RULES INTERPRETATION MEETING FOR CGACHES AND OFFICIALS OF THE

SOUTHERN DIVISION OF THE PACIFIC COAST CONFERENCE FOR THE SEASON OF 1935-36

——— eRe Ree eee te

The following were the regulations and interpretations adopted for the

season of 1935-36 to guide the Coaches and Officials in the conduct of their games.

Rule 5.

Rule 6,

Rule 6,

Rule 7.

section III.

The incoming substitute may report to either official.
Section I. Double Referee System

The following procedure is to be used by the officials in all games with
non-conference teams where the center jump is used in the execution of
the double referee system. When & goal is made, the official who is
covering the end of the court at which the goal has been scored shall ’
retrieve the ball and shall pass it to the other official. who will put
the ball in play at the center. The official who tosses the ball up

at the center shall be the judge as to whether the ball has been tossed
and tipped correctly. The other official shall direct his attention

to any other phases of the play on the court in connection with the
tip-off. For games where center jump is used according to the rules
adopted by the Conference for the season of 1934-35, the official who is
facing the scorers and timers shall toss the ball at center.

Each referee shall be solely responsible for the out of bounds plays
on the side and end of the court that he is covering, except where he
may request help from the other referee in situations in which he has
been unable to see.

In this method of officiating, both officials are instructed to call
fouls.or violations anywhere on the court. Under such a plan it is
to be expected that both officials will be blowing their whistles
simultaneously on many plays. Both officials should, however, keep
close to the play with one always ahead of the ball and the other
slightly behind it.

It is further suggested that on shots for goal, one official cover
particularly the play out,in the court and around the point from where

the shot was made while the other cover particularly the play under
and around the goal.

Section XITI. Time-keepers

The time-keeper representing the home team shall operate the watch or
time clock unless the referees shall decide otherwise.

section III. Held Bali

Officials are asked to note particularly the paragraph which follows

 
 

ay

this Rule, and also to note the following:

It is the opinion of the Conference Coaches that officials are calling
held balls to prevent rough play and to protect themselves. This
practice slows up the game and often prevents the progress of legitimate,
clever play.

Officials should not anticipate held balls, but should permit the ball
to continue in play except where conditions for a held ball are ab-
solutely complied with. Rough play or any other foul should be promptly
dealt with, but held balls should not be used to prevent or stop this
kind of play.

A held ball shall be called when a closely guarded player withholds the
ball from play in his front court for five seconds. It is to be inter-
preted that the player is closely guarded if the defense is aggressively
playing the ball and preventing the offense from playing the ball. This
situation occurs usually when the ball is in a corner or along the center,
end, or side lines.

Sectiona VIII, IX, and X. Rules pertaining to the pivot, running with
with the ball and dribbling. General

The officials are directed to use good common sense in making their
decisions with respect to these rules, i.».

1. In pivoting the lifting of the heel or toe of the pivot foot is
legal.

2. A Slight sliding of the foot is not to be interpreted as illegal
unless such movement becomes exaggerated and is used to evade or
pull away from an opponent.

3. If a player makes an illegal move to evade an opponent or in shoot-
ing for goal this should be called closely, but a slight shuffling
of the feet or doubtful movements in the starting of a dribble under
other circumstances should not be called. It is felt that such move-
ments in no way affect the game and therefore the game should not be
interrupted.

Section Ix. Item 2. Running with the Ball
The following is to be deleted from this Rule:

a. "As he receives the ball, if either foot is in contact with the
floor at the time he receives it."

b. In this part of the Rule the last phrase “if both feet are off the
floor when he receives the ball" is to be deleted.

In the sentence following "b," the phrase "or both feet strike the floor
simultaneously" should be deleted. It is the intent here that if one foot
of the player strikes the floor after receiving the ball, he may take

an additional step, or if both feet strike the floor Simultansously after

 
 

Rule 7.

Rule &.

Rule 8.

Rule &.

oe
he receives the bali, then he may step with either foot.
Section X. Dribbling
Fumbling the ball at the end of a dribble is a violation.

Section I.

The oe of the intermission shall be 15 minutes in all conference
games

Section VI.

The last sentence in this section is to be deleted. Held balls at the
free throw line are to be played the sgie as anywhere else on the court.

Section VIII. The Ten Second Rule

The coaches are definitely and unanimously in favor of the spirit and
principle of this rule, namely, that it is an effort to eliminate. stall-
ing and delayed offensive play and to gain greater action.

In ruling on the center line violations, decisions are to be made en~
tirely on the basis of the intent of the team in possession of the ball.
The following examples are to be used as guides and supplements to

this rule:

1. A player receives the ball from the back court’ while he is standing
on, straddling, or just in front of the center line. The ball is,
according to the Rule, in the front court. The ball is then passed
to a teammate who is advancing into the front court, but who, when
he receives the ball, is touching or straddling the center..line, or
is just back of the center line. This is to be ruled as legal, be- ._
cause the evident intent of the player receiving the ball is to ad-
vance it and pluy aggressive basketball. The game is not to be
interrupted or slowed up because of such technicalities. It is the

' intent that is important.

e. A player standing on the center line receives the -ball from the back.
court. He has advenced it to the front court. A teammate is stand-
ing on or straddling the center line. The ball is passed back and
forth between these two players, without any apparent attempt to ad-
‘vance the ball. This is illegal.

3. A player is standing on,. straddling, or just in front of the center
line and receives the ball from the back court. The ball has been
advanced to the front court. He pivots into the back court, and a
teammate comes around him into the back court and receives the batt.
This is illegal.

4. A player is standing on, straddling, or just in front-of the center
line and receives the ball from the back court. He has advanced it to
the front court. As he receives the ball, he pivots and then dribbles
or passes into the front court. This is legal.

5. A player is on or straddling the center line when he receives the ball
from the back court. He passes to a. teammate who.is.also standing on

 
-4-

or straddling the center line (this second player was not moving
from the back into the front court at the time he received the ball)
and the ball is then passed to a teammate who is wholly within the
front court. This is illegal.

 

Rule 10. Section I.
The paragraph headed "Note to Officials."

The last sentence in this paragraph should read: "Whenever a player is:
awarded the ball out of bounds, as provided in this Rule, or in Rule ld,
the referee or umpire must handle it before it is put in play. The
players on the Conference teams have been instructed to pass the ball
to the nearer official, immediately after any decision is made. The
officials are instructed to penalize any irregularities in the compliance
with this Rule. Such irregularities would be an undue delay in passing
the ball to the official, throwing the ball too hard, or throwing it
out of the reach of the official. In each out of bounds decision, the
officials are directed to hold the ball just long enough to see that
their decisions have been clearly understood, or in case of confusion,
long enough to permit the players to recover their positions.

For e11 out of bounds decisions it was agreed that the officials should
designate the team éo play the ball in by calling the color of jerséy
that that team is wearing.

Rule 14. Section VII.
Add the following to this section:

During a free throw, no player may raise or hold his hands above his
head. This is to be interpreted as disconcerting the player who has the
free throw.

Rule 14. Section VIII.

In addition to statements of this rule concerning kicking the ball,
intentionally trapping or blocking the ball with the leg or foot is to
be ruled as kicking the ball and is a violation. In other words,
moving the leg or foot into the path of the ball so that the foot or
leg either hits the ball or the ball hits the foot or leg is illegal.

