Protect the *Star Player ???

[davidw]

Originally posted by lrpalmer3
Protecting the star player is NBA philosophy. I happen to like the NBA philosophy, but I am careful about how I interject it in my games.

I don't like the use of the term "star player" as it relates to our overall topic of discussion. I prefer "starters"

And while I've limited my use of "protectionism" to a very narrow set of circumstances, which have shown themselves to arise very rarely, (ie. two teammates appearing to foul an opponent at approx. the same time that instead of calling a multiple foul, the teammate without the 4th foul is judged to have committed the first foul, the natural by-product of which, allows the starter to remain in the game with hopes that a better played game is enjoyed by all.)

All that said, I never limit this application to any one player--"Star"--nor to one team. When I have applied it, and near as I can recall, that has been maybe less than 1/2 doz. times in over 30 years, it has been to any starter on either team. Also, I am willing to cease even this application if, in my heart of hearts, I feel it is unfair. I have not positioned myself to stubbornly maintin this philosophy without regard to input from others--especially those I respect.

The subject continues to turn over and over in my mind as I attempt to examine all sides.

Thanks for all the input of many of you on this board.

David