What's a foul these days?

[Jimgolf]

Originally posted by Rich Fronheiser

And A/D works best at the varsity level or above. At the lower levels and in many V girls games, contact puts the players at such a disadvantage that you have to call a lot of fouls in situations where you 'd likely pass on them in a V boys game.

Just how this one zebra sees it.

--Rich

Two good points, Rich. Unfortunately, the concept of A/D has not filtered down to the fans of lower levels. Most parents (and new coaches) in particular think that any contact should be called a foul. In truth, there is some advantage gained by a defender for any contact with the offense (since it slows the offense down and makes it more difficult for the offense to get to their destination), but whether a foul has been committed has to be determined by the referee's interpretation. The players learn quickly what is allowed. It's too bad the fans don't pick up on it.

I, too, remember a gentler form of HS basketball and recall when only the Big Ten had a lot of contact among the major conferences. There was also a time when they had to put chicken wire around the court to keep the fans from tripping the players. What era should we be more nostalgic for?