Rule 14. Seetion XII,

The following interpretations are to be used in the clarification of
this section:

1. A player after receiving the ball in his free throw area with his
back to his goal is subject to the 3-second rule. After passing
the ball, said player must immediately move out of the free throw
area. He may not move backward into his guard.

2. A player who is in his free throw area with his back to the goal may
not back up toward his goal.

3. A "post" player must be entirely outside of his free throw area,
may not touch the lane lines, and may not pivot or step in and out
of the area to beat the 3-second rule.

 
 

-5-

The intent of the 3-second rule is to stop the jockeying in what is
called the "center-pivot play." Therefore, in cases other than the
above, and those described in the note following this rule and under
"comments on the rules" the officials must use their judgment as to
the intent, and effect upon the opponents of a player in his free
throw area. The 3-second rule is therefore merely a guié for the
officixt.

Rule 15. Section IX, X. Personal Fouls

During the discussion of charging, blocking, pushing, and tripping fouls,
it was suggested that the position of the players involved should be
taken as the basis upon which decisions would be made. For example,

Bs

Re

In the case of the dribbler attempting to go round an opponent, if
the opponent has established himself in the path of the dribbler, it
is the responsibility of the dribbler to go around the opponent. If
the dribbler in this situation charges into the opponent, then the
dribbler, not the guard, has committed a personal foul.

In the case of screening, if the player who is making the screen,

has established his position, and then is pushed cr charged by an
Opponent, such opponent has committed a personal foul. If, however,
as noted in the paragraph on blocking on page 29 of the Official

Rule Book, charging or blocking occurs as the player who, in attempt-
ing to screen, moves into his position, then the greater responsi-
bility should be on the player who is attempting to screen.

If a player has taken a position around the basket, then his
opponent must be responsible for the contact of pushing or charging
in getting around this player in an attempt to get at the ball.
Such player, the player who has established himself in a position
first, is entitled to that position.

Three situations where a player is shooting for goal were dis-

cussed

(a) 1f the defensive player is standing between the goal and an
offensive player who is shooting and this offensive player
charges or jumps into the guard as he comes into the basket to
make his shot, or after he has made the shot, then the offen-
Sive player has committed the foul.

(b) If the defensive player jumps, charges, or runs into an offen-
Sive player who is set for, is making, or has made a shot, then
the defensive player has fouled

(c) If the offensive player is moving (dribbling or running as he
receives a pass) toward the goal as he makes his shot and at
the same time the defensive player who is between the offen-
sive player and the goal moves out to meet this offensive
player so that they run, jump, or charge into each other, then
the foul may be on either or both or upon neither, depending
upon the judgment of the official.

In the case of 2 player dribbling around an opponent, the opponent
must drop his arm if it is extended or he will be responsible for
fouling if the dribbler is put at a disadvantage thereby.

If a player who is shooting for goel hits the extended arm of an
opponent with his arms so that his shot is interfered with, said

 
 

re

opponent is responsible for the foul.

Rule 15. Penalty and note following Section 14.

The judgment of the official in ruling with respect to a player who is
in the act of shooting is to be guided by the philosophy of Mr. Tower

as incorporated in these interpretations. Rulings are to be made,
therefore, exactly as in the past. This holds true also for penalty (e).

The officials presented a uniform set of signals to be used in all games. These
were unanimously adopted:

1.

Re
3.

Ae
De

6.
Te
8.
9.
10.

Time-out -- waving hands, palms forward, in a vertical plane in
front of face.

Holding -- grasping wrist

Pushing -- pushing out away from the body with the hands by
extending the erms in front.

Hacking -— hitting the arm with the edge of the hand.

Charging or blocking -- indicate by a movement by that part of
the body which was used to charge or block. .
Running -- an alternating up and down movement of the hands with

the palms down.

Illegal dribble -- a simultaneous movement of the hands up and

down with palms down.

Held ball -—- upward movement of the hands with index finger pointed
and palms facing each other.

No goal -——- alternating, oscillating horizontal movement of arms in
front of the body with the palms down.
Guarding from the rear -— form a horizontal circle with the arms

and hands.

The following statement by Mr. Oswald Tower, editor of the basketball guide and
official interpreter of the rules, was adopted as representing the sentiment of
the conference with respect to the purpose of the rules and penalties:

"We should aim to compensate a player who has been deprived of an
opportunity to make a play through some illegal act of an opponent,
rather than to inflict penalties for technical errors which have no
effect upon the play."

The conference coaches have agreed that they will not talk to the officials before,
during the progress of, or after their games on points concerning the game except
in the presence of both coaches concerned and then only upon the interpretation

of rules and not on questions of judgment.

They further express their confidence in the officials that they have chosen and
direct them to run their ball games fearlessly and consistently throughout the
whole game without regard to the conditions of the game.

JOHN W. BUNN
Secretary

 
 

Section 1:

Section “a

Section 3:

Section 4:

Notes

Note:

Modification of the Official Basketball Rules
which refer to the
Center-jump

The use of the center jump shall be discontinued and the ball shall
be discontinued and the ball shall be put in play in the manner
hereinafter provided;

(a) After a goal has been made;

(b) After a goal has been declared, as provided in Rule 14,
Section 13, Penalty (a);

(c) After a goal has been made from a free throw following a
personal foul, where only one free throw has been awarded:

(d) After a goal has been made from the last free throw, where
successive free throws have been awarded to one team and none
to the other, at least one free throw being for a personal foul.

In all cases enumerated in Section 1 hereof, the ball shali be put in
play by & member of the team last scored upon by playing it in from
out of bounds beyond his back court end line. Any player of such
team shall be eligible to play the ball therefrom.

The play~in shall be made in all respects as in the case of an
ordinary play~in from out of bounds, and all fouls and violations
applicable thereto shall be enforced.

Any interference or other act on the part of the team not entitled
to the play-in which, in the judgment of either official, is de~
signed to hinder or delay such pley-in in any manner, shall consti-
tute a technical foul for delaying the game and shall be penalized
by the award of a free throw to the opponents.

It will be observed that the center jump will still be used (a) at
the beginning of each half and of each extra period; (b) after a
free throw following a technical foul, or after the last free
throw following a technical foul, if more than one has been called;
(c) after the last free throw following a double foul, and (d) in
all other cases not enumerated in the above Section where the
Official Rules so prescribe (see for example Rule 13, Sec. 23

Rule 14, Sec 2, Penalty, Note: Rule 14, Sec. 7, Penalty.)

Any attempt by a player to delay the play-in so as to aid himself
or his teammates in securing their defensive positions should be
promptly penalized.

Additional Rulings Concerning the Modification of the Center Jump

1. The five second count shall begin when a player with the ball
in his possession is beyond the end line or when the ball is
placed beyond the end line by the officiel. If a player does
uo% get the ball immediately after a goal, the official shall

 
 

Re

place the ball beyond the endline and start the five-—second
count.

On all plays after a goal has been scored, where, on the
preceding scoring play, a player or players are forced out

of court, the official shall use his judgment as to whether
time shall be called or play withheld to permit such player

or players to recover their positions. It is intended that
the official shall put the ball in play as quickly as possible.

