BI/Goaltending

[rulesmaven]

I think one of the most significant nuances of the rule is that in-the-cylinder interference only occurs (in most leagues) if the ball is touched. Touching of the basket is inteference, on the other hand, only if the ball is on or in the basket. I think there may be a difference between college and the pros whether touching a ball that is touching the side, but not top, of the rim is interference. Some hs officials that I am friendly with say there is something of a debate where the cylinder is -- whether it's the inside of the rim or the outside. From the perspective from which I usually watch games -- behind the time table, this is an extraordinarily difficult play to have any chance of seeing well. In junior varsity, though, there isn't as much play above the rim. I think it's one of the few plays where good position can put you out of position, particularly in leagues that have to play sometimes with opaque or partially obscured backboards. I did not think the replay on the Okafor putback was conclusive.