NBA refs to more closely monitor groin hits, walking calls

The most notable episode of the groin hit violation involved Golden State Warrior forward Draymond Green who was suspended in the NBA Finals after he hit LeBron James in the crotch during a play.

Every year, National Basketball Association officials pledge to pay closer attention to notable rule violations that frustrated fans and teams the previous season.

On Thursday, the Associated Press (h/t ESPN.com) reported National Basketball Association referees received instructions on how to enforce rules against such infractions during their preseason meetings. The Warriors forward had a habit of flailing his arms or legs and on a few occasions made contact with opponents in the groin area.

National Basketball Association senior vice president of replay and referee operations, Joe Borgia, said: “Now all of a sudden legs are coming out in different directions at weird times, they’re coming higher”.

In what can be nicknamed the “Draymond Green” effect, the NBA’s ref crew will approach games a little bit differently this season. The latter incident resulted in a Game 5 suspension of the NBA Finals, which led to the Cavaliers coming back from a 3-1 deficit to win the title.

This also isn’t the only preseason referee point of emphasis – officials say they’ll call traveling off the catch more closely and want to limit contact away from the ball. Referees will watch for players who spot up behind the three-point line looking to shoot, but then take an extra step to avoid a defender.

Also, referees manning the Replay Center in Secaucus, New Jersey, will continue to be given greater responsibility this season. They will review everything except for ones involving flagrant fouls and fights.