Hoops

Are the NBL commentators told to lay off refs

During the first half of the season the criticism of refs by commentators was out of control but at the same time justified because of the WTF officiating.

Obviously there was a memo to tone it down. I would rather send a memo to the refs to get their act together, though.

They would've been given guidelines and otherwise would use their own judgement that it's all a bit of a balancing act - point out a questionable call, but (as Luuuc said) don't harp on about it. Likewise with the coaches - some level of antics on the sideline add flavour to the game. We see that in the NBA too.

I think it only detracts from the telecast if the commentators make a thing out of every questionable call. It flows downward and makes everyone else (viewers, journos, coaches, players) make a thing of it as well, which is not healthy for the image of the sport IMO.
Point out the howlers of course. I'm not saying that truly bad officiating should be left uncriticised. But too often in the past it used to just become a whingefest - especially during the Carfino era.

Derek Rucker made it clear in his latest podcast that this was the case.

Derek Rucker made it clear in his latest podcast that this was the case.

Johnson needs to go! He was woefull tonight!! He is a selfish player who has no idea how to move the ball once he has it. I lost count the amount of times he didnt make the extra pass and decided to go solo and throw up a stupid shot! He only worries about his own stats and if he wasn't Martys coaches pet he should be getting no more than 15 mins per game. And to think we got him over Lukey S.