An NCAA basketball committee recently approved three rules changes intended to clarify block-charge calls, who can shoot free throws after an injury and the expanded use of instant replay.
“The game has to constantly be evaluated because the court is smaller, the rim is getting lower and the players are bigger,” said U head coach Jim Boylen.
Changing the way block-charge calls are made stems directly from surveys taken by coaches. Coaches did not like the amount of contact that was occurring under the basket because it was leading to increased injuries.
Defenders must now establish position outside the area between the backboard and the front of the rim to draw a charge call. The rule is very similar to the one used in the NBA but will not come with a half circle under the basket.
“Not having this rule in place has lead to a lot of injuries,” Boylen said. “This change will benefit not only the players, coaches and officials, but the fans too.”
Altering the rule on who is allowed to shoot free throws for an injured player might seem random, but the change is much needed.
The old rule would allow the injured player’s coach to choose any other player on his team to step in and shoot.
If the player unable to perform was a terrible free throw shooter, then his coach could replace him with the team’s best shooter. Many felt the rule had been abused, as some players were accused of faking an injury so they didn’t have to appear at the charity stripe.
The new rule will allow the opposing teams coach to choose from the four remaining players on the court at the time of the injury to shoot the free throws. This will eliminate any accusations or thought of cheating and will force coaches to be strategic in late game situations.
The committee also approved expanding instant replay to determine if a foul is flagrant, which would result in ejection. If the foul is not deemed flagrant, the officials could still call an intentional or technical foul for the contact. This is the only rule change that will apply for both men’s and women’s basketball.
“Each of these changes is great. If the rule is fair and better for the game then I approve of it,” Boylen said.