(NB: In New Zealand, What America calls Universities or Colleges we call universities and what America calls High School we call High School or College.)
Yesterday, (Friday 23rd) I was refereeing a regional under 17 high school game between Birkenhead College and Westlake Boys High School. Westlake were by far the better team, they didn't have any real stars, they were more a team of above average players that were coached very well. Birkenhead had a team that were obviously poorly coached, their team had 2 players that were above average, 1 superstar and the rest couldn't post up on a chair.
Birkenhead's superstar could dribble past everyone, pass through any gap at will, a true superstar. When he drove to the hoop if he wasn't fouled there was a 95% chance he would get it in. If any other player on that Birkenhead team drove there was a 40-55% chance if would go in. When those players were touch-fouled by Westlake, the other officials and I wouldn't call a foul. Because chances were, while it affected the shot a little, that it wouldn't have gone in anyway and if it did go in with that touch foul, well good for them. When Birkenhead's superstar was touch fouled we would call it, because if it missed there was a pretty good chance his shot would've gone in. IF that shot went in and we called a foul, he did well to adjust and that is testament to just how good of a player he is.
When other Birkenhead players dribbled and carried the ball a little, we would call a travel. Because they didn't have as much control over the ball. When Birkenhead's superstar carried it a little, he would be in full and complete control of the ball and calling a travel would be irrelevant because he had full control and wasn't taking steps to an over-excessive advantage.
Rules aren't contrete, the Referee's job is to interpret the rules not enforce them. To all the people crying conspiracy and bias referees (those calls may have been helped by the whole Tim Donaghy thing) you are just being stupid.
That is my opinion and examples. I want to know your opinion, even if it is agreeing or disagreeing with me...comment on something I brought up...anything...cya.