FOR PBA 101

We got good feedback after the first instalment of PBA101 came out last week and a lot of the requests concerned the new rules that have been adopted for the 2009-10 Season. Perfect timing, because this is really the subject that will be tackled on PBA101 this week.

Engr. Norjhun Garingo of UP-Diliman specifically asked about the flopping rule, so this 2-part series on the new rules will start with that.

FLOPPING

Flopping refers to a defensive player intentionally falling backward to the floor after a slight physical contact or even before there is physical contact with an offensive player. In other words, flopping is falling down to fake a foul. 
Under the new rules, a player is given a warning on the first infraction. Succeeding violations of the rule will merit technical fouls.
This is the same rule being used by FIBA. In the NBA, there is no on-court action for flopping during a game. However, flopping is part of the officials’ post-game report and floppers are sanctioned by the league. Floppers can be fined or suspended or both.

24-SECOND VIOLATION

The 24-second violation is now ignored when the opposing team has clear possession of the basketball.
This happens when a player shoots an airball. In our previous rule, if the 24-second shot clock buzzer sounds even when the ball is already in the hands of the opposing team, play stops and a 24-second violation is called. In our effort to minimize game stoppages and speed up the game, starting this season, even if the buzzer sounds but the opposing team already has clear possession of the basketball, play continues.

BACKBOARDS

All parts of the backboard (front, sides, bottom and top) are considered in play when struck by the ball except the back of the backboard, which is not in play.
The ball is considered out of bounds if the ball hits the top od the board and passes directly behind the backboard from any point. Any ball that rebounds and goes over the top and passes directly behind the backboard without hitting any part of the board is considered out-of-bounds.
It is considered a violation attempting a field goal directly behind the backboard, using its upright vertical edging as boundary.
Before, when the ball hits the top of the board, the referees blow their whistles because it is already considered out-of-bounds. In the new rules, after the ball hits the top of the board, as long as the ball does not drop and pass directly behind the backboard, ball is still in play. This means we can have a situation where the ball bounces of the rim, hits the top of the backboard and then drops back into the basket and the basket counts.
Also, under the previous rules, a referee will nullify a basket if a player shoots from a very deep side angle with the ball coming from a plane beyond the backboard. In the vernacular, “sobrang lalim sa side.” With the new rules, as long as the shot is not made directly behind the entire length of the backboard, a converted shot will count.

MONKEY RIDE

Hanging on the rim after a dunk is now allowed.
Before, when a player hangs on to the rim after a dunk, a technical foul is called. But to give our more creative dunkers as much leeway to please the fans, this rule has been discarded.

(To be continued)

If you want any other topic discussed or would like clarifications on any league matter here on PBA101, just email us at pba101@pba.ph.