Okay, why do you suppose that word is filtered?

It's filtered here because the site owners decided to be safe.

Rich's point is that the word itself isn't considered profanity by everyone. Standards everywhere are different, and they don't always follow the FCC (which does not regulate basic cable, it regulates broadcast television).

Then again, I'm sure there are quite a few young adults who really don't understand the difference between basic cable and broadcast TV.

Charlie Sheen and the nerds from Big Bang utter all kinds of stuff before 9:00. They must not know about those shows.

Especially if he a smart ***istant.

I have no idea WRT Sheen's show. I find it, well, let's just say I don't watch. Big Bang Theory, however, I watch; and I have to say I've never heard any of the FCC forbidden words on that show.

I do believe that the rules state in 10-2 Section 3, Art 6, b that a player shall not:

"Commit an unsporting foul. This includes, but is not limited to, acts
or conduct such as:
a. Disrespectfully addressing or contacting an official or gesturing in such a
manner as to indicate resentment.
b. Using profane or inappropriate language or obscene gestures.
c. Baiting or taunting an opponent."

I know that I don't call a T when a player says it about his own play, nor do I when it's inaudible to everyone else. However, I do warn as I can. If it's loud enough for the gym to hear, it's a T whether directed at me or not.

The rules say nothing about the volume, do they?

Nor do they define "profane or inappropriate language." That standard is going to be different based on where you officiate.

Well, no...they don't. However, I think it's pretty naive to explain profanity away...we all know what is and isn't profanity.

I don't think there's any question that word is established as profanity. You could make that case for about a dozen words, but that ain't one of them.

If you want to say that word isn't offensive, then that's up to you. I'm not particularly offended by the word -- it would be hypocritical for me to say that I were -- but there are times and places where that word is verboten. Kids' organized basketball game certainly applies.

Society decides what's profanity; individuals decide what's offensive.

Agreed, and there are things I find offensive which don't get penalized in my games; just as there are things I personally don't find offensive but do. But "society's" decision is different in different areas. What's profane to someone in rural Iowa could be vastly different than what's profane in suburban Chicago. And yes, even the word at issue will get you different results in different areas.

Around here, it's an easy T; but I wouldn't be surprised to find there are areas where that's not the case.

If a player called an opponent some of the things that ARE on that show, regardless of being in the Carlin 7 or not, what would your reaction be?

I don't necessarily agree that the word is verboten nor do I think of it as profanity. To me it's no different than "crap". That word is by far and away much less offensive than a lot of words commonly coming from kids mouths these days.

I wouldn't understand half of them. Have you seen the show?

I avoid the Charlie Sheen one as best I can. The other one I see about half the time.