PBA modifies rules for incoming season

source: philstar.com

The Philippine Basketball Association is bringing out the compass to retrace its original three-point line, extending the circumference of the rainbow arc from 20.6 feet to where Allan Caidic drained a league record 17 triples 18 years ago – 22 feet away from the basket.

Prompted by its mandate to form the national team, the PBA reduced its three-point area several years back to conform with the internationally-accepted standard and familiarize its players with the regular FIBA launching spots.

But having completed its commitment after Powerade-Team Pilipinas’ eighth-place finish in the 25th FIBA-Asia Men’s Championship in Tianjin, China, and with the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas taking over, the PBA moved to revert to the 22 feet three-point area as part of a number of rule changes and modifications it is instituting for the 35th season.

As released by Rickie Santos, PBA operations and technical committee chief, the following guidelines will be observed starting with the Philippine Cup which kicks off Oct. 11:

•The 24-second violation will be ignored if the opposing team has clear possession of the basketball.

•All parts of the backboard are considered in play when struck by the ball except the back of the backboard, which is not in play.

a. The ball is considered out of bounds if the ball hits the top of the board and passes directly behind the backboard from any point.

b. The ball is considered out of bounds if the ball hits the top of the board and then hits the game clock, shot clock, support or any device above the backboard.

c. It is considered a violation attempting a field goal directly behind the backboard.

d. Any ball that rebounds and goes over the top and passes directly behind the backboard without hitting any part of the board is considered out-of-bounds.

• Hanging on the rim after a dunk is now allowed (monkey ride).

• Landing spot rule:

a. If without contact, Flagrant Foul Penalty 1 is called - two free throws are awarded, ball possession is retained by team of offended player, guilty player sits for three playing minutes.

If with contact, Flagrant Foul Penalty 2 is called – two free throws are awarded, team of offended player retains ball possession, and guilty player is ejected from the game. Automatic fine of minimum P10,000. Minimum of one day suspension if contact resulted in dire consequence (i.e. injury to player resulting in inability to play).

• The shaded lane returns to the rectangular shape from the trapezoid.

• A tip-in is considered act of shooting.

• A player screening an opponent must have both feet on the floor when contact occurs. A player setting a screen can move his body into a new but equal position sideways provided his shoulders are directly squared with his foot.

The screener cannot lean forward towards the defender or extend any part of his body (i.e., extending an arm, leg or hips) in attempting to impede the basketball defender’s movement in covering his man.

Pushing or bumping is illegal personal contact of an opponent in which a defensive player forcibly moves or attempts to move a shooter, cutter or dribbler wherein the offensive player is placed at a disadvantage. A foul will be called if the defender bumps 1) a shooter, 2) a cutter, 3) a dribbler who loses the ball.

Falling down to fake a foul (flopping) will not be tolerated. Referees will now give a warning on the first infraction. Subsequently, a technical foul will be given on the next violation.