Protecting The Ball

[firedoc]

This rule, and the activity it is intended to curtail, has been a point of emphasis for a number of years. Calling this always comes down to advantage-disadvantage.If a player is using his arm(s) to alter an opponant's path or to try to pick up a slight advantage,it should be called. In fact, this activity occurs far too often at all levels of play. It is VERY common in the NBA and this then filters down to the college and then the HS levels of play. Using the arm is almost always done to obtain that little advantage and I believe that we do not call this foul often enough.

If I were doing your wife's game, I would indeed call this and, in addition, be prepared to issue the "T" if needed. The only solution is for the coaches to teach their players not to do this illegal act.