Impressive? Sure...(Newbies Heads Up!)

[Adam]

Originally Posted by Camron Rust

Why isn't it practical? Many of the differences that do exist have nothing to do with the different end goals of the various levels. It wouldn't be difficult to bring them all into alignment under a single body with sub-sections to differentiate where it makes sense (length of game, 3-point line distance, uniform requirements, etc.).

There is no good reason for any of the basic definitions, fouls, or violations to be any different.

While this is true, there's no compelling reason that's going to get the various councils, committees, and poohbahs to relinquish control to change rules. Some of the differences are fairly significant (backcourt, for example, between FIBA and NFHS), while others are less so ("intentional" vs "unsporting").

Time outs, for example, are simply a part of the strategy of the American game.