CBSSports is reporting that officials have been told about some changes to the way fouls are to be called this year.  I’m generally not a fan of these ‘official’ rule changes. This time is really no exception. Nothing in here really merited a change. And in the foul-shooting rule, it really allows bad FT-shooters to back out of shooting FT late in the game. Odds on a blowing a game because he called an intentional foul on a team when they needed to foul, thus giving the fouled team a huge advantage: 2-1.

Anyways, enough ranting. There are 3 main changes:

John Adams, a national coordinator for men’s basketball officiating, said Tuesday that referees will call fouls on secondary defenders who make contact with a shooter while standing directly under the rim.

Another new rule will allow the opposing coach to choose someone already on the floor to shoot a free throw in place of an injured player.

Officials will also payer closer attention to intentional and flagrant fouls, and to 3-second calls to clear up rough play underneath. The officials also have been told to call fouls if a player’s balance or speed is impeded, not just if it provides an advantage.

…It might just be me but I’m not totally sure if I understand that last one…isn’t that the definition of a blocking or charging foul?…then again, the refs just may have needed a refresher on the basic principles of those since they seem to blow those calls all the time…especially when Dookies are involved…