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EXCLUSIVE: What will WNBA refs be looking out for this season?

By Kim Doss

PHOENIX, AZ - AUGUST 31: Brittney Griner #42 of the Phoenix Mercury falls over Natasha Howard #6 of the Seattle Storm as they attempt to control the ball during game three of the WNBA Western Conference Finals at Talking Stick Resort Arena on August 31, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Mercury defeated the Storm 86-66. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, AZ - AUGUST 31: Brittney Griner #42 of the Phoenix Mercury falls over Natasha Howard #6 of the Seattle Storm as they attempt to control the ball during game three of the WNBA Western Conference Finals at Talking Stick Resort Arena on August 31, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Mercury defeated the Storm 86-66. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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Sue Blauch lets us in on rule changes and areas of focus

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PHOENIX — Sue Blauch, the head of WNBA referee performance and development, is making the rounds as the season approaches. Last weekend, she made her stop in Phoenix to let the Mercury’s coaches and players know about rule changes and particular areas of focus for the 2019 season.

Blauch graciously ran a media session in Phoenix for High Post Hoops that presented the same material. What will WNBA referees be keeping their eyes peeled for and what has changed in 2019? Blauch presented a video and answered questions about five particular areas that were identified by the operations staffs for the league and the referees.

  • Freedom of movement: Blauch stressed that this is the number one area for referees because it’s at the core of basketball. This area of focus is included every season.
  • Contact in the post: An example of this is putting a leg between the offensive player’s legs as she posts up, then lifting the foot to dislodge her. As explained in the 2018 WNBA Official Rule Book (Rule 12-B, Section I-b (5)), putting a leg between the offensive player’s legs is a legal method of establishing defensive position, but lifting the foot to dislodge her is a foul.
  • Player safety, with a focus on clamping and flailing: The video presented several examples of clamps and flails to demonstrate the danger of such actions.
    • The clamping rule is similar to the “hook and hold” rule that led to some controversy in men’s NCAA basketball. Blauch said the clamp should be called immediately when it happens to avoid damage to players’ joints.
    • The flailing rule involves any flailing motions with the hands and arms that don’t constitute “natural basketball movement.” Instant replay can be used in the instance of a flail that makes significant contact. In such cases, flails can result in flagrant fouls.
  • Clear path violations: The old rule can be found in the 2018 WNBA Official Rule Book (Rule 12-B, Section I-e (6)). In 2019, the rule has been changed in order to make it easier for the officials to apply. Most importantly, it no longer matters whether the defensive player beats the offensive player to the frontcourt. If the offensive player is in transition and gets fouled from the side or the back, a clear path violation has occurred as long as the offensive player is in clear possession of the ball, the defender isn’t making an attempt on the ball, and another defender is not between the offensive player and the basket. The penalty for a clear path violation remains two free throws and possession of the ball.
  • Decorum and respect for the game:
    • Reaction to officials’ calls: This might be the most controversial area of focus if last year’s fan reactions to technical fouls are any indication. Blauch stressed that the intention is not to remove passion from the game. However, she said if “heat of the moment” reactions to officiating do not “dissolve” immediately, technical fouls will be assessed. This is true whether the reaction is directed at a referee or not. Such reactions can include air punches, stomping, or other demonstrations of disagreement.
    • Triggering replay:  “Hostile acts” that trigger replay will no longer be confined to player-on-player acts. Beginning in 2019, replay can be triggered by acts between player and official, player and opposing coach, or player and fan. In addition, coaches’ behavior can trigger replay for acts between that coach and an official, an opposing player, or a fan.

Fans can see how the new rules and areas of focus play out when the season tips off on May 24.

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