Olympic FT's

[Bobby]

FIBA is the only group still left with two-man officiating. ULEB, NBL (Australia), and the NBA all use three-man officiating.

The ban on ULEB officials has been in place since 2000 as part of the split.

Remember, ULEB has three major rule differences -- jump ball, block/charge, and time outs (can be called after final free throw is successful, and also in final two minutes of a game, ball may be advanced to the center line).

Costas Rigas, Euroleague head of officials: "With (the block/charge arc), we are encouraging all those attacking, spectacular players to penetrate to the basket without fear of getting a cheap foul from defensive players standing under basket. The semicircle gives the referee guidelines that say offensive charging will never be called if the defensive player is standing in that area."

According to the Euroleague's site, the rule is intended to clearly define contact situations under the basket. It will decrease the number of "flopping" and "no-call" situations which currently give rise to frustration and inconsistency. It will deter defensive players from seeking to draw a "cheap" offensive foul by standing under the basket and at the same time it will encourage offensive players to penetrate to the basket without fear, making the game more exciting.