College Question - Elbows

[GoodwillRef]

The new rule change for 2010-2011 states that when an elbow is swung/moved in such a way that it creates non-incidental contact above the shoulders and yet is not deemed excessive, that foul must be a minimum of an intentional foul. The following information is intended to provide more detail about what this rule change is and is not.

1. Specific Rule Language.

This rule will be added to NCAA Basketball Rule 10-1.13, among others places, in the 2012 Rule book when it is published in the summer of 2011. The following is a draft of the new rule language and may appear differently in the book.

Rule 10-1 Personal fouls (live ball contact)

When the action of the arm(s) and elbows resulting from total body movement, as in pivoting or movement of the ball incidental to feinting (faking) with it, releasing it, or moving it to prevent a held ball or loss of control, illegally contacts an opponent BELOW the shoulders during a live ball, that illegal contact may not be considered a flagrant foul for excessive swinging (Rule 4-36.7), but a personal foul, common or intentional, has been committed.

When the action of the arm(s) and elbows resulting from total body movement, as in pivoting or movement of the ball incidental to feinting (faking) with it, releasing it, or moving it to prevent a held ball or loss of control, illegally contacts an opponent ABOVE the shoulders during a live ball, that illegal contact may not be considered a flagrant foul for excessive swinging (Rule 4-36.7), but a minimum of an intentional foul has been committed.

Any foul involving excessive swinging of the arm(s) and elbow(s) (Rule 4-36.7), either above or below the shoulders during a live ball, or that otherwise meets the requirements of Rule 4-29.2.c and 4-29.3.f.1 shall be penalized by a flagrant personal foul.