FIBA: Brazil vs. USA 7/16/12

[Jay R]

Originally Posted by AllPurposeGamer

I tend to agree...I thought there were a lot of freedom of movement plays that were passed on that should have been called. Lots of handchecking, body bumps, impedes off ball and some borderline screens. And it seemed the USA players adjusted, because they were just as bad at times. As someone who is accustomed to watching the NBA and NCAA basketball, the game was quite rough. This isn't necessarily something confined to this game and more something that seems to be accepted in the international game.

Any folks who use FIBA rules have any insight on this?

I officiate in Canada and use FIBA rules. I agree with you that International Games are more physical and officials pass on more contact. I don't believe however that it is because of how the rules (FIBA) are written. Most of the rules that deal with contact are consistent with NBA, NCAA etc.... It's probably because historically international games weren't called as close and unlike the NBA which has put pressure on its officials to tighten things up, FIBA has not done this as well. We're talking here about officials from all over the world and let's face it, some of them are not as good as North American officials (I'm going include Canadians in there with Americans to show my bias). I think as officiating around the world continues to evolve and improve, the international games will probably start to ressemble more what you see in the USA.