The new rules of the game

The Philippine Basketball Association is hoping that new rule changes will help create an explosion of scoring in the league, and last night was our first glimpse of the actual implementation. They may not look exactly like FIBA games, but we’re getting there.

“If there are many stoppages in a game, it becomes  boring,” PBA OIC Sonny Barrios told this writer. “Personally, I really don’t like ticky-tacky fouls.”

In the last few conferences, officials of some teams complained that scores were being driven up more by free throw shooting that by actual scoring. Too many fouls also made the games longer, with lees reward for an audience’s patience.

The first rule change to catch attention was the shortening of the distance of the three-point line from 22 feet to 20 feet, six inches. This will definitely stretch defenses, and change the way individual talents slash to the basket.

“I’m sure that, initially, there will be more attempts,” Barrios explains. “But you have to look at it in connection with the other rulers, like the hand-check rule, which will now change the dynamics of the game.”

“The referee will give the defensive player some leeway but the referee can decide if he restricts the movement of the offensive player,” elaborated PBA technical head Perry Martinez in statements about the rule changes.

Perhaps the most difficult rule to implement will be the “free ball” rule, which was actually first eliminated when open basketball was allowed in the Olympic Games in 1992. Essentially, once the ball hits the rim, it’s fair game. Anybody can go after it, swat it away, or rebound it. There will be no more lucky bounces.

“Once again, this is to make the game more exciting,” Barrios adds. “We’re not here to make the referees’ job easier.”

And speaking of referees, the league has also instituted higher standards of endurance for the officials. When FIBA’s European director for officials Alan Richcradson visited the country, he pointed out that one of the requirements for referees was that they also look like athletes. No pot bellies and out-of-shape officials are allowed.

Another rule change is the new penalty situation in the last two minutes. When a team commits two fouls in the last two minutes of each quarter, it will be in penalty situation even if it hasn’t committed the requisite five fouls. This is designed to lessen stoppages in play in crucial moments of the game.

One more intriguing rule which may have only minor effect on the game is the change from the rectangular three-second area to the trapezoid. This will place the offensive player a little bit further away from the basket in a low-post situation, but conversely, also moves defensive players away from their usual positions during free throw situations.

Coaches, players and officials will take a little time to fully adjust to the rule changes. But the PBA is hoping that, in the medium term, this will also educate players on a game closer to the way it is played overseas, which will benefit us all.