NCAA to institute positive changes (I can’t believe it either)

Kentucky fans are rarely fans of the NCAA and its plethora of questionable actions, policies, and Enes Kanterisms. But college basketball’s ruling body has actually announced a few great changes this week, including a ban on deadly court stickers and a clarification of the block/charge call. I can’t believe it either.

First up is the change to on-court stickers. We’ve all seen young mean lose their lives (and the ball) thanks to the pervasive Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups stickers. That won’t be a concern any longer.

The NCAA Playing Rules Oversight Panel on Tuesday approved a rules change that requires temporary decals and logos placed on the court to be “of a consistent surface” as the rest of the floor.

The change is intended to enhance the safety of men’s and women’s basketball players. While this is a non-rules change year for the basketball, policy permits rules committees to make changes in off years if safety issues are involved.

And then of course is the dread charge/block call. Kentucky suffered from the excessive number of charge calls more than anyone it seemed. With the Cats’ tendency to drive, easily take their man off the dribble, and accelerate through transition, they were getting an absurd number of charges called. Marquis Teague alone probably averaged 1-2 charges a game, heavily influencing his turnover numbers. Hopefully next year will be a little more palatable.

Before the offensive player (with the ball) becomes airborne, the defender must have two feet on the floor, be facing the opponent and be stationary to draw a charge. Otherwise, it should be a blocking foul.

Secondary defenders (help defenders) moving forward or to the side are also in violation and those should be blocking fouls.

Contact that is “through the chest” is not de facto proof of a charge. The rule in its entirety must be considered before determining a foul.

In some cases, it appears a defender is being rewarded solely for being outside the arc, without considering the other aspects of the rules.

There may be hope for the NCAA yet, because these changes were surprisingly made in a “non-rules change year for the basketball”. “The basketball” is their typo, not mine, so don’t hold out too much hope.