Lack of Fed accessability

[Randal]

In all seriousness, I think that we (including the Federation) could do a better job of making the rules of the game accessible. I would prefer free and total distribution of the rules and case books in electronic form, but I understand the reasons for a small fee.

Nonetheless, a "basketball rules for dummies" written and maintained by a small group of knowledgable people (like the folks on this board) could help. It could be free and freely distrbuted. Like an "FAQ" (frequently asked questions) in the computer world.

Frankly, most fans do not know the rules at all. Most youth coaches think that they "know the rules" but they do not really. Most high school coaches do not know the rules well. I am not speaking about the fine details (e.g. false double fouls), but about the most common fouls and violations (e.g. what is legal guarding position).

Amazingly, when most fans and coaches yell silly things at the officials they honestly believe that they make sense. Really.