Woof woof T

[SmokeEater]

Originally Posted by Jurassic Referee

Dude, yelling from someone from behind is not considered an unsporting act under NFHS or NCAA rules, unless what the person actually yells is unsporting by itself- i.e. swearing, trash-talk, etc. Iow, it might be a "T" under FIBA rules, but it sureasheck isn't a "T" over here.

Question for y'all regarding this. I seem to recall that it was a Technical foul if you ran up behind a player attempting a layup and slapped your hands together loudly to distract the player taking the shot. I would class this in the same boat as yelling at them when taking a shot. So am I wrong to think a T is deserved for clapping your hands together in this manner? I have not had to give one out but I have received one when I was in High school and that was like 25 years ago.

Smoke

[Jurassic Referee]

Originally Posted by SmokeEater

So am I wrong to think a T is deserved for clapping your hands together in this manner?

Well, imo that shouldn't have been called 25 years ago and it also shouldn't be called now- at any level. There has never been a rule, case play or A.R. saying to call that act that I know of- NFHS or NCAA.

[SmokeEater]

Originally Posted by Jurassic Referee

Well, imo that shouldn't have been called 25 years ago and it also shouldn't be called now- at any level. There has never been a rule, case play or A.R. saying to call that act that I know of- NFHS or NCAA.

Ok thanks. I was told it falls under Unsportsmanlike conduct.

[Jurassic Referee]

Originally Posted by SmokeEater

Ok thanks. I was told it falls under Unsportsmanlike conduct.

Well, any official has the power to interpret any act as to whether it actually is unsporting or not. NFHS and NCAA rules certainly do acknowledge that.

In a case like this, I think that the best way for anyone to proceed is to talk to your local rules interpreter/evaluator, and try to get some direction from him. If your local guy wants that called, then you certainly should be calling it. Trying to attain uniformity in calls like this, so that players/coaches know what to expect, is paramount. All I can tell you though is, that from my own personal experience, clapping hands or shouting from behind an opponent are not considered as unsporting acts, and anyone making that call might not be considered for higher levels. Again, jmo; take it fwiw.