A study on right or wrong of “foul game” in basketball

－With focus on the controversy between Fraleigh and Simon －

Abstract

In basketball, there is one of the intentional rules violations, which is called “foul game”. “Foul game” is the action that a defense player toward the end of a close game will intentionally foul players in possession of the ball in order to stop the clock. Although the dispute has so far been made from a viewpoint whether to be an act morally permitted to “foul game” or not, it has not resulted in the conclusion. The purpose of this study was to examine the point on right or wrong of “foul game” in basketball between Fraleigh and Simon who are regarded as renowned scholars in sport ethics with a fresh eye.
There are three points in the controversy between Fraleigh and Simon.
1. Role of the penalty for intentional fouls
2. Importance of restorative skills
3. Agreement of participants for intentional fouls
In this study, the three points at issue were examined by considering the contents of “official basketball rule” published in Japan Basketball Association. Especially, we analyzed the transition of the provisions of “intentional foul” and “unsportsmanlike foul” which have specified “foul game”. The results here are as follows.
1.The role of the penalty for intentional fouls has shifted from the sanction for prohibited acts to the price for options.
2.The importance of restorative skills by the free throw accompanying “foul game” has become more significant skills for which participants are asked in a game.
3.The agreement of participants for intentional foul in “foul game” has moved turned to be acceptable.
As we can see above, it has been evaluated as an act by which a “foul game“ is allowed in “official basketball rule”.