Late game - stop the clock fouls

[so cal lurker]

Originally Posted by BillyMac

I've never seen a team use this strategy and come from behind to win.

Really? I don't think it is uncommon when the team is down by a couple and the game is still in 1-1 and we're talking about the last minute of the game (or more particularly, once the shot clock is turned off).

But I'd believe you if what you're talking about the team down by 7 or more desperately grasping at straws having to foul multiple times.

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by so cal lurker

But I'd believe you if what you're talking about the team down by 7 or more desperately grasping at straws having to foul multiple times.

Yeah. That's what I meant, when it's no longer a real game and the strategy becomes a desperation move. I'm not talking about a three point game with thirty seconds to go. That's still a real game that anybody can win.

If a team is grasping at straws they're probably going to drown. As an official, I think to myself, "Why bother", but on the other hand, "Hope springs eternal". I've seen weird late game stuff happen on television, but never in real life.

[BillyMac]

2013-14 Points of Emphasis
Intentional Foul - An intentional foul is a personal or technical foul that may or may not be premeditated and is not based solely on the severity of the act. It is contact that:
- Neutralizes an opponent’s obvious advantageous position.
- Contact on an opponent who is clearly not in the play.
- May be excessive contact.
- Contact that is not necessarily premeditated or based solely on the severity of the act.
This type of foul may be strategic to stop the clock or create a situation that may be tactically done for the team taking action. This foul may be innocent in severity, but without any playing of the ball, it becomes an intentional act such as a player wrapping their arms around an opponent. The act may be excessive in its intensity and force of the action. These actions are all intentional fouls and are to be called as such.

Basketball Points of Emphasis - 2017-18
3. Intentional Fouls. The committee is concerned about the lack of enforcement for intentional fouls during any part of the game but especially at the end of a game. The intentional foul rule has evolved into misapplication and personal interpretations. An intentional foul is a personal or technical foul that may or may not be premeditated and is not based solely on the severity of the act, it is contact that:
•Neutralizes an opponent’s obvious advantageous position.
•Contact on an opponent who is clearly not in the play.
•May be excessive contact.
•Contact that is not necessarily premeditated or based solely on the severity of the act.
This type of foul may be strategic to stop the clock or create a situation that may be tactically done for the team taking action. This foul may be innocent in severity, but without any playing of the ball, it becomes an intentional act such as a player wrapping their arms around an opponent. The act may be excessive in its intensity and force of the action. These actions are all intentional fouls and are to be called as such.
Officials must be aware of the game situations as the probability of fouling late in the game is an accepted coaching strategy and is utilized by many coaches in some form. Officials must have the courage to enforce the intentional foul rule properly.

[BillyMac]

In addition to the above, Intentional Fouls were Points of Emphasis in 2005-06 and 2006-07.

Five times in fifteen years.

In regard to intentional fouls, I guess that the NFHS doesn't believe that officials are doing their job properly.