Slapping the backboard
 

I ref in a rec league with some very athletic players. A rule in the league call for a tech for slapping the backboard. This is a tough call. This happens sometimes when going up to block the shot. I do award the basket if contact with the backboard disrupts a shot attempt from going in the basket. Obviously I should be abidding by the league rules or talk to the commissioner about it, but I just think it is a tough rule to enforce. Thoughts and comments.

First, awarding the shot for slapping the backboard is wrong. You can never, by rule, award a shot for contact with the backboard.

I don't know if your rec league rule is different than NFHS rules, but by NFHS rules slapping the backboard is either during an attempt to block a shot and therefore legal, or it is an intentional act that earns a player a technical foul.

Slapping the board is never basket interference.

That is interesting. So if the contact with the backboard in an attempt to block a shot disturbs the goal, therefore altering the natural progression of the ball, you dont award basket interference. I guess I always viewed this rule wrong.

You aren't alone. It comes up at least once every year here. It's a common fallacy, sadly amongst some officials too.

This may be becuse FIBA's rules are diffrent...
31.2.4 Interference occurs during a shot for a field goal when:
• A player touches the basket or the backboard while the ball is in contact with the ring.
• A defensive player causes the backboard or the ring to vibrate in such a way that, in the judgement of the official, the ball has been prevented from entering the basket.
• An offensive player causes the backboard or the ring to vibrate in such a way that, in the judgement of the official, the ball has been caused to enter the basket.

In other words if you slap the BB in a fiba game, and you (in the officials judgment) prevent (defense) or cause (offense) the ball (not) to enter the basket, that is BI and points should be awarded or removed.
But listen to the other guys in your case;) I am just speculating in why people never learn the rule properly

I don't know that I'd assume the myth has anything to do with FIBA rules. That implies people in the US are aware of FIBA rules.

If the league wants it called that tightly, call it that tightly. The players will adjust.
NFHS rules allow for a player blocking a shot (or trying to) to hit the backboard without penalty. However, if your league wants it called differently....

Honestly Americans only think about FIBA rules every 4 years.

Peace

If only we did, our basketball teams might play a little better.

I do not think this is a priority for most Americans. We dominated the game for so long and most pros that are eligible to play would rather not play. Until this becomes a burning desire again, no one cares.

Peace

Another Myth Bites The Dust ...
 

Slapping the backboard is neither basket interference nor is it goaltending and points cannot be awarded. A player who strikes a backboard so forcefully that it cannot be ignored because it is an attempt to draw attention to the player, or a means of venting frustration, may be assessed a technical foul. When a player simply attempts to block a shot and accidentally slaps the backboard it is neither a violation nor is it a technical foul.

I think that is the case for why america isn't dominating anymore, if you ask me you have got tangeled with to many diffrent ways to play the game
imho american players on all levels would benefit if you made your rules in NCAA, NFHS, Fed and NBA (might have forgotten something) more similar to eachother. I am not saying they should all be FIBA since I acctually think there are a few flaws in the FIBA rules (like the 3-point line being a bit to short) but I think globally we would benefit if we could design rules that are more similar to eachother then they are now

Never happen. NFHS and NCAA rules are written specifically for different age groups. NBA rules are geared towards entertainment. Each ruleset has a different objective.

But then how come that the rest of the world manages to have the same rules for men and women young and old.
Ok, for example as I mentioned the 3point line should be moved out for pro's and adult players. But then again, it's not that it is an impossibility to do it so why not at least try to make them more alike?

But it is... Play On!! ;)