That's A Dumb Rule: Recent Episodes
Greg Selner and Ben Seifert
Discover some of the strangest, obscure or downright silly rules in sports that have you asking “is that a dumb rule?” Listen in on the conversations between two sports enthusiasts wanting to answer this question. Some rules you already know, others are the industry’s best-kept secrets. Find out what they are, the history behind them, and judge for yourself if it’s a dumb rule or not!
Check out this special edition as Greg throws a plethora of NBA trivia questions at Ben to test his knowledge!
Soccer is one of the oldest sports in the world - and as such, has a long and rich history of terms to go along with it. Tune in to discover the meaning behind these terms and anything else you may hear on the soccer pitch!
Baseball is rich with terms and sayings. Some of them make a lot of sense, while others leave you scratching your head! Find out the history behind these popular baseball terms, some of which go way back to the beginning!
Where do they come up with these baseball nicknames? Some are, well, really good while others .. could be better? Tune in to find out the history of each nickname all 30 MLB teams!
What determines the playoff format in Major League Baseball? What is the best way to balance the lengthy regular season success with a hot streak at the end? Tune in to get Greg's take on this flawed system and what we can do to fix it!
We all love nicknames -especially in sports. Some players are only known for their nickname! Tune in to hear the top 100 nicknames in sports and the history behind each one.
Some people may think basketball rules are the same at any level .. think again! Tune in for these unique and misunderstood rules of High School basketball.
The sport of Hockey is rich in tradition and well, records. Focusing on the NHL, tune in to learn about these records that will probably never be broken!
How do you pick the top 50 players of all time in a sport? With the way the game changes over time, it isn't easy! Tune in and find out who Ben thinks are the top 50 players of all time, and if you agree or not!
While the onside kick can be exciting and turn a game around in a hurry, it's has a very low success rate. Find out what an alternative is and if you think the NFL should adopt it!
Sports Movies - they are truly some of the best ever. Tune in and hear Ben and Greg discuss which ones are the best and if you agree or not!
Records are meant to be broken, right? Well, not so fast. Tune in to hear of some amazing records in football that will probably never be broken ... or will they??
Miracle on Ice. That's all one needs to say to invoke all kinds of memories. If you were there, you know what I mean. Tune in to our first episode of our Moment's Series and hear all about how the US defeated the USSR in what might be the most important hockey game in history.
The NFL has added some exciting new rules for the upcoming 2023 season! Tune in to find out what they are and if you agree or not.
Soccer has a long rich history - and the game has not always been what it is today. Tune in and get the history and the 22 rule changes that have shaped the game as we know it today.
Raise your hand if you've ever lost your ball while golfing. Ok, that's most of us. Find out about this rule in golf and how unfair it is!
We hear a lot about players who are the GOAT's (Greatest Of All Time). Greg throws a curve ball at Ben with his unofficial NBA GOAT pyramid, and Ben does not receive it well.
What happens if you hit the ball twice in golf on the same swing? Believe it or not, after 500 years, golf suddenly decided to change the rule. Why??
What's the deal with golf ettiquette? I mean, do these things still matter in a game that has been around for 500 years? Tune in and find out!
What exactly is a gimme in golf? Find out what it is and if you think it's a fair part of the game .. or not!
The NBA really, really, really needs to realign their divisions. Some teams can literally drive to their away games while others need to take a four-hour flight. It's madness!
If you look at a map and see how the various MLB divisions are configured, you may leave scratching your head. Why are the divisions set up like this and would baseball benefit for another realignment?
The Franchise Tag. We hear this a lot in sports talk, but what does it really mean? And more importantly, is it good for the game or not so much? Tune in to find out what this rather vague term really means!
Have you ever wondered where the nicknames of the NBA team originated from? Some are pretty obvious, but what about the others? Tune in and find out the history behind the Celtics, Jazz, Rockets and more!
Tune in to hear our first episode of our new series "Commissioner for a Day". In this episode, find out what changes Greg would make to Major League Baseball and if you agree with them .. or not!
