Closely guarded? No. Just throw out your arms.

[johnny1784]

Originally posted by Stat-Man

Seeing that's not the letter or the spirit of the NFHS rule, I certinaly wouldn't be happy if I was a coach and this shorter distance was obvious (such as by the mid court or free throw circles). It would also likely garner a lower officials rating, also.

IMO, the intent has 2 parts... 6 feet or less and defending a player. It should not be called if both criteria’s are not met.

But I think the main problem is when officials use that arms extended mechanic that is not listed officially by the NFHS.

Some even use the "fingers-to-hand-slap" indicating a ball was blocked. Now that mechanic might be useful when during a dead ball words won’t be heard to communicate to an irate coach.