Closely guarded? No. Just throw out your arms.

[Rich]

Originally posted by Cager ref 1989
Wow! If there are many more comments on this thread we're gonna need to petition NFHS to include this topic on next seasons 'Points of Emphasis'.
My main point was that in my judgement the defender (2 feet on floor facing opponent) is WELL within 6 ft on MANY occasions when the official is observed holding both arms out to side as if the defender must be within 2, maybe 3 ft before a 5 sec. count will begin...
To me...it's just elementary being able to judge whether there is good defense and will we as officials recognize that and give him/her a count.
Most HS players are, on avg., 6 ft tall.
If a HS player is standing at a distance that once lying flat on floor would be touching their opponent, BEGIN THE COUNT, they are close enough. What are we waiting on?

Personally, i think 6 feet is too far and I like the NCAAW rule (3 feet) better.

Yet, since I take a check, I follow the rules. Unless the ball is held way out front, I usually have a count of some kind working. And the better the coach, the quicker they'll demand a count when the defender is within six feet.