Slapping the Backboard: POE

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by LDUB

I thought that the POE wants slapping the backboard to be ruled a technical foul as it does not mention anything about tries. It would be nice if this was clarified.

I'm not certain, but I think that the actual written rule, and possibly a casebook play interpretation, may "trump" a Point of Emphasis?

RULE 10 FOULS
SECTION 3 PLAYER TECHNICAL
A player shall not:
ART.5...
b.) While a try or tap is in flight or is touching the backboard or is in the basket or in the cylinder above the basket, intentionally slap or strike the backboard or cause the rim to vibrate.

10.3.5 Situation: A1 tries for a goal, and (a) B1 jumps and attempts to block the shot but instead slaps or strikes the backboard and the ball goes into the basket; or (b) B1 vibrates the ring as a result of pulling on the net and the ball does not enter the basket.
Ruling: In (a) legal and the basket counts; and (b) a technical foul is charged to B1 and there is no basket.
Comment: The purpose of the rule is to penalize intentional contact with the backboard while a shot or try is involved or placing a hand on the backboard to gain an advantage. A player who strikes either backboard so forcefully 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 pursuant to Rule 10-3-7.

2008-09 POINTS OF EMPHASIS
4. SLAPPING THE BACKBOARD. The incidents of players slapping the backboard are increasing throughout the country. The rules specify that “intentionally slapping or striking the backboard” is a technical foul (10-3-5). The spirit and intent of that rule is to penalize a player for drawing attention to him/herself or as a means of venting frustration. A player who strikes the backboard in a legitimate attempt to block a try for goal should not be penalized. Basket interference cannot be ruled in either of the above situations. Basket interference only occurs if the ball is interfered with while in the cylinder above the basket ring or by touching either the ball or any part of the basket while the ball is on or within the basket (4-6).

There may be another unsporting rule that you can use to penalize a player slapping the backboard if there is no tap, or try, but I don't know of any such rule at this time. You are right. The Point of Emphasis does not mention a tap, or try, other than citing a rule, 10-3-5, that does.