Slapping the backboard, redux

[DownTownTonyBrown]

Originally posted by cmathews
I...BTW I don't think it would be a bad idea for the committees to put a BI provision in there for shaking the rim.....

Originally posted by MN3
... agree that the best thing here would be a rules change to include BI/GT for something of this nature....

Although it seems somewhat reasonable and obvious that the defense has disruppted the location of the rim/backboard, I don't think a rule change is appropriate.

I assume that you are wanting to change the rule and award 2 points if the basket shakes. Don't forget that the basket is shaking as the result of a legitimate defensive attempt.

Goal tending is not legitimate. We have appropriate rules for that - 2 point award.
Intentionally or incidentally interfering with a ball that is about to drop through the net is not legitimate. Again, we have appropriate rules for BI - 2 points or no points depending upon who did it.
Showboating by slapping the backboard is not a legitimate defensive attempt. Again, rules are in place, T-bone and ball back. This is surely the most severe of the above penalties.

I really think the answer is to educate our fellow officials so they penalize non-legitimate acts and so that they allow legitimate defensive acts. The problem isn't one of rules; it is one of officials assessing the wrong penalty (basket interference). They have essentially educated the public of an incorrect penalty. Now coaches scream for BI. Fans think the officials are nuts because they let an obvious BI go unpunished.... well it wasn't BI and myself, knowing the rules correctly, can't penalize for legitimate play.

Sorry, fans. Sorry, coaches.