What is Traveling?

"First of all, I would like for some official to define a traveling violation in today's game!!!!!!"

Note to reader:  This piece is meant to provoke thought, not make definitive statements about rules or definitions.  There will be the occasional "tongue in cheek" statement, that hopefully most experienced officials will take in stride.  Regards, the author.



The heading says it all.  It was written recently on another blog, by an ex-high school coach turned sports writer.  And, just the other day in an AAU qualifying tournament-you know it is the "off-season"- I was confronted by several coaches over "ill timed" traveling calls on their teams.  It seems to me that the basketball "culture" has shifted in many respects, and doggone it, I missed it.

Yes, it seems now that every where I go an offensive player is allowed two steps when he/she is going to the basket.  Not away from the basket mind you.  Not sideline to sideline, not in the middle of the court, nor at the division line.  No sir!  The offensive player is allowed two steps when they are going to basket in an attempt to score.

And, it is not just in AAU, or "rec" ball, oh no, it is now so in every high school and college gym you go into.  I mean, how many times this past season in your games, did you make a traveling call, and here something similar.  I would imagine more than once.

So I went on a quest.  Just for grins and giggles, I pulled out every basketball rule book I could find, from the NFHS to the NCAA.  I also used the magic of the Internet, to see what went on with the traveling rule, and try to figure out  what the heck I was doing when it all changed.  And here is what I found.

Did you know-(and you should be saying yes I know)-that the 2012-2013 NFHS rule book in rule 4 section 44/Traveling uses 344 words to define traveling.  Did you also know-(and many of you should be saying yes I know)-that the NCAA 2012-2013 rule book uses in Rule 4 section 70:Traveling 304 words to define traveling.  And in both books these words are exclusive of the discussions each has on-Try/Tap for a Goal/Act of shooting; or Pivot.  And in None of these two books could I get a clear picture that "two steps towards the goal" was allowed.  In fact, nothing had really changed there at all.  I mean outside some words in the books about points of emphasis on spin moves and the like, it was still pretty much the way I learned it some time ago.  Whew!  I thought I had lost it.  I mean really with so many people telling me that two steps towards the goal was the rule, I thought it was me!

Ah, but there is more.  I decided to find out what the NBA said about traveling.  And, Bingo, you guessed it, I found the smoking gun.  I "googled" the rule and went to the NBA rules explanation web site-sort of the "NBA Rules for Dummies" thing.  I clicked on traveling and there it was: " A player who receives the ball while in progress or upon completing his dribble is allowed a one-two count after gathering the ball and preparing to stop, pass or shoot. "  Color me with a large amount of incredulity.  I mean the kind of incredulity when someone tells you and then proves that "hell has frozen over."  I went further, I went to the NBA Rule book (put out by Stu Jackson's office) and there in black and white- " A player who receives the ball while he is progressing or upon completion of a dribble, may take two steps in coming to a stop, passing or shooting the ball. "

So now, I am all cleared up on the matter.  The coaches, and even an occasional well meaning referee colleague are right, "they get two steps towards the goal!"  Or do they?

Here are some things to think about:  Do you know the definition of traveling?  Or, I guess what is more relevant would be:  Do you know how to apply the definition/s and rule for traveling?  Ah, now we get to the root of it.  You see, the basketball culture is doing what the culture does-it takes the easy way out.  When the NBA changed the rule back in 2009, and allowed the one two count, it forever changed the outlook of the call-at any level.  And if you do not think I am right, next time you are out enjoying adult beverages and fellowship with your fellow officials-bring up the subject.  See what you get! (Unless the reader is an NBA official.)

Now I'm not saying I'm perfect with the rule.  I miss my share.  But I do find myself these days paying more attention to what the player is doing with the ball.  I want to get really familiar with what the beginning "habitual throwing motion" looks like when a player is moving to the basket.  Especially if he/she is on a break away and there is no defender to look at (my experience tells me this is where the guy/gal is really going to line it up and get the "feet" right.)  Obviously, if there is a defender there in the mix, you have to pick that up.

And, I am going to watch what that player does, and count in my head-after the ball is gathered.  I start counting,"one, two"  and if the ball is not on its way towards the basket or another player-then I am going to stop-look at my jersey.  If I have a patch that says "NBA" on it-then I know I can be forgiving on that play.  BUT, if I am in a black and white stripe jersey, I'm going to have to put air in that whistle.  Then probably get ready to explain to the coach what type of game we're in!  And if he/she does not believe that we are not in an NBA game I will just quietly ask:  " how much was the ticket to get in here."