question on rule

[jentzd]

To ChuckElias

I will take your end answer as partially correct. If the defensive player never uses his hands, he will never be called for a foul. I fully agree with this. However, EVERY rulebook, aside from NCAA womens basketball, allows some partial use of the hands (degrees vary). In NO rulebook is it made specifically clear exactly what is legal and what is not legal. I want to defend to the maximum of what is legal.

I would add one thing - you are arguing from the perspective of an official, arguing for/against the role of the official. This thread (at least as I intended it) is not about the official's role at all. It is to be argued from the prospective of a lawyer. How is a rule (law) to be interpretted? This is why Tower (as correct or incorrect as it may be) does not apply here.

To AK ref SE
I unequivocally agree 100% with your post. The Advantage/Disadvantage is a good general rule to follow. I think everyone would agree its main problem is vagueness. In *this* case both offensive player and defensive player are being advantaged and disadvantaged at the same time - even worse, by the same set of actions.

To Wizard
No, this has nothing to do with the NBA. Its origin is quite opposite - a 1on1 refless asphalt pickup game.

-Dave