Tuesday, December 16, 2008

ASK THE REF - POST CONTACT

Question:  What are the general rules concerning contact in the post?  How do officials determine how much contact is going to be allowed in the post?  Is there any consideration given to the fact that a stronger player may have an advantage over a smaller player if the game becomes physical?  How is displacement
determined?

Answer:  When a stationary offensive player is in the post while NOT HOLDING THE BALL, the defensive player can legally make contact in ONE of the following ways:

a. One hand on the back
b. One “arm bar” on the back
c. One leg on the posterior

IF TWO OF THE THREE MAKE CONTACT it is an immediate foul.  Any dislodging of either player by the other is an immediate foul.  As soon as the ball is caught by the post the defensive player must take away the contact.

So both sides are entitled to a legal position at all times.  When either player does anything illegal it is a foul.  Therefore, displacement defined as attempted dislodgement is a key concern.  Size is not a consideration.

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