JOHN W. BUNN, Secretary

 
STANFORD UNIVERSITY

SCHOOL OF HYGIENE AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Divisions of: £
Physical Education Activities (Including Athletics) Division of Informational Hygiene
Paciooslonal EGucation in Fapgiens ead Chysied Rducseion Men Scadeats’ Pisaich Eecvice

University Health Service
STANFORD UNIVERSITY, CALIFORNIA

Januery 31, 1936

Forrest C. Allen, Director
Division of Physical ducation
University of Kansas

Lawrence, Kansas

Dear "Doc":

This will acknowledge your letter of January 23. Your account of

your escapades with California brought buckets of tears flowing down ny
usually dry_cheeks. Your gang certainly were a bruised outfit after those

-I mst say, however, that the Cal. boys are capable of such
atrocittes when they really go on a rampage. We manaaged to scrape through
successfully with them on our first encounter. ‘e are playing them again
this Friday in what I think will be quite a crucial game of the season. I am
keeping my fingers crossed. I have a pretty formidable gang this year, however.
They are all basketball minded, a very willing bunch, and I don't believe I've
ever had a squad with a finer spirit. In addition, I have one very outstanding
boy, Hank Luisetti. He put on a remarkable exhibition the other evening when
he scored 30 points against U. S. C. and did the most of his scoring when there
was just fifteen minutes left to play. If I ever saw an inspired team, we had
one that evening. As a result, we are now on the top of the conference by a
margin of one game. I'll admit it is a rather shaky position but I think we
have about as good a chance as anyone else. I'1l have my whole gang back again
next year and the most of them for two more years. I am planning somewhat on
coming through the Middlewest again during the Christmas vacation. Providing,
of course, that I can promote the proper financial arrangement.

With respect to the center jump, Doc, I can't help but feel, and I

am enforced in this feeling from your letter, that you are taking the attitude
that even if something is good, you wouldn't like it. I really believe that
any coach, no matter how prejudiced he is at the start, if he will open mindedly
look into the matter and will play in three major contests without the center jump
that he will change his attitude entirely concerning such a change in the rules.
Incidentally, I like the circle idea which you have suggested. We tried it out
with Nebraska out here and it is o.k. by me. However, I do not think that it in
any way affects the elimination of the center jump. It is good for held balls
for many reasons which you probably have already advanced. All I ask in the con-
sideration of the center jump is a fair and unbiased discussion of it, not an
oratorical and dramatic smoke screen to becloud the reel issue 2s was the case

- at our last meeting. I was not hurt eat losing the fight, but I was hurt at the
unfair tactics from what was presumed to be a sporting crowd. You, in particular,
Doc, told me up in your room the day of your arrival in Chicago that you would
not oppose the center jump on the floor of the convention. Don't you think you
forgot this statement rather quickly?

 

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pa re a eT ie et SAIPAN RRS fo eo en ga icheas
A aca a a a ce tee eee a cctidictaaais
 

Forrest C. Allen Director
Page 2

January 31, 1936

But, at this time, I should congratulate you on the showing of
your socuad so far this season and hope that they are successful in finishing at
the top of the conference.

It's kind of a tough racket when all the other teams
are always gunning for you because you've been at the top most of the time.

Please remember me to all of the gang and to all of the family.
With best wishes, I am

JWB:H

 

 
A

C. LONBORG. NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY
PRESIDENT

te tndndedntntne> Stet

 

Soctndod

Aap hahoe

POSSE TOV EY

POTTY

 

at

Oe ee ICERS AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS
A. C. Lonzorc, See University

Da. H. C. Caatson, Pitts! University
First. Vice-President

Fordham University

Second nets

Geoace R. Epwaans, Universi

Third Vice-President

W. S. Cuanpiex, Marquette University

Secretary-Treasurer

BOARD OF —_

H. B. Oxtwer, Cornell Un

Nat Hotman, City College fr Ne New York

‘B. Grover, Ohio University

Waap Lamsert, Purdue University

E. H. Kerrener,

   

A. McDowatp,

“| §. Dycuz, Mont. St. Coll., Bozeman, Mont.
9th Dist.: Sam Baaay, Univ. of Southern California
PRESS COMMITTEE
Nat Bameans City of New York, Chairman

A. F. Rupp, Univesi
Gronce R Epwaaps, University of Missouri
Joux W. Bunn, Leland Seanfed University
J. Keir, De Paul University
EDITOR
Gzorce R. Epwanns, University of Missouri
ee ETHICS COMMITTEE
an » Leland Stanford Univ., Chairman

RESEARCH COMMITTEE
P “Evexett Dean, University of oye a, Chairman

Dr. F.C. Arzen, Uni
eS Rusy, University
: ‘HIGH SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Jack Lipz, Thornton High School, Harvey, Illincis,

Cc A Fitch! High School,
LARENCE AMIOTT. ;
Fitchburg, ‘

Dicx Axwey, Austin, Minn.

R.
W. S. Cuanpier, Marquette University, Chairman
Sam Bazar, Dalversey <t Doe Southern California
Agr Kanzenr, Brown
Rar Hanson, State Teachers , Macomb, Ill.
é OLYMPIC COMMITTEE
Dn. F.. S Auzn, University of Kansas, Chairman
Dr. W. E. Meanwext, University of Wisconsin

a

ate

SESS VY

POSS SP ele oOo wre

OVECY

SOSOS SS SCOV TEES a

 

 

 

aa anc s pps hip hhbbbobobeoood
oor ve ove ver °

Dr. JAMES A. NAISMITH. UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS DR. H. C. CARLSON, PITTSBURGH UNIVERSITY

HONORARY PRESIDENT FIRST VICE-PRESIDENT

   

ASKETBALL COACHES

W. S. CHANDLER, MARQUETTE UNIVERSITY
MILWAUKEE. WIS.
SECRETARY-TREASURER

SERIES 1935-36

BULLETIN NUMBER 2

 

Announce Naismith Fund Plans

———— ee

1935-26 Rules Interpretations

 

A Convention By-product

 

Modification of. the Center Jump
by John Bunn

 

"Pro" vs Amateur _ Competition
To Test Some 6. Jump Proposals

ee me

Tapping the Party Line

 

 

 

NATIONAL CONVENTION - ST. LOUIS.MO., APRIL 1, 2, and 3, 1936
ANNOUNCE PLANS FOR NAISMITH FUND

Dear Coach:

A National drive, sponsored by the National Assoc=
lation of Basketball Coaches, is to get under way in the near future,
The purpose of this drive is to secure a fund sufficiently large to
send Dr, Naismith, the originator of basketball, and his wife to the
first Olympic Basketball games in Berlin, Germany, in 1936, and also
to erect a monument in his honor.

Dr, Naismith, 73 years of age, who recently retir-
ed as Professor of Physical Education at the University of Kansas, has

wife to the next Olympic Games and also to erect a monument in his
honor either at Springfield, Mass., or Lawrence, Kan,

To carry out this idea, the National Naismith Fund
Committee has drawn up the following plan: Every University, College,
Junior College, Normal College, and High School in the United States
is requested to designate one home basketball “SF during the period
of February 7 - 15, 1936, as a DR, NAISMITH MEMORIAL GAME. The athlet-
ic authorities of each school are requested to contribute to the Nat-
ional Committee ONE CENT for each person attending this game,

This small amount will work no hardship on anyone,
If every school in the country will do its part a sufficient fund will
be created to carry out the above mentioned plan. The one cent dona—
tion will be collected in any way satisfactory to the local school au-
thorities, However, the following suggestions are offered by the Nat-
ilonal Committee:

(a) Take out, from the receipts of the Naismith
game, a sum equivalent to one cent for each person attending the game,

(b) Add one cent to the price of each ticket,

(c) Take up a collection at the game. Any deficit
may be made up by the local athletic authorities equivalent to one
cent per person,

It is hoped that every school in the country will
Join this worthy cause of expressing appreciation to Dr. Naismith
while he is still with US.

