Charging vs Blocking

[robertclasalle]

I ref the defense and always try to remember that the defender may move anywhere except into the dribbler, thus, I never have a problem calling a charge as often as warranted, but something that bothers me is the flop, i.e., incidental contact followed by a kid hitting the floor like he was struck by a train, we're supposed to call a tech foul for this but I never have, so I am left with not calling a charge because the contact was incidental even though the defender hit the floor, of course, the spectators and coaches see nothing but the kid on the floor and want some call (even a block), but they don't get it from me. You know what you hear, "You gotta have something on that!" Maybe I should start calling the tech foul but it seems like a tough sell. What does everyone else do?

[JRutledge]

I do not call Techs in that situation. I think I would only call a T when there is no contact at all. If there is some contact (meaning they touch) then I will either not call anything or I will call a block. Usually when you call a block they will get the message. Save the T for the most extreme situation. Some will disagree, but I have never seen a T for this kind of situation. I have told coaches as well, "He flopped and if you want me to call a T on them I can do that." Coaches get the message too.

Peace