Article on Rule Changes....

[JRutledge]

Originally posted by icallfouls

I know that there are many "by the book" referees out there that will miss the intent and spirit of the rule. I forget which rule book I saw it in, but as officials we are supposed to use a certain amount of common sense. The intent of the rule is to eliminate the "Dennis Rodman"-like act of yanking off a jersey to show dissatisfaction with a call/no-call, or bringing attention to themselves, similar to when players used to do chin ups on the rim or slapping the backboard after a dunk. Not sure about everyone, but I can tell the difference between changing jerseys so that they are wearing the reversible correctly, or if the blood rule is in use versus the player that yanks their jersey out to show disgust or disagreement.

This is why there has to be clarification. I am not saying I cannot tell the difference between the acts. I think it is not clear outside of this article that this was then reason the rule was created. If you do not read the article (which many officials will not do), it will sound like any changing of a jersey is the reason they created this rule. What Dennis Rodman did would have gotten a T without this rule by me and many other officials.

Peace