‘uring the last few years there has been a marked change in sentiment
relative to blocking. ‘Te use of e type of playing that has become general
has given rise to the term "legal block". The better coaches have used
this type of play so commonly that general practice has become contrary
to the spirit of the rules concerning blocking. These rules were form=
ulated at a time when it was felt that the sole attention of every player
should be on the ball. Since common practice among the better coaches

is contrary to this idea, it is felt that that part of the rules having
to do with blocking should be brought up to date and made to harmonize
with best practices. The term "legal block” is not a desirable one.
Vhere is a stigma attached to the term blocking and legal plays should
not be regarded as cireumventions of rules. “he type of play in which

a forward loses his guard by passing close to a pivoting team mate

and his guerd is so conmoniy used that it should not be regarded as sub-
versive of the spirit of the rules. ‘he present general opinion is that
a player is entitled to any place on the floor if he gets there first.

If contact ensues, the rules governing personal contact should applye

if an offensive player, after passing the bail to a team mate rms be=
tween the receiver and his guard, he should not be penalized for doing

so provided there is room to pass between without making contact. If,

in so doing, contact ensues, however, the foul may be on either the offens-
ive or defensive mane Im case of doubt the responsibility for avoiding
contact. should be on the offensive man just as it is on the dribbler in
such a situations

In cases where one or more players run down the floor close to and ahesd
of or parallel to a team mate who has the ball, with the apparent inten-
tion of prevening any opponent from approaching the bali carrier a form
of charging usually results. The charging rule should apply. In case of

doubt. aa to who is weanenatzle § the srqninaineat. pane be on, ees mon 2

i taarnce

 

Hiost cases of contact ‘through so-called "blocking" are eaused through —
use of wide spread ays or elbows or the sie we of the hips. Fouls
should be called for such infractions. : re

 

Ss pebeeadad