a players intent, but just a thought. If this seems silly, someone please shut this line of thinking down very quickly!

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by Danvrapp

I honestly don't know how you can slap the backboard hard enough that you would consider a T, yet the ring wouldn't vibrate.

Depends on the backboard supports and how they're anchored.

[Camron Rust]

Originally Posted by Danvrapp

I wonder if everyone is overthinking this word 'or.' Or, ironically, if it is another case of a poorly worded rule...

What if it is intended to mean "intentionally slapping or striking the backboard so as to make the ring vibrate." In other words, making the ring vibrate was the intent of slapping the backboard. I honestly don't know how you can slap the backboard hard enough that you would consider a T, yet the ring wouldn't vibrate.

A player thinks "geez...I won't be able to actually touch the ball and block the shot, but if I hit the backboard with enough force that the ring vibrates, the ball may fall off and/or not go in....

I know that the debate has been had that it is very difficult to adjudicate a players intent, but just a thought. If this seems silly, someone please shut this line of thinking down very quickly!

I think the "or" is correct as is.

Simply slapping the backboard with no attempt to play the ball should be a T whether or not it causes the ring to vibrate. Some backboards are much more solidly attached than others.

Causing the ring to vibrate by other methods, in addition to slapping the backboard, would also be T worthy....such as slapping the ring itself (before the ball is there).

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by Camron Rust

Causing the ring to vibrate by other methods, in addition to slapping the backboard, would also be T worthy....such as slapping the ring itself (before the ball is there).

Good point. Thanks for the reminder.