Ahh - golf. One of the oldest sports and yet still has not been mastered. Tune in to hear about the seven records that may never be broken!
Tune in to hear Ben's thoughts on the upcoming collective bargaining agreement (CBA) between the NBA players and owners. Who will come out ahead and will the new agreement help or hurt the game?
Records are meant to be broken, right? Well we think there are some records in baseball that will never ever be broken. Tune in and find out which ones!
Tune in to hear about this new rule and what impact it may have on the game. Spoiler alert - this does not help pitchers at all!
Ahh.. March Madness. Can it get any better? Tune in and find out how the NCAA selects the 68 teams for the "big dance" tournament. It's way more complicated than you might think!
Every team in baseball needs pitching. Always. Find out why the MLB put this very restrictive rule in place for the 2022 season -- and if you agree with it or not!
Major League Baseball has changed how the playoffs are done more times than I can count. Tune in to hear the history of the playoffs and if you think the most recent change is the best so far.
Football is a sport where the rules change every year. These are the best rule changes that have happened since the inception of the league in 1920. Tune in and see if you agree!
What's the deal with showboating in the NFL? Is it good for the game, not good for the game or somewhere in-between? Tune in and decide for yourself!
What exactly constitutes roughing the passer? Why is calling this penalty such a hard call to get right? Tune in and see if you agree... or not!
The NFL is a money-making juggernaut - but there's always room for improvement, right? Tune in to hear about these 9 rules that the NFL should consider adding - and if you agree or not!
Why on earth are you required to call a timeout in basketball? Find out more about this ... ahem, dumb rule and the history behind it!
What happens if the ball gets wedged between the pin and the green? Find out about this very new rule and if you agree ... or not!
Tune in for this discussion between Ben and Greg regarding today's NBA and the state of the league.
What happens if you lose your helmet? Find out what this new rule is all about and if you think this is something that should stay or go!
Foul after foul after foul. Ugh. Find out about this new rule and what the NBA's intention is behind it.
Tune in to hear some rather obscure rules that are still in the baseball rule book. See how many you know and how many are new to you!
Is it good that 66% of teams make the playoffs? Find out more about this fairly new playoff format and if you think it should be in or out.
How many times can a manager visit the mound? Yes, there is a limit and find out why this is a rule and if it should remain in the rule book!
Greg and Ben discuss some of the major differences between NBA and NCAA basketball - and why they even exist in the first place!
You know those hats that players wear on the sidelines? Yes, there are actually rules around those. Listen and find out what the deal is - and if you agree.
What exactly are the rules around when a QB slides? What if you don't slide? Find out what this rule is all about.
Not all rules are set in stone. Find out which rules have changed over the years, why they changed, and if you think the changes were good or maybe not so good!
When does a baserunner actually go out of the basepath? It may not be what you think - listen to find out!
What happens when a player muffs a punt? Is it always a free-for-all to recover the ball? Find out what the rules are for this always-exciting play!
The NBA Draft Lottery .. oh the madness behind it! Find out how it works and if you think it's the best way to do it.
Did you know it's not just baseball that has unwritten rules? Find out what some of these are in football - some of them may surprise you!
So what happens when you hit your ball into the bunker? What can and can't you do? Find out the answers to these questions and decide if you think it's a dumb rule or not!
What exactly is offsides in soccer, and why is it such a big deal? Find out these answers and more as Greg and Ben discuss this often mis-understood rule.
We all love the forward pass in football. However, that was not always the case. Find out some history behind this play and how it came to be what it is today.
If you look at a map of the USA, you will see some clear boundaries that make up the 8 divisions in the NFL. But, why are some teams just out of place? Find out why this is and the history behind the NFL divisions!
So we've all seen cases where a position player comes in to pitch in a game. Did you know there are rules around if and when that can happen? Find out what this rule is all about and decide if you think it's a good rule or not.
