Cotton's call on foul count controversy

Perth star Bryce Cotton says he's been involved in open dialogue with referees during games, in a bid to further understand key decisions.

Wildcats head coach John Rillie stated his disbelief at the lack of calls in Cotton's favour following the win over South East Melbourne, with the import guard judged to have been fouled four times.

Cotton has averaged eight free throw attempts per game heading into Round 18, which is over one attempt per game ahead of Nathan Sobey (6.9) in second.

“I can just tell you what I was told. I’ve been told again by the refs that they acknowledge why I get fouled, but the reason they don’t call it is because I got past the player,” Cotton said.

“I’ve been told that multiple times. I wasn’t aware that it was only a foul if you don’t get past a player, I thought a rule was a rule, but that’s the explanation I was given.

“That’s fine if they call it the same way for other people, but it’s always a loophole for why the foul isn’t called, even though they acknowledge I did get fouled.

“Previously and I was told that, and on Sunday during the Phoenix game. They acknowledged a couple of times ‘you got fouled but I felt you got past them and had an opportunity to score’, not understanding the fact if you get fouled and call it enough times we’re going to be in the bonus anyway, so that’s still an opportunity to score.

“I just want consistency, I don’t mind if that’s the rule or their rule for me, if I get past the guy it’s no longer a foul as long as they apply the same thing to the other players on the other team as well.”

The NBL applauded Cotton's approach. 

“Bryce’s comments reinforce that referees and players can engage in active, respectful and constructive communication which is a real positive and something we encourage,” NBL Chief Operating Officer and Head of Basketball Operations Vince Crivelli said.

“Refereeing is a difficult and oftentimes, thankless role. Ours work tirelessly at mastering their craft and while errors can occur, we are satisfied the measures and processes we have put in place each week will continue to drive improvement and ultimately support the growth of our game.”

The Wildcats will next face the New Zealand Breakers on Sunday at 4pm AEDT. The game will be broadcast live and free on ESPN via Kayo Freebies, 10 Peach and 10 Play, and Sky Sport in New Zealand.