Newspaper Article

[JRutledge]

Originally posted by PA Official
Lifting your pivot foot is not a travel...not until it touches the floor again.

Unless you are starting a dribble, it is not a travel in every other situation.

Peace

[theboys]

Speaking as a fan/coach, I would use the KISS method in your article - especially since its geared to fans/coaches. If you try to get into the nuances of the rules in 500 words, you'll just confuse people. The "over the back" call is a good example. Although there isn't an "over the back" rule, there is a "push". Right or wrong, while most fans don't know the semantics, to them the two are the same.

I may be a minority of one, but the things that have helped me the most to be a more responsible spectator/coach are (not in any particular order):

1) Reading the rule book - now, there's a novel idea
2) Understanding how much judgment goes into the majority of calls.
3) The idea of "not all contact is a foul"
4) The concept of "advantage/disadvantage".
5) Refs could care less who wins
6) Refs could care less what I have to say

I still disagree with some calls, but I understand better that the ref uses all six of the above in making decisions.

For me, knowing the rules better helps me enjoy the games more. I would encourage people to purchase a rule book.