Technical Fouls Rules ‘Expanded’

ESPN brings us the bad news that we can expect to see more techs called starting next season (a joy the recently-retired Rasheed Wallace will sadly not be able to experience): “Referees have been instructed to call a technical for: • Players making aggressive gestures, such as air punches, anywhere on the court. • Demonstrative disagreement, such as when a player incredulously raises his hands, or smacks his own arm to demonstrate how he was fouled. • Running directly at an official to complain about a call. • Excessive inquiries about a call, even in a civilized tone. In addition, referees have been instructed to consider calling technicals on players who use body language to question or demonstrate displeasure, or say things like, ‘Come on!’ They can also consider technicals for players who ‘take the long path to the official’, walking across the court to make their case. Ron Johnson, the NBA’s senior vice president of referee operations, said audience research was a major factor behind the change.”