The commercial used to say “be like Mike“. There was no doubt about who Mike was. It was Michael Jordan – and children wanted to play like him. Now the saying might be updated to “be like LeBron” (or Kobe or CP3 or Dwyane or a myriad of other NBA stars).
What happens on the television screen showing NBA games is played out in school yards and school gymnasiums. And an appropriate way to characterize basketball rules is “confusion”.
Some believe that the NBA has rewritten the rule book. The NBA denies this. The NBA has put a video rule book online. Does this allow for two steps before traveling is called?
“For as long as Hawks coach Mike Woodson can remember, basketball players, coaches and officials have ignored the rule book where “walking” is concerned.
The NBA rule book always mandated that a player on the move had one step to gather the ball after suspending his dribble.”
link: NBA’s new rule paves way for two steps
additional link: Video rulebook could be critical success in educating masses
additional link: NBA: Traveling rule was not changed
The NBA maintains that there is no change in the concept of traveling. While this may be the stance of the league offices, the officials on the floor sometimes call a player for too many steps – and sometimes the call is not made.
Whether it is in the rule book or whether it is how the rules are interpreted, there is inconsistency between games and within games. The efforts of the NBA to clarify have added to the confusion. Of course, the fans will question the officiating. However, on the playgrounds and school yards, the game of basketball will be changing. The kids will follow the example of the NBA stars, no matter what it says in the rule book.
Catherine Forsythe
