Reading the Refs: Big Men in '09 and Charges

One interesting dynamic that comes up every year is how referees are treating the star big men. Many remember the troubles Oden had 2 years ago. This year, there are a number of star big men... Blake Griffin, Tyler Hansbrough, and Dejuan Blair are all key components of title contenders.

So far in this tournament it seems as though refs are letting boys be boys down low. I haven't seen hardly any calls down low when the post players lower that shoulder. Loose ball fouls on rebounds seem to be lacking too.

Speaking of charges... I have noticed that refs are particularly hesitant to call charges in this tournament. There have been A LOT of no calls on attempted plays to draw the charge. Has anybody else seen this? This seems to be especially true on curls in to the lane.

Is it just me or are the refs less tight in this tourney than in recent years?

I agree, it must have been in the briefing package to refs!:D