Will you kindly submit this request to your ath-
letic authorities for their approval — then fill out the enclosed card
and mail as soon as possible,

Every school designating a Naismith game will be
furnished with advertising material which will assist greatly in the
promotion of the NAISMITH MEMORIAL GAME.

Your: sincere cooperation will be appreciated,
Very truly yours,

W. S, Chandler, Chairman
National Naismith Fund Committee,
Marquette University,

WSC :WEB Milwaukee, Wis,
1935-36 BASKETBALL RULE INTERPRETATIONS

(Editor's Note: The interpretations listed here are
taken from a release made from the o’fice of the National
Federation of State High School Athletic Associations, The
most authoritative source of interpretations is Mr. Oswald
Tower, Andover, Mass., editor of the rule book, H.V.Porter,
of the High School Associations, writer of the interpreta-
tions printed here, obtains confirmation from Mr, Tower on
all matters except those which apply to high school play in
those states which have definitely adopted the National Fed-
eration interpretations.)

1. Play: Al is attempting a free throw for a technical foul and steps
over the line too soon. Is the ball tossed at center or is it awarded
to opponents out—of—bounds at the end?

RULING: Center ball.

2. Play: In case a player is fouled in the act of throwing for a goal
and the goal is missed, are three free throws awarded in case it is a
disqualifying foul?

RULING: No. ‘Two free throws.

3. Comment: In the note of page 26 it would appear that the word
"tossed" would be better than "tapped". The sentence is: "On a jump
ball if one of the jumpers has one foot or both feet outside the cir-
cle or on the diameter or in his opponent's nalf of the circle before
the ball is tapped, the official may caution him."

RULING: The word "tossed" should be substituted for "tapped".

4, Play: (1) Al has the ball out-of-bounds at the end of the court
behind his basket. In throwing the ball in, the ball strikes the back
of the backboard and caroms off a teammate who is inbounds, Is the
ball in play?

RULING: Yes.

Play: (2) In the same situation, the ball after striking the back
of the backboard rebounds over the end line without being touched by
any player. To whom should the ball be awarded?

RULING: To Al.

5. QUESTION: Should time keepers notify teams three minutes before
time for the game to begin?

ANSWER: Yes, This is not made compulsory by rule but it was the
sentiment of the Rules Committee that this should be done.

6, QUESTION: Is it permissible for teams to use the huddle method of
giving signals?

ANSWER: The rules specify that not more than three seconds may be
taken for a huddle. However, the Rules Committee is opposed to the
use of the huddle and a number of states have adopted the interpreta-
tion that it is illegal to consume playing time through the use of the
huddle. In such states if there is any delay near the end of a game a
technical foul should be called immediately. Otherwise a team may be
warned and thereafter penalized.

7, Play: Al has eluded his guard and has a clear field for the basket.
ao he is in the act of trying for a goal Bl deliberately pushes
M.
RULING: One free throw for the personal foul and one free throw
for the technical foul, unsportsthanlike conduct, should be awarded.
The technical foul should be thrown first.

8, Play: Al has been in the lane two seconds when he receives the
ball and begins an offensive drive toward the basket. The offensive
play is continuous and the ball remains in the lane for several sec-
4

onds.

RULING: Under ordinary circumstances the count would not con-
tinue provided Al is on his way out of the lane by the time the three
seconds have elapsed or if he dribbles in the lane toward the basket.
The purpose of the rule is to prevent the jockeying for position in
the free throw lane, and under the described circumstances continuous
offensive play should not be hindered,

9. Play (1): Al stands with one foot outside the lane and one foot

inside at the time his team secures possession. While a teammate has

the ball he lifts the foot which is inside the lane and pivots so that

the lifted foot is brought down again inside the lane or on the line,

Should the three-second count continue through the entire movement?
RULING: Yes.

Play (2): In the same situation Al actually steps entirely outside
the lane and then steps back in. Should the three—-second count con—
tinue through the entire operation?

RULING: No.

10. Play: Al is listed by the coach as a starting player two minutes
before game time. One minute later the coach enters the name of A6
instead of Al, and the game starts with A6 in the line-up. Should a.
free throw be awarded?

RULING: If the scorer accepted this change it was an error on
his part and no free throw should be awarded.

ll. Play: After a successful free throw following a personal foul is
the official required to obtain the ball and give it to Team B out-of-
bounds under the basket?

RULING: No. The official should not touch the ball unless it is
free in his locality. In that case it would be proper for him to toss
the ball to a B player in order to speed the play.

12. Play: Team A makes a successful free throw following a personal
foul and a Team A player touches the ball as it drops through the net.
Is this to be ruled as a technical foul?

RULING: Some allowance is to be made for instinctively jumping
for the ball. Any positive act by a Team A player indicating an in-
tent to delay the game is a technical foul.

 

A CONVENTION BY-—PRODUCT

The playing of intersectional games has become so common now
that one can hardly realize that they were a novelty a few years ago.
As this is written the University of California is in New York; Drake
is meeting teams in the Pacific Northwest; Southern California is in
Kansas City; Nebraska is enroute to San Francisco; and Notre Dame is

in New Orleans. And the season is hardly begun.

A number of factors have contributed to this wave of inter-
sectional contests. Better places to play; accommodations for an in-
creased number of spectators; inherent attractiveness of the sport;
and better administration of games have all had important parts. Asa
by-product of the activities of this Association must be considered
its effect upon game administration. The officiating panel conducted
at the Chicago convention combined with the long discussion on rule
interpretations paved the way for more uniformity in the calling of
plays so that a team from one territory can meet those from another
under more satisfactory conditions. Ideal conditions have not yet ar-
rived but attendance at the annual convention by an increased number
of leading coaches soon will bring the end of intersectionai differ—
ences, and basketball will reach an undreamed—of popularity.
MODIFICATION OF THE CENTER JUMP
John Bunn, Stanford University

 

EDITOR'S NOTE: In twelve championship games last season the Southern
Division of the Pacific Coast Conference experimented with rules
adaptations which practically eliminated the center jump. The re-
sults of the test were incorporated in the following article read
at the last convention of the Association. A motion to recommend
the modification to the Rules Committee lost by a small margin,
but made such a favorable impression that the idea now is found
in the new rul.es under which the jump is eliminated following a
successful free throw after a personal foul. Coaches will do well
to study this report carefully, as the plan has many adherents
who will advance it again next spring.

 

In Bulletin No. 2, published by this Association, appeared a
preliminary account of an experiment which modified the center jump
rules, This experiment has been diligently carried through to comple-
tion during the season just closed by the teams of a number of confer-
ences and leagues on the Pacific Coast.

The facts concerning this experiment are repeated here for
the purpose of a complete record.

The idea for such an experiment on the Pacific coast first
arose in 1933. Among the four coaches in the Southern Division of the
Pacific Coast Conference, Works of U.C.L.A. and Barry of U.S.C. were
heartily in favor of trying out some plan of modification. Price of
Cakifornia was just luke warm on the idea. Bunn of Stanford, who had
been reared in an environment which taught that the control of the
tip was worth four baskets a game, was unalterably opposed to the
whole proposition. However in 1934 when California, U.C.L.A. and U.S.
C,. all came out for the experiment, Stanford swung with the majority
in the interest of research for information that would help in the
better administration of our games. The reasons which these coaches
—— for advocating the modification of the center jump rule were

hese:

1. The center jump presents one of two or three situations which
is most difficult for officials to control. (The pivot play and under-
basket play are the other situations.)