What's the deal with the dress code rule in basketball? Find out when this was added, how much it is actually enforced and decide for yourself if you think it's a good thing or not.
The 1983 NFL draft was jam-packed with future hall-of-famers. Greg and Ben put on their NFL owner hats and do a re-draft of this iconic draft year. See if you agree with their picks!
Did you know you can kick the ball twice in a single play? Believe it or not, it is not only a rule, but has happened fairly recently in the NFL! Tune in to check out this bizarre rule and when it's legal.
Ok, what's the deal with baseball managers wearing uniforms? I mean, are we still in the 1930's? Can we please put a stop to the madness? Check out why this is still the case today and if it should be outlawed!
More than any other sport, Baseball has the most unwritten rules. Find out which are the most popular ones and if you agree or disagree with each one.
Find out what the original 13 rules were in basketball, and how much the game has changed since then!
Find out why you can't just replace your goalie in a shootout and the history behind this really bizarre rule.
If the ground can't cause a fumble, then why, praytell, can the ground cause an incompletion? The NFL needs to get this right - sooner or later.
Did you know in some cases, you can't score on your own goal in soccer? True story. Find out why this rule exists and can we please stop the madness?!
Why does everyone have to hush-up when a golfer is about to swing? Yet a fan can make as much noise as they want at a football game. Find out why this is and the history behind this ... rule?
Did you know there are 3 different ways to be offsides in football? Find out what these are and the differences between each one.
You know those sweet creamsicle helmets that Tampa Bay used to wear? Find out why we haven't seen them in a while and if there's a chance they may come back!
Find out some of the bizarre and hilarious rules from days gone by. Some of these are just crazy!
Oh the Tuck Rule, may you live on forever. Find out the history of this fairly modern rule and if it still exists today.
Greg and Ben go through the top 10 QB's in this year's NFL Draft. Find out which QB's make the cut, and which ones are left behind.
What happens if you catch the ball and instead of getting two feet in, you get one knee in? Find out about this very specific rule and when this phrase started.
Awarding a team a point for losing? Seriously? Find out why this is the case in the NHL and if it helps or hurts teams.
While it may look cool, shattering a backboard is a big no-no in the NBA. Find out why there is a rule behind this and if you think it should stay or go.
So you forgot to sign your scorecard .. big deal, right? Oh yes, let me tell you it is a big deal and find out what happens if you forget!
Find out the history of the mighty gridiron and some of the crazy stories that helped shaped the field as we know it today.
Isn't this just a do-over, and why can't we do this in other sports? Find out why there is a second serve in Tennis and if it should go the way of the Dodo bird.
It seems that everything is super-sized today, but even the bases? Find out what this is all about and if you agree or not.
Sure, you can disagree with the referee .. but what happens if you let them know in uncertain terms? Find out why this rule is, well, really weird.
Find out what happens if you kick a soccer ball so hard that it deflates ... and why this rule needs to go!
Does a pitch clock really help speed up the game, or is it another attempt at trying to fix something that isn't broken? Find out what this is and if it helps or hurts baseball.
Why do teams defer after winning the coin flip? Does this really give them an advantage? Find out more about this fairly new rule and the impact it has had on games.
We've all heard the term "Salary Cap" - but what exactly does it mean? Find out some of the details around this rule and if you think all sports should use it or not.
What exactly is a Ground Rule Double? Or how about an Automatic Double? Find out if there is a difference between these two and if they are both dumb rules!
What exactly is the correct procedure for challenging a play? Find out when challenging is allowed, when it's not, and why?
Did you know you can call a do-over in Tennis? That's right - a do-over. Find out about this rule and why it still exists in the rule book.
Why on earth is every major league ballpark a different size? Find out why this is the case and can we please stop the madness?
Check out our new Web site at www.thatsadumbrule.com. Find out how this whole thing started, listen to past episodes, view our mock draft boards and even contact us if you have any ideas for the show!
Did you know the drop kick is still a thing? Well, at least in the rule book. Find out about the long lost art of this very awesome kick and if it will ever make a majestic comeback!
