As I sort of hinted at above, it's hard for me imagine accidently pulling the net.

You are right.

But, as you know, that has probably never happened and never will.

Me being right?

That's not what I meant but if you insist!!! :D

:D <i></i>

In Fed rules, it certainly may be accidentally pulled. However, unless it's done to prevent and injury, it's still grasping the basket and a T. How the official may realize it's accidental and choose to pass on this call. But there is nothing in the rules that makes this okay.

Juulie,
Good questions.
1. The case play is in the section on technical fouls because that is the only possible penalty for slapping the backboard.
2. There is not enough information given in part (b). We are not told what the ball did following B1 vibrating the ring. Did it hit it? We are only told that the ball did not enter the goal. The play may or may not constitute basket interference. Here is a better case play to explain the BI part.

9.11.4 SITUATION: Defender B4 attempts to stop an apparent lob pass. While B4 is airborne, A3 moves beneath B4. To avoid injury, B4 grasps the basket ring. While B4 grasps the ring, A1 shoots from about 12 feet away. Just after A1 releases the shot, B4 lets go of the ring and lands safely. The ring is still moving when (a) the ball hits the moving ring and bounces out; (b) the ball, despite the moving ring, enters and passes completely through the basket; or (c) the ring stops vibrating (returns to its normal position) and the ball bounces off the ring. RULING: Since B4 grasped the ring to prevent injury, no technical foul is called. However, the basket interference rule applies. In (a), basket interference is called on B4 because the ball struck a still-vibrating ring. Award A1 two points. In (b), since the ball entered and passed completely through the basket, basket interference is not called. Play continues. In (c), because the ring returned to its original position before the ball struck the ring, basket interference is not called. Play continues. (4-6-4; 10-3-5 Exception)

nevadaref: is that a high school casebook?

At the higher levels, that is not going to be a T.

In general on this board, we talk in high school terms, unless we specifically state otherwise. So in high school, it has to be a T, period. there's no leeway given in the rule book. I have no clue what the college rule is on either the men's or the women's side.

Both case plays that are in my last post are from the NFHS Case Book. Those are the official high school rules.

What exactly are you saying is not going to be a T at the NCAA or NBA level -- slapping the backboard or grasping the ring when NOT preventing an injury?

As far as I know, both are Ts by the book. If I'm not correct about that one of our NCAA guys will come along shortly and post the proper ruling.

I certainly acknowledge that you may well see officials pass on making these calls due to their supervisor's instructions. Perhaps that's what you meant.

Hi Guys,

Thanks for allowing me to participate in the dialog. I think we are all on the same page. Slap the backboard when you are not playing the ball is a T. Grasping the rim other than to prevent injury - a T. My only comment was about the net. When several 6' 6" and up players are are around the rim their hands get tangled in the net and can and have displaced the rim. It doesn't happen often, but it does occur. it is only a BI. A T is given and not asked for by rule.

Have a great day.

I agree, and my point earlier was that it's not a T b/c the net is not grasped in that case. Tangled does not equal grasped. The T is not for moving the basket. The T is for grasping, which cannot be done accidentally, IMO.