-@. The center jump is responsible for a very large number of
fouls, One estimate places the average at six per game. The number
of fouls committed largely exceeds the number that are detected or
called. Many of these fouls are of the type which tend to cause ser-
ious injury to the players.

3. The officials are often in the way of play and are subject to
many cCoilisions which have often resulted in injury to either the
players or the officials.

4, Even the best of officials are inconsistent in tossing the
ball up between the two centers. It is tossed too high or too low or
over to one side or the other.

5. The two centers are seldom satisfied as to conditions. One
wants the ball thrown higher, the other lower, One center is jumping
into the other or is pushing or elbowing on the jump or is hitting the
S oe opponent or hitting the ball before it reaches its high-
est point.

6. There is continual jostling for position by the eight players
about the center circle, all of which is very difficult if not impos-

 
6
sible to control.

7. So much stress has been placed on aggressiveness in crashing
for the ball at the tip by all teams, regardless of which center is
controlling the ball, that unless one center is clearly able to out-
jump the other (a condition which does not often happen), so that he
can place the ball to the far lanes as easily as to the close ones,
neither team is able to execute scoring plays from the tip-off. Asa
consequence the play about the center becomes nothing more than a wild
scramble for the possession of the ball, The thrill from the beauti-
ful execution of spectacular scoring plays from the center jump has
been practically lost.

8. It puts the officials more in the background and relieves
them of the responsibility of administering a most difficult part of
the game.

9, While this reason was not originally advanced by the four
conference coaches, subsequent observations and the general feeling a-
mong the players themselves has been to the effect that it removes the
advantages gained by a player by reason of his inherent height and
tends to make the competition much evener,

10. It will speed up the tempo of the game considerably and will
permit a considerably longer actual playing time.

Accordingly, after conferences and experimentation during spring
practice of 1934, these four coaches met in October and drafted a set
of rules which modified the center jump regulations and governed the
play which replaced the center jump. In brief the regulations invol-
ved the following points,

1. The ball shall be tossed up at center at the start of each
half and each extra period; after a free throw following one or more
technical fouls, where technical fouls only have been called; after
the last free throw following a double foul; and after all cases of
violations along the free throw lanes in which the rules now specify a
center jump.

2 The use of the center jump shall be discontinued following a
field goal; successful free throw if it is the last one awarded, ex-
cept as noted in (1) above,

3. In place of the center jump in the cases under (2) above the
ball shall be put in play from out-of-—bounds at the end of the court
by the team last scored upon. The regular out—of=—bounds rules shall
govern the play-—in from the end line under the above conditions.

If this experiment had been carried out solely by the southern
division of the Pacific Coast Conference, it probably would not have
developed such a widespread enthusiasm for the change and subsequently
such a convincing mass of evidence in favor of such a change. When
the rules governing the play in the Southern Division Pacific Coast
Conference were finally drawn up, they were printed as a matter of
general information, and publicity copies of these rules were gener-
ously distributed throughout the country. As a result of this simple
announcement of policy and without any attempt whatever to convert
other leagues or conferences to try out these rules, there was a most
surprising spontaneous and widespread growth of sentiment for the mod-
ification of the center jump. As a result the Far Western Conference,
the Southern Conference, the Northern California Junior College Con-
ference, the Central Coast Counties Athletie League (a highschool lea-
gue), ail the major club teams on the coast, the Y.M.C.A. teams in all
classes, and all the college teams playing independent of a conference
adopted these rules without hesitation.. In addition several high-
school leagues made the rules optional, subject to the agreement of
coaches before each game, The Stanford University basketball team
e

played ten games in the Middle West during the Christmas holidays.
Five of these games were played using these rules ei ther in: one er
both halves of the games. In addition several other parts of the
country experimented with the change.

This interest in and general acceptance of this experiment af-
forded an unusual opportunity to test out these new rules. This fact,
together with the knowledge that the experiment was carried out in
regular conference and league games, gives a high degree of reliabili-
ty to the results obtained.

In addition to statistics, the reaction, opinion, and criticisms
of the public, coaches, officials, and players have been earnestly
sought on the value and effect of such a change in the rules. At the
end of the playing season a questionnaire was sent to each coach “or =a
team that had used the new rule during the season.

The following is a summary of results, observations, and comments
which have been received from over fifty coaches, several thousand
spectators, several hundred players, and more than fifty officials:

le The modification of the center jump adds from six to eight
more minutes of actual play to each game, The average for the games
timed in comparison with games in which the center jump was used is
about seven minutes. In other words, there is this much time lost
during the game from the time a goal is made until the ball is tossed
up at center for the next play when the center jump is used.

2, The scores of practically all games inthe Pacific Coast Con-
ference were higher than in past seasons, This is a natural conse-
quence with the added playing time. The champions of the Pacific
Coast Conference averaged forty-five points per game. The high scor-—
er, Guttero, scored 186 points, an all time high, during the season as
against 143 last season. A majority of the scores in all the other
conferences and leagues reporting were higher.

3, The center rule change was received with enthusiasm by the
public. Votes were taken at the beginning of the season at various
places and showed a two to one majority in favor of the elimination of
the center jump. Later inthe season the preference for the new rule
reached a nine to one ratio.

A vote by acclamation was taken at Michigan State and Marquette
between halves of the games played .with Stanford University. In each
case the officials who asked for the sentiment of the spectators re-
ported that a large majority were in favor of the elimination of the
center jump.

Some sports editors in California were opposed to the new rule
when they first saw it in use at the beginning of the season, These
men were interviewed at the end of the season and all voted unreser-
vedly for the elimination of the tip.

4. The players, particularly the centers, are mos» enthusiastic
for the new rule. Of all the reports received, there were only four
teams on which there was a sentiment for the center jump. At a tour-
nament in which forty-eight teams were entered, there was just one
team that desired to play with the center jump. This one team had a
6'6" center who easily controlled the tip in every game. This team
finally lost out in the tournament. Since each game in this tourna—
ment was played with or without the center jump, depending upon the
mutual agreement of thé players before each game, it was interesting
to note that in every game except the one noted above the players
rushed up to the official before each game and eagerly asked to play
the game without the center jump. This is rather significant in view
of the fact that in this tournament were teams from the ninety pounds
class to the unlimited.
One junior college coach reported that the town team in his com
munity adopted the. rule and felt it to be an improvement over the game
as they played it when they were in school. He also reported that the
high-school players in-his community were quite envious because they
were not using the new rule. Gym class and playground games have been
conducted for years without the use of the center jump.

5. The officials associations on the Pacific coast are all str-
ongly in favor of the new rule, There is a general feeling of relief
on the part of the officials to think that they do not have to bother
with the center jump. They are glad not to have to handle the ball so
much and parade back to the center after each goal. This sentiment is
best expressed by those officials who worked in the P.A.A., tournament
on the coast. The center jump was used in all games in this tourna-
ment because the A.A.U. would also use the center jump in its games at
Denver, After working all season without the center jump, they were
decidedly against going back to it again. Even the teams listed to
play with the tip asked to play without it. The mid-western officials
who worked in the games between Stanford University and her opponents

pressed themselves as strongly in favor of the new rule with one ex—
ception, The exception was Mr. E.C. Quigley, who has steadfastly
maintained that there is no need for any rule changes, Here is what
these officials say in part:

Mr. Nick Kearns: "Having officiated in over 2,000 games with the
jump ball at center and upon experimenting (Mr. Kearns worked the
Michigan State-Stanford games in which the center jump was not used,
says: "There is no doubt in my mind; the center jump is through as
far as basketball is concerned, The games I worked this past season
in the Middle West for Stanford proved that elimination of the center
jump was vastly in favor with the crowds. The audiences everywhere I
officiated were almost unanimous in their votes for this elimination,
Without the center jump the game was faster and constantly on the
move. This greatly delighted the crowds of people. And don't forget
this elimination does away with a great amount of fierce body contact
brought into the play to catch the ball at the center jump."

