A move I have seen in rec leagues where there is sometimes a size disparity among players, is when a much larger defender extends both arms around a smaller player with the ball from behind. No apparent contact, but the move resembles a "bear hug". I'm not sure what the call should be, but I am sure that I don't like the move and want to call something. What's the correct call?

If it is clear to everyone in the building that this player made no contact, other than with the ball, call a held ball. Otherwise, a holding foul is obviously correct.

I find it hard to believe that there is NO contact in this situation. There is usually some contact on the arms or the body. Since they aren't in legal guarding position, I would call a hold.

Cyber-Ref,
Unlike dhodges and Nevadaref, I prefer not to penalize a player for size.
mick

I'm with mick."No apparent contact" = no foul. Size don't matter.:D

With younger teams, I have taught my players that when a defender is guarding with their arms around or over my player, my player should move through (arms around) or shoot (arms over) to make sure there is contact. Without contact, no foul. If younger players get intimidated by the "bear hug" without any contact, there is a coaching problem, not something for the officials to cure by touchless personal fouls getting called.

You usually see this in little kid rec games (under 12 or so?). I just take my whistle out of my mouth and say "don't hug!". Maybe I have to say it 2 or 3 times but it usually works. FWIW. And, I wanted an excuse to post this picture

http://us.news2.yimg.com/us.yimg.com...ear_gel103.jpg

I'm w/ the other guys no contact no foul. YOu often see this on rebounds as well when a taller player reaches over a shorter player and clearly rebounds and everyone in the gjm wants "over the back" and the two zebras on the court are the only ones smart enough to know this is not a foul.

About the "bear hug" Butch is correct if players are coached to "create contact" by moving through the "hug" it is an easy hold call for officials.

Cyber-Ref,
Unlike dhodges and Nevadaref, I prefer not to penalize a player for size.
mick [/B][/QUOTE]I'm with mick."No apparent contact" = no foul. Size don't matter.:D [/B][/QUOTE]


I hear that a lot from boyz...

I'm with mick."No apparent contact" = no foul. Size don't matter.:D [/B][/QUOTE]


I hear that a lot from boyz... [/B][/QUOTE]

Oh baby, behave!

http://www.everwonder.com/david/aust...swingdance.gif

I hear that a lot from boyz... [/B][/QUOTE]

Oh baby, behave!

http://www.everwonder.com/david/aust...swingdance.gif [/B][/QUOTE]

Sorry, I got carried away. Been stuck in a blizzard, -5 degree temps for about 2 weeks now. Mind tends to freeze up.

I'm with mick."No apparent contact" = no foul. Size don't matter.:D [/B][/QUOTE]


I hear that a lot from boyz... [/B][/QUOTE]Everybody's a critic!
http://www.stopstart.fsnet.co.uk/mica/flash.gif

JR you are the man!!!!