You Don't Say ...

[bballref3966]

Originally Posted by AremRed

Why not? It's just a colloquial term for "push" or "displacement" or "rebounding foul".

Because many fans think any time a tall player secures a rebound over a shorter one without contact that it's "over the back." Reporting "over the back" (a non-rule book term that communicates the wrong message) only adds credence to this myth. A push or displacement doesn't always happen by virtue of reaching "over the back." Sometimes the most common fouls in this situation are ones the involve the behind defender bumping the guy with inside rebounding position forward. Are you telling me it makes sense to report "over the back" in this instance?

If it's just a colloquial term, does that mean it's okay for us to yell "on the floor" for a foul prior to the act of shooting? Colloquial terms much of the time aren't the right terms to use.

[bainsey]

Originally Posted by bballref3966

Because many fans think any time a tall player secures a rebound over a shorter one without contact that it's "over the back."

There it is. I had to tell three coaches this year that "over the back is legal." I've loved the stunned look each time.

If you still believe "on" and "over" are the same thing, is it an automatic homerun when a fair ball goes ON the fence?

[john5396]

Originally Posted by bainsey

There it is. I had to tell three coaches this year that "over the back is legal." I've loved the stunned look each time.

If you still believe "on" and "over" are the same thing, is it an automatic homerun when a fair ball goes ON the fence?

As a baseball umpire, I dont think I have ever considered the case where a fly ball comes to rest on the top of the fence...