Louis A, House of Kansas City, Missouri, who officiated in the
Stanford-White Eagle Oilers game in Kansas City where one half of the
game was played without the center jump, says: "I liked very much the
play without the center Jump. I really believe it a step in the right
direction, Have heard much favorable comment on the play."

6. All except three coaches who reported were heartily in favor
of the elimination of the center jump. It is interesting to note that
two of these gave as their reasons the fact that for the first time
they have a tall center who can easily control the tip in their con—
ference and therefore they desire to profit by whatever advantage they
may gain thereby,

One junior-college coach commented to the effect that the elimin—
ation of the center jump had proved so satisfactory to everyone con-
cerned that he doubted very much whether his conference would use the
center jump even though it were not eliminated in the national rules,

Coach Ben F, Van Alstyne of Michigan State commented as follows:
"You may quote me as saying that after trying it out we are in favor
3 not | retaining the jump. A majority of the fans also liked this
change,
9

‘Coach Bill Chandler, after the Marquette-Stanford game, said:
"About the center jump, I am quite enthusiastic about eliminating it.
Since our game I am more convinced that this change should be included
in the National Rules."

Coach George Edwards of Missouri wrote that, as a result of the
preliminary announcement of this experiment which appeared in our bul-
letin No. 2, several games were played under this plan with results
that were highly complimentary.

Coach W.H. Browne of the University of Nebraska wrote: "I made
a special effort to ascertain what different individuals and groups
thought of the change and found the sentiment about equally divided.
None strongly opposed the change, while. many were ready to accept the
change as an improvement to the game, The ones not ready to accept
this innovation desired to see more contests of this nature before
making a definite decision."

Dr. F.C. Allen, after watching the Nebraska-Stanford game (he had
previously seen the Stanford-White Eagle Oilers game), commented that
he was beginning to like the idea of no center jump. His one critie-
cism was that the officials should not handle the ball after a goal
was made in order to make possible a quick counter attack.

LW. St. John of Ohio State, after reviewing the bulletin on the
experiment, wrote: “Ohio State played an opening game about three
years ago under similar rules and liked the plan very much. I am
hopeful that the National Basketball Rules Committee may see fit to
adopt this modification for the coming year."

The coaches of the Northern Division of the Pacific Coast Confer-
ence were just luke warm on the modification rule. Their opinions
were divided and the group as a whole voted to neither approve or op-
pose the change. The experiment was not tried in the North,

7. The question was asked, Does the elimination of the center
jump entail too much additional strain upon the players? The three
reports which voted against the center jump throughout said yes, while
all others said no, The evidence is all subjective of course, but
the testimony of the players themselves is significant. In the play-
off for the P.C.C,. championship, which was won by U. 8S. C., the center
jump was used in all three games because the northern division of the
conference had used the center jump all season, U.S.C., the southern
division champion, had played all season without the center jump, con—
‘sequently they were in’fairly good position to judge the effects of
the two methods of play upon themselves. It may be that they were so
much in favor of the elimination of the center jump that their opin-
ions were prejudiced, but these were their conclusions: Guttero, the
U.S.C. center, was outspoken in his belief that*’he was much more fati-
gued by the use of the center jump. He felt that the continuous jump—
ing took so much energy that he could not play nearly as good a game
otherwise. He controlled the tip throughout the series, The other
players were not sure that they noticed any difference, Their only
coment was that they took several bad spills in crashing for the ball
which slowed them up for a time and may have hindered their game some—
what, There was only one high-school coach who reported that he felt
the game without the tip was more strenuous. From all appearances the
game is so much faster and more continuous without the tip that one
‘naturally concludes that it is more strenuous on the players. To off-
set such a possibility, it was suggested by several that the intermis—
sion between halves be extended to fifteen minutes and that between
quarters to two minutes. These suggestions seem to have merit for a
number of reasons. Experiments on fatigue under the two methods of
play will be conducted at Stanford during the spring quarter.
10

8, Was there too much of a sameness of play as a result of the
elimination of the center jump? There were just four answers in the
affirmative to this. All but three thought that the increased playing
time and activity offset any criticism of this kind that might be
made. Really the contrast after one has seen a number of games with-
out the tip is decidedly in favor of the game without the center jump.
The game with the center jump is marked with so much delay that one
becomes impatient for action. This was the typical reaction of the
spectators.

 

VOICE OUR CRITICISM LATER

Your editor has received several letters from prominent men
in which severe criticism of the new three second rule is expressed.
One such letter was printed in the last Bulletin. Swayed by the belief
additional comment along this line serves no good purpose the policy
of printing these complaints is being disccntinued for the-present.

It will be recalled that similar criticism was hurled at the
center court line and the ten second rule when they were adopted. Play
under those provisions, however, has been so satisfactory that almost
all coaches and players now agree that the changes were all right. It
may be that history will repeat itself in this respect and that a year
of competition with the lane and circle restrictions will find most of
us heartily favoring it. So far this season there are few reports in-
dicating any great difficulty in administration of the new three sec—
ond provisions, Also, contrary to predictions, large scores are much
more common than previously.

A few conferences have voted to ignore the change,—- a pro-
cedure which certainly will lead to isolation for the vast majority of
teams will follow the rules. Those opposed to the new rule will find
greater influence for their opinions if they give the change a fair
trial during the season and submit proven facts next spring to show
that the whole thing has been a mistake,

 

ADD TO YOUR ACTIVE MEMBER LIST

In the membership directory printed in the last issue of the
Bulletin the name of Frank N, Wolf, Director of Athletics, Waynesburg
College, Waynesburg, Pa., was omitted unintentionally. Please hunt up
your copy and write in his name,
A1
DISCOURAGE "PRO" VS AMATEUR COMPETITION

One item of business discussed at the annual convention of
this Association at Chicago last spring considered the attitude of the
group toward the relationship of school, amateur, Ssemi-pro, and pro-
fessional basketball players. An extract from the minutes of the meet—
ing covering this topic is printed:

SECRETARY EDWARDS: Mr. Bingham, executive secretary of the
A.A.U., is not here at this time, but wishes our opinion in regard to
the practice of scheduling games between semi-pro or pro teams and
school or college teams, He points out that a school or amateur player
who participates with or against semi-pro or pro players endangers his
jimediate as well as his future eligibility. To obtain the opinion of
this group a motion would be in order,

‘DR. ALLEN: In view of the fact that basketball will be in-
corporated in the Olympics, and in view of the fact that it might en-
danger the eligibility of school or amateur players who play with or
against professional teams; I so move you that college coaches go on
record as discouraging any participation with professional teams.

