When I wrote I had never been a really enthusiastic basketball fan, the statement was only partially true.

As are most parents, I was very enthusiastic about the game when my children were playing high school basketball.

That, however, did not translate into even a basic knowledge of the rules and officiating philosophy of high school basketball.

This was all brought home to me one night 30 or so years ago when I loudly objected a call made against one of my daughters, who was playing for Cathedral.

Later I overheard Fred Foster, who was officiating the game (he may or may not have made the call I questioned), tell the other official, &uot;Don’t worry, that’s just Al letting everybody know he doesn’t know anything about basketball.&uot;

As years went by, I came to realize just how right Fred was.

When I suggested the formation of a Miss-Lou Sports Hall of Fame and listed a few obvious charter members, I should have included Fred Foster.

Fred was a multi-sport star at Natchez High School, then went on to letter in football, basketball, baseball, track and tennis at Delta State. If the Statesmen had fielded a golf team then, he would have lettered in that sport as well.

Fred is in the Delta State Hall of Fame. He had a long career locally as a coach and official, in both football and basketball.

The Joe Fortunato Celebrity Golf Classic owes its beginnings to Fred Foster, who kept after the National Football Foundation members until the tourney became a reality, and it now finances scholarships for deserving student-athletes each year.

I ran out of space last week before I could get more deeply into the many changes made to college basketball over the years.

The year 1896 saw the value of a field goal changed from three points to two points and a free throw was reduced from three points to one point.

Backboards were first installed in 1897, and they were moved out two feet from the wall in 1921. Until then players were able to climb the padded walls to make a basket.

The year 1922 brought about the rule which changed running with the ball from a foul to a violation. and in 1924 the rule that a fouled player must shoot his own free throws was adopted.

The charging foul was introduced in 1929, and 1931 brought about the rule that a held ball was assessed when a closely guarded player kept the ball out of play for five seconds.

The 10-second center line was introduced in 1933. and in 1936 the three-second lane violation entered the rules.

It wasn’t until 1938 the center jump after each goal was rescinded. The year 1945 brought about the rule outlawing defensive goal-tending, and in 1947 transparent backboards became legal.

Not many will remember a 1968 rule change saw the dunk outlawed. It was again legalized in 1977.

Bear in mind these are NCAA rules only, though the game rules at other levels has always closely followed these changes.

And that’s official.

Al Graning is a former SEC official and former Natchez resident. He can be reached at

AlanWard39157@aol.com.