Tighter foul-calling on tap
By Sam Smith
Tribune pro basketball reporter
Someone suggested the NBA might be planning new uniforms with skirts instead of shorts. That was one response to the annual preseason briefing from NBA officials on rules changes and what referees will be looking for this season.
Veteran NBA official Dan Crawford briefed the Bulls after practice Sunday and outlined what the referees would be watching more closely. Though there are no major rules changes this season, the league is clearly concerned about the continued scoring downturn.
So referees have been ordered to make more foul calls in certain situations that, theoretically, will create more freedom for offensive players.
The key places are from midcourt to the free-throw line extended, where any contact will be called a foul, and in the areas along the baseline toward the basket, where use of the forearm will be restricted. Also, there will be limitations on use of forearms to hold off an offensive player and fewer charges called.
Bulls players and coaches said the changes will result in many more fouls. The league clearly is pushing for more foul calls early in the season so players become accustomed to the changes. The feeling is teams will play more zone defense to keep players out of foul trouble, increasing the need for perimeter shooting.
NBA referees will be graded more closely this season, much like baseball's QuesTec system for umpires, to insure they make the new foul calls.