The motion was seconded by Mr, Kahler, voted upon, and car-
ried without a dissenting vote,

Along this line The Amateur Athlete, official publication of
the A. A. U., says editorially:

"Determined efforts are being made on all fronts to keep the pro-
fessional and amateur basketball teams apart and to elininate from the
amateur ranks those teams which insist upon traveling from one end of
the country to the other over long periods in defiance of the A, A, U.
rule which limits them to three weeks of traveling away from home,"

The same publication also states that the American Olympic
Basketball Committee has ruled that.no team will be permitted to play
in the Olympic tryouts under the trade name of the concern with which
the players are employed,

 

WILL TEST A CENTER JUMP MODIFICATION

Five of the schools in the Big Six conference have agreed
on two modifications of the official jumping rules to be tried as an
experiment in the championship games they play with each other this
winter. The changes are:

1. A 12-foot circle is to be drawn around the center circle and
will serve as a restraining circle for non jumpers under the same reg-
ulations in force for jump balls at the free throw line.

2, "Floor" jumps are eliminated. Any jump following a held ball,

3 for any other reason, will be made at the nearest of the three cir-
cles.
The five schools involved in this modification are Nebraska,
Kansas, Kansas State, Iowa State, and Missouri. Oklahoma, the sixth
member of the conference, was not represented at the meeting when the
changes were adopted and will not be required to enter the test. A set
of records covering the situations developed by these modifications
will be compared with similar situations found in games played under
official rules, Theoretically, the changes are expected to reduce the
crowding and fouling at center Jumps; to give the shorter player a
better chance to recover tips; to reduce the number of held balls; and
to eliminate a few out-of-bounds balls resulting from tips made in the
corners. A report of the findings will be submitted to the Association
at its annual convention,
12
TAPPING THE PARTY LINE

A, A, Schabinger, past president of this Association, and
for many years director of athletics and head coach of basketball at
Creighton University in Omaha, is now working for the National Olympic
Committee in the organization of elimination basketball tournaments to
select the representatives of the United States in this sport for the
1936 games in Berlin. His address is 654 North 57th St., Omaha, Neb.

 

E, S. Hickey, an alumnus of Creighton and formerly the head
coach of football, has taken over the basketball instruction in place
of Mr. Schabinger.

DePaul University of Chicago has enjoyed phenominal success
in basketball under the coaching of J. D. Kelly with a record of 34

 

victories in the last 35 starts. Purdue recently broke the string.

 

Coach George Keogan also has made a fine record in coaching
the basketball teams at Notre Dame University during the last 12 years
winning 189 games and losing 63 for a percentage of .750. Twenty-five
games, some of which are doubleheaders, are on this season's schedule.
With five of these already won the team has scored more than 50 points
per game.

 

Marsh Diebold-recently pitted his 1936 team against the men
of his 1933 aggregation,- a bunch which was ever—victorious. Four of
the alumni five are now coaching the game in Minnesota high schools
and several of them brought some of their players to see if their
coaches could practice their own teaching. Publicity reports gave the
result as a 37 to 37 tie. Figure that out.

 

The-Mid-West Gonference-composed of Beloit, Carleton, Coe,
Cornell, Knox, Lawrence, Monmouth, and Ripon has returned to the round
robin system of schedule after experimentation with a more loose type
which resulted in unsatisfactory arrangements for some of the teams.
Wealth of returning material gives a pre-season edge to Carleton,- Coe
and Cornell colleges. Beloit and Lawrence report that their squads
will be composed almost entirely of new players,

 

Did you ever hear of a Basketball Archer? It isa funnel-
like contraption which is attached to the top of the basket and claims
to einige the proper arch among shooters whether long or short shots
are tried.

 

Pooling of patent rights has resulted ina campaign among
manufacturers for the sale of laceless basketballs. The product has
been on the market for several years but as only one maker produced it
the others found many defects in such a ball. All such criticism now
is retracted since several of the leading manufacturers can use the
process. It would be interesting to know how many members of this
Association have adopted the Laceless ball and the reasons for their
abandonment of the laced type.

 

For nearly a decade Victor "Vic" Hurt has been coaching bas-
ketball and other sports at Oklahoma Baptist University, Shawnee,Okla.
Last spring he resigned to help his old friend, Mattie Bell. in his
new job of coaching the football team of the Southern Methodist Uni-
versity at Dallas Texas. In their first-year the two have watched the
team take the Southwest Conference championship in such a spectacular
and convincing manner that an invitation to meet Stanford in the Rose
Bowl game was forthcoming.
ORANGE HIGH SCHOOL
400 CENTRAL AVENUE

ORANGE, NEW JERSEY

March 17, 1956

Mr. Forrest C. Allen
Director, Intercollegiate Athletics
University of Kansas

Dear Mr. Allen:

Your one sentence alone would practically compensate
me for all the time spent and the trouble taken to get
together the data and then write and mimeograph it. The
sentence of yours which I so highly appreciate is as
follows:

"T have read your arguments carefully and I must say
that I heartily agree with many of them." The full sig-
nificance of "carefully" and “heartily agree" I truly
realize, for I am fully cognizant of the fact that you
are really an international figure in basketball.

Words alone will express inadequately only a portion
of my appreciation for your kind and encouraging words.
I now realize why they call you an inspirational coach.

Sincerely yours,
Be ee ae hachs

HCS:AD Coach of Basketball
Inclosure

P. S. -As a profound researcher you might be interested
in the enclosed sheet which gives further data on the
time now lost at center.
 

Time Lost at Center

 

Game Score « Field Av. Time Lost Total Time Lost
Goals Per Center Jump During Return
' to Center
x 27-23 20 12 Sec. (Approx) 4 Min (Approx)
2 42-21 26 . 9.6 5s
5 29-15 18 Lies Sed
4h 59-38 54 11.4 6.1
5 47-35 50 10.8 54
Average 10/ Seconds 5- Minutes

After Successful Foul

 

Informal Timing

To bring ball from far basket up the
court and over the mid-court mark:
5-4 seconds

(sometimes as high as 8 seconds)

 
4

A powerful case is’ mace in the following pages against the rules
which awards the ball cus oF ibocs to the opponents after a success-
ful foul goal, T he srgwnernts aveinst it are listed, the reactions ©
of players, fans, and officials are given, together with the opinions
of outstanding coaches.

After the destructive crittcism, comes the constructive. A

remedy, simple and direct, is sug

C9

sestec. “nd the results of an
exerimental game in which the proposed remedy was used, are cited.

Have a look, please.

Criticism of Present Rule which Awards Ball to Opponent
After Completion of Successful Foul Goal
Ae Arguments against
41, "Punishes" the "innocent victim"

The pule really seys to a vlayer, "If yeu are good enough
a shooter to make the ticul shot, we shall award the ball to your
opponents. If you are a poor shooter and miss the basket, why we
shall let you 'fight it cut' for possession of the bali," Thos so
team whose player makes a fovl goal is punished by the fact that
the ball is given to the opposing team. The offensive team, inno=
cent of any offense, is doubly a victim; it has been fouled and
then loses the ball if it makes the goal. The advantage given by the
foul goal is partially, if not more than completely, offset by the
fact that the opponents now have tke ball and get a chance to score
two points.

2, “Rewards" the "guilty offender"

The team which fouleigets the ball. The offender does not de=
serve the ball. Why shovld he get the ball? Is it a reward for
fouling?

Se For no good reason the offense loses possession of the ball.

The offense had the ball and should retain it or be given at
,

least an equal chance to setrivwe-it.
4. Insufficient rest for players,

The players now get less rost than ever, The rule relieves the
center of a jump but meixes the both teams (all ten men) run that
much more, including the ‘“rejiavee 1! center, In other sports, foote
ball, lacrosse, baseball, even ice hockey, the players get short
rest periods between Plays. But not co in basketball: the Players
do not get enough rest since all ten men must be first on the
offense and then on She defense all the time, Play is too contin-
uous.

