Block/Charge — Same Rule for NF and NCAA?

Often I wonder why high school and college officials call the block/charge so differently. I watched many great, entertaining March Madness games seeing a consistent difference in the interpretation of the screening rule (the rule behind block/charge decisions).

I can accept that the superb, athletic ability of these athletes requires a slightly different interpretation. Most officials feel compelled to adjust their officiating to the skill level of the participants (middle school compared to high school varsity).  But once players have the skills, I believe that we should enforce a common rule with consistent rulings.

If we don’t work to address the different interpretations at high school and all higher levels, basketball at each level will continually become less similar as the years pass. We already know how differently the NBA game is played. I blame this on the officiating and not on the rule differences.

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