Reply To: Upline blind spot dangerous play

September 23, 2024 at 2:55 pm #5904
Hildo Bijl
Participant

I came here to say the exact same thing. I made this suggestion last year when the rules committee was gathering suggestions, and sadly I have not seen it implemented. I hear it so often, “I couldn’t see you coming because I was looking away, and you could see me coming, so it was your responsibility to avoid me.” I wish there was a rule to shut this argument down with, because it puts players who do look at where they’re going at a disadvantage, as well as contributes to dangerous situations from occurring.

Something like this may help:
A. Players should be aware of where they are running to, and whether or not there are other players there.
B. If contact takes place solely as the result of a player not being aware of other players, this counts as a foul by said player.
C. When a player moves in violation with rule [A], and other players have to adjust their movement to avoid contact from occurring, a dangerous play may be called.
(Although probably it can be formulated better. This is just a quick idea.)