S. Arbitrary rule,

The rule is altogether erbitrary;: ‘To it there is no rhyme or
reason, There is no real eason for handing the ball to the oppo
Site team. In the center jump there is more sense, for then the
opponents have at least a chance to get Possession of the ball,
Under the new out-of-bovnds rule after a successful foul there is
absolutely no Chance: it is arbitrery and fine, presenting no pos-
sibility to the offended tear, The Opponents get the ball and that

is all there is to tt, As the genten jump, even in a Siant-dwarf

lo

Situation, there is n> Sucn injustices, for there is at least a chance

Cte

to "steal the tip-off,"

6. Tho rule attempts to foist a "fast game" style upon coaches
(some) who do not want it and vdon plavers who may not be suited
Tor Tt,

The rule fosters reckless fast Passing, This type of fast.
but-not-~sure game should not be Joisted upon & coach who wants to
have his team play "slow." ‘The type of player material available
must be considered in developing a teamts style of play. If "fast"
playing is desirable, the coaches (if they so desire) can train

their men in that Style. The rule Should not legislate as to the
style of ball to be viayec
7. Necessitates two af tei ale

Mhe rule will mais veceseary two officiuls, vor one man vila be
Wwnable to ‘keep up with the piey." The pece is soo fast. Why an
official would have te be 17 Petter shape than eny end’ all the play-
ers! The offictals wiil too frequertly be in "back of the pleys,
where they cannot see, instead. of “in she front," where they eculd
see. The age of good officials will militate against their being
able to handle these new ipace-horse" games. Then, too, there is the
item of the expense of two officials.

8. Considers only spectator's viewpoint; fails to take into account
player's, coach's, game's, school's, and health's viewpoints. Too
much consideration has been given the spectator's viewpoint (speed
up the spectacle and score, score!) while the viewpoints of playsr,
coach, the good of the game, the official, the school, and health
have been neglected.

9. Fules are not supposed to eousldze Size.

Doing away with the center jump tends to equalize the size of
teams, but it is doubtful if rules should be made which will mvulliry
size or equalize it (except when size alone operates to oversnacow
the whole game, which is not so in this esse.) The rulec ere te
guarantee playing conditions which «re sair to all Dieyers. af the

i

big man must have his size "cut down,’ then the little man must have
his speed cut down,
10. Game not really speeded up; deferse is, but not tne offonse,

The offense moves up to mid-court (vaniciy or slowiv, according
to the team, the coach, the condition of tne playars, the time cf the

game, the score, esc.) the offense moves uc anc tasn "statis". due to

the fatt thet ali five of the defense are in position to regist tne

~
the offense. Tne many men in motion give the impression of a speca-
ed-up game, but most of the men and most of the speed is the defense.
The defense is all set for the offense.

11. Time and Energy are wasted bringing the ball up to scoring

area.

To bring the ball up from the farthest end of the court to
within scoring range requires at least several seconds. Thset time
is really wasted but could be saved by a chenge in rules.* Most
certainly the energy is wasted. Great back-court activity is wasted
ate. That energy used in useless running should be conserved so
that it could be put to better use when the ball actually reaches the
scoring area. The punch should be saved for front-court activity.
12. Playing is now so strenuous that speeding it up is inadvisable.

With its quick starts and stops and its continuous running and
jumping basketball is & most strenuous game. It hes no rival in the
demands it makes upon a whole team all the time. lonk Meyer, Don
Blser, «end Red Hagan, eccording to Richards Vidmer, think basketball
is tougher, physically end mentally, than football end requires better
condition. WNMore speed is inadvisable.

13. Basketbell should not be made into ashuttle race.

Racing back and forth from one end of the court to the other at
break neck speed is not necessarily good basketball. The westerners
call head-long playing “fire-department* basketball.

14. Out-of-bounds is not as fair or just as the center jum.

No fairer, more just, way of putting the ball in play than the
center jump has as yet been devised. A big center-man may "eet the
jump" but efter that he may be in his own way and also that of his

team-mates. Then, too, speed, guile, smartness, etc. can still be

*See Suggested Remedy
matched against size and avkwardness.
15. Especially unfair at the end of a game when the score is close.
During close games, especially at the very end of the playing

panies: the rule works « special hardship on the team which is behind.
a few points and desperatziy 1s trying totie the score. if fouied,
all the losing team can 2t best do is to score one point and then it
loses possession of the bail. ‘They cannot urain gain possession of
the ball until the other team make emistake or attempts a shot. Even
in the latter case the ball may be retired by the winning team. Thus
the losing team, if fouled, hes 1ittlLe or no chance to tie the score.
The rule tends at the end of a close game to put a premium on fouling

by the winning team ana on fpaks missing by losing tean.

Summary Statement:
In view of the reasons just advanced, the rule is a poor means
to an end which cannot be completely justified. More rational re-

sults ought to be attained. Better means can be devised.

B. Opinions of Coaches, Players and those interested in the Game.

Numerous players, fans, officiais, end coackes, with whom ni
have discussed the rule, have agreed thet it lacks sound reasoning
and that what it proposes to accomplish cam be better done by a more
rational means.

While the West Coest is in favor of elimineting all jumps at
center, I have never read nor heard any convincing argument for doing
so.

Coaches in the East end iid-west are in favor of retaining the

center jump. They do not want 4t eliminated and deplore the results

of the new out-of-bounds rule.
"Phog" Allen:

"Commenting on the ecntention that elimination cf the cznter
jump speeds up the game, Allen said he was afveid there would be -
too much speed, both for the pieyers anc for the spectators. He
said the plan would me2n faster play at the expense of skill in
ball handling."

"IT see no need of abclishing the tenter jump unless all jumps
are abolished and sone other euuitable way found for putting the
ball into play." :

Hugh McDermott (University of Oklahoma):

"T am in favor of the center jump and feel it gives an un-
certainty and suspense that is part of the game. If there is too
much crowding around the center circle, there always are two of
ficials to call it. I can see little good in surrendering the
ball to the opponents without an equal opportunity to procure it
by hard work and ability. Especially is this true in the closing
minutes of a close game where possession of the ball is of great-
est importance."

George Edwards (University of Missouri):

“Absence of the center jump would speed up the game, but
might make it too strenuous." he says, "Five-man combinations
could not play an entire game because the increase of actual play-
ing time from four to eight minutes would put too great a burden
on the players. That pause after a basket with the center jump,
may be good for the crowd, too.”

Craig Ruby (University of Illinois)

"T don't favor eliminating one important and traditionel phase
of basketball, the center jump and play after the tiper?, To me
this is the same as suggesting the elimination of pase-stealing in
baseball. There is more to the center jump and play than merely
having two tall men leap."

Lewis P. Andreas (Syracuse University)

"The center jump is one of basketball's most attractive fea-
tures. It always has been associated with the geme and, as yet,
no good argument has been acvancec. against it. While some coacnes
claim injuries result, I have yet to see an injury caused by a cen=
ter jump in my twelve years of coaching,

The claim that the censer jump causes fouls is certainly not
true in Eastern backetbell. Another argument advanced claims 1%
is unfair for a teil wan to consercl the tio, Most teams possess
a tail center but it is unusual +o have him contrel the tip com~
pletely. A smart defensive tean will steal the sip-off repeat2d-
ia