old rule question ( before 1980 )

[LeeBallanfant]

Originally Posted by Hugh Refner

No wonder they changed the rule. Nobody could pronounce it.

Guaranteed that if an official had to enforce it, 90% of the time, they would screw it up. I have seen Techs given to the team leading, Officials pointing the wrong way, officials ignoring that a warning had to given each period, etc.
The worst screwup was in a university game, tied and offensive team holding ball for last shot with about 10 seconds to go. The official instead of giving a verbal and pointing warning blew the whistle and gave the warning. On the succeeding throwin, ball was stolen, and game was won on an easy layup.

The saving grace was that if 90% of the officials could not correctly apply the rule, 100% of the coaches had no idea what should be done.

Truly a stupid rule ranking ahead of players having to raise their hands on fouls called against them or receive a Tech.