06-28-2018, 04:44 PM
Dives (what you're calling flopping) are common in many sports (soccer, hockey, basketball are the main ones). They are most common as a tactic in soccer because the risk/reward ratio is very low. Notably, FIFA has been upping the risk by adding video review to the referee's toolbox (which also means that they can more easily card a diving player) and changing the rules to allow after-the-fact punishments (two game suspensions for divers) and retraction of punishments given to players who were victimized by the dive. This has reduced the amount of diving. They are also talking about reducing the reward (i.e. moving the penalty spot back so the chances of a goal from a penalty shot are reduced).
However, as in all sports, breaking rules (such as deliberate fouling and diving in basketball) based on the risk/reward ratio is simply a tactic. All players in professional games break the rules to the maximum extent possible consistent with the odds being in their favor of getting away with it enough to have it make a positive effect on the outcome. It would be foolish to play any other way. Those who demonize any particular rule-breaking tactic should just stick to amateur sports. I play amateur soccer, and when people start diving or holding in such a way as to deceive the referee, they very quickly are accused of using "professional fouls" and are asked to leave the field. A professional foul is a thing, and whereas it is expected in a professional game where money and spectator entertainment are the biggest factors, it is completely inappropriate in an amateur game where sportsmanship and fair competition are paramount.
However, as in all sports, breaking rules (such as deliberate fouling and diving in basketball) based on the risk/reward ratio is simply a tactic. All players in professional games break the rules to the maximum extent possible consistent with the odds being in their favor of getting away with it enough to have it make a positive effect on the outcome. It would be foolish to play any other way. Those who demonize any particular rule-breaking tactic should just stick to amateur sports. I play amateur soccer, and when people start diving or holding in such a way as to deceive the referee, they very quickly are accused of using "professional fouls" and are asked to leave the field. A professional foul is a thing, and whereas it is expected in a professional game where money and spectator entertainment are the biggest factors, it is completely inappropriate in an amateur game where sportsmanship and fair competition are paramount.