Fun With Creating Space ...

[BillyMac]

Disclaimer: For IAABO eyes only. Below is not a NFHS interpretation, it's only an IAABO International interpretation which obviously doesn't mean a hill of beans to most members of this Forum.

https://storage.googleapis.com/refqu...D%2Bbkkw%3D%3D

IAABO Play Commentary Correct Answer: This is a player control foul.

It is not legal to extend the arms fully or partially in a position other than vertical so that the freedom of movement of an opponent is hindered when contact with the arms occurs. (4-24-6) In this play, the dribbler extends his arm horizontally into the torso of the defender. This contact contributes to the defender moving backward when the dribbler decides to stop and change direction.

The intent and purpose of the rules are to create a balance of play and provide equal opportunity between the offense and the defense. Officials have made tremendous strides penalizing acts that constitute a foul when committed against a ball handler/dribbler. (10-7-12) However, officials have a real growth opportunity to recognize this same type of illegal contact when committed by a ball handler/dribbler. Too many officials perceive this contact as incidental contact because it did not lead to a try for goal or allow the dribbler to get by the defender. These are not factors in determining if the contact is illegal or incidental. If the ball handler displaces the defender with an arm extended horizontally, the threshold has been met for this contact to be ruled illegal.

It is refreshing to see 70% of respondents see this contact as a player control foul. This play scenario is important for all officials to learn from to apply the rules accurately. Officials should be diligent in ensuring a balance of play when applying the contact rules to ball handler/defender match-ups.

Here is the breakdown of the IAABO members that commented on the video: This is a player control foul 70% (including me). This is incidental contact 30%.