robt
Years ago
It's time to talk about Flopping..
How about a thread dedicated to this topic. Just read the thread on Jesse. In nearly every thread, not just Jesse, the flopping issue rises its ugly head. Let's let it all out here.
*The rule and its interpretation.
I remember looking for an answer to this (previously) and found a FIBA official rules doc that described the actual movements allowed (by the defensive player).
My paraphrasing as I can't find the doc again now (convenient, isn't it?). In that doc, it stated that the defensive player was allowed to move, backwards (we all know that) but it also stated that lateral and diagonal backwards movements were also ok so long as the (defensive) player already had a legal position, or words to that effect. Of course, reaching in and so on would still be called as per normal but charge or block is where this applies.
In my search for this doc or one similar on FIBA charge/block fouls, I not only found no reference to that specific subject, I did not even see any reference to offensive fouls.
Another issue I have with charge/block fouls is that often, when a flop is evident and called, you will find that the offensive player does infringe the defensive player's legitimate "space" and has actually committed a foul PRIOR to the flop.
Finally, it has been my belief that players safety is always FIRST priority. I was taught (when I was doing my apprenticeship) that a defensive player is allowed to move to preserve his own safety and in that case a blocking or defensive foul should not be called in this situation. Yeah, I know, another judgement call!
*Possible alternative ways of dealing with it.
My strongest thoughts are to call the offensive foul and to ignore the flop. The (flopper's) team is at a disadvantage anyway and the offensive team gains an advantage, anyway.
*Who's guilty.
Name names, if you like/dare! I don't like this part but it's inevitable that we will go down that dark path.
