pete's post: block vs charge

[Billy]

It occurs to me watching the NCAA that the shooter is the least protected player on the court.

Example1: Dribbler is driving to the hoop and starts to jump. Dribbler still has one foot on the floor as the defender slides into his path and obtains "legal guarding position" before the dribbler (now shooter) becomes airborne. Although the shooter hasn't left the floor, it is impossible at this point for him to change direction and avoid contact. The inevitable contact is *correctly* called a player control foul.

Example2: A screener takes position so close to a moving opponent
that this opponent cannot avoid contact by stopping or changing direction.
A foul is *correctly* called on the screener.

So why isn't the shooter afforded the same rights as everyone else on the floor? Do you guys see these rules as somewhat inconsistent?


http://www.ncaa.org/library/rules/20...ball_rules.pdf

Personal Fouls

Section 19. By Dribbler
(snip)
A.R. 20. A player who is guarding moves into the path of a dribbler and contact
occurs. RULING: Either player may be responsible, but the greater responsibility
shall be that of the dribbler when the player who is guarding conforms to the following
principles that officials shall use in reaching a decision. The defensive player
shall be assumed to have attained a guarding position when the defensive player is
in the dribbler' path facing him or her. When the defensive player jumps into position,
both feet must return to the floor after the jump before he or she can have
attained a guarding position. **No specific stance or distance shall be required.** The
guard may shift to maintain his or her position in the path of the dribbler, provided
that the player who is guarding does not charge into the dribbler nor otherwise cause
contact as outlined in this section. The responsibility of the dribbler for contact shall
not shift merely because the player who is guarding turns or ducks to absorb shock
when contact caused by the dribbler is imminent. The player who is guarding shall
not cause contact by moving under or in front of a passer or thrower after the passer
or thrower is in the air with his or her feet off the floor.

Section 20. By Screener
(snip)
Art. 3. A screener shall not take a position so close to a moving opponent
that this opponent cannot avoid contact by stopping or changing direction.