What exactly is a balk in baseball? Find out why this rule is in the rule book and whether or not you agree with it!
Are the glory days of the quarterback calling plays a thing of the past? Find out what the rules are around headphone helmets and if it's a good or bad thing for the wonderful game of football.
Does the shift in baseball really help a team defensively? Find out why this fairly recent phenomenon has gained popularity and if it really makes a difference ... or not.
Which team gets home field advantage during the World Series? Find out why this rule was changed after 98 years, and why it has changed four times since.
Are the NFL overtime scoring rules fair, or are we in for yet more changes? Is there an easy answer to this seemingly complex problem? Find out the history behind this rule and if you think it should be changed!
Greg and Ben review some of the original rules as well as more recent rule changes to the great game of Baseball.
Can a pitcher pitch with either arm? Is that even legal? Find out about this rule and why it was added to the rule book!
Is the Designated Hitter a good thing or bad thing for baseball? Find out about the almost 50-year history behind this position and the impact it has had on the game.
Why does a team always punt after a safety is scored? Do they have to, or can they do something else? Find out why this rule exists, and if it should be changed!
How long can a player really take to shoot a free-throw? Some may take a few seconds, others seem to take a virtual eternity. Find out what the actual rule is behind this part of basketball and if it's ever enforced.
We've all heard that a tie goes to the runner. Hold on folks. Is this really the case, or just something we made up to yell at the umpire? Find out if this is actually a rule or not!
What happens if a team commits more than one penalty on a play? Are they penalized just once, or more? Find out what really happens and if you agree or disagree!
What happens when the ball is snapped between the quarterback's legs? Not so fast - it may not be what you think! Find out what really happens and if you think it's a dumb rule or not.
Very few sports allow you to play the ball out of bounds - and yet baseball is one of them. Find out this history of this very old and strange rule.
Greg and Ben take a deep dive into the 1984 NBA draft class, including a mock re-draft of one of the greatest collection of players in NBA history.
Did you know this rule is broken in just about every single game? Find out more about this rule, the history behind it, and why it's in the rule book!
Do you know what happens if the ball gets stuck in the catcher's mask? You'd be surprised on how much this simple thing can impact a game!
Find out how a strike can be called on a batter without the batter even being in the batters box! Yes, it happens more than you think.
In the NFL, did you know only certain players can catch a pass? However, that didn't used to be the case. Find out about this rule and why it exists today.
Catching the ball with your hat just might be one of the greatest sports feats ever - and yet it's not allowed. Find out why this is a rule and the history behind it.
Did you know that a batter can be called automatically out - even if a fielder drops the ball. Seems a bit unfair, but find out why this rule is in the rulebook!
Everyone knows you play nine innings in baseball. But why nine innings? Why not eight, or ten, or twenty? Find out why baseball is nine innings and why it wasn't always the case.
Everyone knows a batter walks on four balls. But did you know a pitcher can walk a batter without throwing a single pitch? Find out why this is a rule and whether or not you agree with it.
Did you know a safety can be worth one point and not two? Find out how this can happen and the history behind this strange rule!
Did you know a batter can reach first base safely, even after striking out? It happens more than you think. Find out the history behind this very old rule.
Does starting with a runner on 2nd base in extra innings really speed up the game? Find out about this very new rule, why it was put in, and if it should stay or go.
Did you know a that catcher can be called for a balk? Yes, a catcher. Find out how this can happen and the history behind this rule.
In football, did you know a team could choose to kick an uncontested field goal? That's right - uncontested. No rush, no jumping and even no snap.
In baseball, find out how a batter can hit the ball into fair territory, and it still be called a foul ball.
Discover some of the strangest, obscure or downright silly rules in sports that have you asking “is that a dumb rule?” Listen in on the conversations between two sports enthusiasts wanting to answer this question. Some rules you already know, others are the industry’s best-kept secrets. Find out what they are, the history behind them, and judge for yourself if it’s a dumb rule or not!