Handchecking - FWIW

[mick]

Originally posted by Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.

Please do not fall for the myth of one double foul per game is too many. No one likes to have to officiate a game the requires a double foul to be called.

...As for thinking that a double foul in the post means that the first foul was missed is another myth. Yes, it happens, but it does not mean it is the norm. I do not like rough post play and if you were to analyze most post play at the beginning of the game it is a 50-50 proposition as to who starts the rough post play at the beginning of the game. Sometimes your first call is a foul on the offensive post player and sometimes it is on the defensive player and sometimes you just cannot help calling a double foul.

It is my opinion that a legitimate double foul call or a legitimate foul on the offensive post player early in the game goes along way is setting the tone for post play in the game.

Mark,
If possible, when I see two post players (by themselves and the ball elsewhere) gettin' to it, it is usually a weak foul that gets my attention on them in the first place. Once I am focused, and assuming there is nothing big, I let them play around a little until I am convinced that one push was hard than another. That's when I blow it.

I generally do not warn or coach the players anymore, but when I did try to talk 'em outa stuff during a live ball and they kept on doin' what they do, a double foul certainly was a fine tool for getting their attention.

mick