[IUFR] How Block/Charge Calls Will Change This Season

There is a seismic change in how the block/charge call will be applied this season, especially as it relates to help-side defenders. Tony breaks it down.

In news that went somewhat under the radar, the NCAA approved modifications for how the block/charge call will be administered this college basketball this season.

The rule change will go into effect for this-coming 2023-24 season. Under the new rule, in order for a defender to be in legal guarding position, he must be set by the time the offense plants their foot to go up for the shot.

Under the old rule, the player just had to be set before the offensive player jumped in the air. It may seem subtle, but it will (or at least should) drastically reduce the number of charges called.

SI’s Kevin Sweeney reported that Big 12 Coordinator of Officials Curtis Shaw recently said officials watched 100 plays that were called charges last season and deemed that 96 of them would be called blocks this year. That is quite the contrast.

Up until this rule change, officials have always ruled the block/charge by looking at the defense first, seeing if they were set, then making their ruling.

Now, it will be the opposite.

They will be looking to see if the offensive player plants his foot before the defense is there. It sounds simple and subtle, but for referees who have done it one way forever, it will be a big change for them.

And of course, we’ll have to see if any noticeable changes in how the rule is being applied in November make it all the way to the dog days of conference play in January and February. Sometimes they do, sometimes they don’t.

For now, let’s dive into all 12 charges that IU took in the 2022-23 season and how they'd be ruled under the new guidelines.