I see no reason to change it. The kid scored - just not for his team. Why should the rules save them from themselves for something so fundamental? Now if it weren't already in the rules, I doubt I'd argue for it to be created but already being there? I kinda like that there's a tangible price for such an elemental mistake. :)

NBA Violation ???
 

Doesn't the NBA already have such a rule, or a similar rule, in place?

It's a violation, under NBA rules, to attempt to score in the wrong basket. Ball is awarded to the opponent at the free throw line extended.

So the NBA rule essentially is NOT to punish stupidity?

No. It's for gambling purposes.

(Team is up by 6, line is -5, player scores in wrong basket changing the winners / losers).

It's an integrity of the game issue...if this play would have happened in an NBA game, you best believe there would be cries of fixing the game or point shaving by the player...no matter the validity. This rule doesn't apply to situations like during a rebound when a player may accidently tap the ball into the wrong basket.

Tap Dancing ???
 

Sounds a little like the, now defunct, mid twentieth century NFHS rule that told us that a tap was not the same as a try.

A tap is still not the same as a try. That's why NFHS rules define both terms.

Nor is it a distinction without a difference. You can score on a tap with .3 seconds on the clock.

Misty Water Color Memories ...
 

Good point, I apologize if I confused anybody, especially the young'uns.

I was referring to the olden days when a player fouled in the act of tapping a ball toward the basket was either awarded the ball out of bounds, or a one and one, and was not awarded two shots, because a tap wasn't treated the same as a try in terms of the act of shooting.

At least that's how I remember it. I'm sure that Mark T. DeNucci, Sr. will be moseying along shortly to confirm, or deny, my statement.

The blue team, Millwood went on to win the state championship in triple overtime last night. Unbelievable when you think about what it took to get them there.