Hand Checking

[Tim Roden]

I am starting to get mixed signals on how we are to call handchecking this year. My rule book and the state are saying zero tolerance. At the same time the local clinics given to the new officials have been teaching the old tolerance for some minor handchecking as long as no advantage is gained. I want to know are we going to have to have a meeting like they had last year for the NCAA officials in order to get veterans to increase the calls? Also how is your area planning on calling it?

[BktBallRef]

We were told yesterday that there would be zero tolerance. But you and I both know that won't happen.

[walter]

We are being told no tolerance with a caveat (don't you love it!!!) If a defender merely touches a stationary opponent who has the ball to establish distance for defensive purposes, and there is no dribble taking place at the time of the touch, the contact is deemed incidental unless the hand remains in contact or the opponent is displaced.

[Zorn Packte]

This weekend, Peter Webb asked us in a clinic, "if the touching doesn't give an advantage, why do it?" The dribbler doesn't get to establish "distance" by touching people. That's why we have eyes.

[Mark Padgett]

I always think of handchecking like a "yield" traffic sign. You haven't yielded if you have caused a change in speed and/or direction of an oncoming vehicle. You haven't handchecked to the point it should be called a foul if you haven't altered the other players movement or ability to begin movement.

Of course, a push with the hand alters movement.

[JRutledge]

Both the NCAA and the NF have made drastic strides to reduce rough play. And if you have happen to seen both the Women's and the Men's NCAA tapes, much of the contact is strongly encouraged to be called. So just call it the way they want it. Still make sure there is some displacement, but do not encourage defenders touching the ball carrier. It might be hard at first, but if they do not adjust, keep calling.

Peace