Some of you would remember the band-Dire Straits. IF you do, you might want to take a look at yourself-father time is marching on. But, I thought it a nice "intro" to the subject matter in this piece.
Question: How far is 36 inches? OK, confusing, I will ask it a different way-How far is 3 feet? Better? Good! So you think you know how far that is, right? Now, let's proceed.
All of you have seen this play: A1 is advancing in the front court with the ball. He/she comes into the top of the key. B1 and B2 have collapsed and are-you guessed it less than 36 inches/3 feet apart. A1 makes a faking move, then proceeds directly between B1 and B2 causing contact with the defenders. Question: what do you do? Do you put air in the whistle? If you do, what is your call?
Frankly, I have seen this go three ways: offensive foul, defensive foul, and no-call. Truth be told, I have probably kicked this one as hard as anyone. So let's take a look at the NFHS Casebook-and get the call right!
The 2012-2013 NFHS CASEBOOK addresses this call on page 94, under "DRIBBLER CONTACT" 10.6.7. Here is the ruling; "Unless one of the defensive players is faked out of position to permit adequate space for the dribbler to go between without making contact, it is a player control foul."
The ruling asks the officials to make several judgments. As if we don't have enough to do! I have to know how far "less than 3 feet apart" is. I have to determine if the defender reacted to the fake, moved and created "adequate space" for the dribbler to move through. And, then there is the whole idea of contact.
I mean really, can't I just let this one go? Absolutely not! This is a foul. And in the casebook play the contact is deemed to have been created by the dribbler. Unless conditions allow that dribbler to get through those defenders, "without making contact", the contact is judged to be a player control foul.
I want to encourage you to get the book out and look at this one. There is an explanation right behind the ruling, that answers a lot of the questions that would come to your mind. Turns out, that "screening principles" apply to the dribbler. That's right! Screening principles apply to the ball handler. I had not thought about that. Here is a quote: "When both the dribbler and the opponent are moving in exactly the same path and same direction, the player behind is responsible for contact which results if the player in front slows down or stops."
And, in the casebook, as it is set up, it makes clear that unless the space between the defenders is sufficient to allow the dribbler to go between them "without making contact", we are "punching it" the other way. We don't have discretion.
I think as officials we can get this one in our heads, and get it right on the floor. Where I think there can be some argument, is with lesser informed coaches. As I have noticed, I have never heard much discussion about when screening principles apply to an offensive player. At least, not specific in that context. We usually talk about the defender getting there, or the dribbler created the contact, or sometimes we no-call the play if the contact is "inconsequential". The latter idea causing us some problems when all of sudden a partner official bangs the dribbler down on the end.
Let's study this one. Make sure we get the distance in our head, slow down, observe the whole play-and Get the Call Right!
Friday, May 31, 2013
Friday, May 24, 2013
EXAMPLE OF A PATIENT WHISTLE!
Think about this situation with me. I have seen this one before!
Player for A1 secures a long rebound and bolts toward his/her basket. You are the trailing/covering official and you advance quickly up/down the floor. While you are advancing near Team B's bench, the coach/bench personnel loudly advises you that you are an idiot, dropping the "F" bomb to emphasize his point. You clearly hear this remark, and well-as much as you hate to do it you're going to have to "T" this one up. Question: When do you blow and assess the technical foul?
The question is a good one, and it asks us to think about something that comes up over and over again in so many ways. There is an answer about the play part. And, it is addressed in the NFHS 2012-2013 Casebook on pages 88 and 89. It falls under "WITHHOLD WHISTLE: 10.4.1 SITUATION F".
A couple of thoughts come to my mind; first-I have not had to spell "withhold" in a long time, I forgot there was the double h (it just looked weird.) Second, how many times in the rulebook or casebook are we asked to withhold a whistle anyway? It cannot be that many. Back to the point.
In the casebook when you read it you will see clear reference to the fact that A1 is advancing the ball toward the basket on an apparent goal. Said another way (for my friends from my home state of WV), the guy/gal is trying to score. The book advises us to hold our whistles and allow the play to develop to a made or missed basket-then blow the technical foul. And in my example, that is if the offensive language is coming from Team B. You react differently if the insult comes from Team A's bench/coach!
I will let you read the casebook for yourself and go over that. What I want you to think about here is that once again we are invited/advised to know clearly what is going on with the ball. We have to have court awareness enough and maturity enough in that situation to not stop that scoring attempt until it plays out.
In the situation I saw; the official banged the play too early. The result was he went to the table to assess the technical foul AND wipe off a basket. I gave him the information that the ball went in the basket. He chose to not award the goal.
In a case like this example, where I made the offensive language targeted at the official, it sometimes hard for us to not react very quickly. We have emotions on the floor as well. In the "on floor" culture now with so many coaches "working" the officials night in and night out, we can get on edge. Especially late in the season. We have to stay focused on the issue/s at hand, and on what we are on the floor to do.
One of the assignors I work for has a piece of advice he sends out several times a season. It is an exhortation that each crew work each night "to be the best team on the floor." Not only knowing the rules and getting calls right, but making sure we stay level headed and even keel on the floor is very important.
Player for A1 secures a long rebound and bolts toward his/her basket. You are the trailing/covering official and you advance quickly up/down the floor. While you are advancing near Team B's bench, the coach/bench personnel loudly advises you that you are an idiot, dropping the "F" bomb to emphasize his point. You clearly hear this remark, and well-as much as you hate to do it you're going to have to "T" this one up. Question: When do you blow and assess the technical foul?
The question is a good one, and it asks us to think about something that comes up over and over again in so many ways. There is an answer about the play part. And, it is addressed in the NFHS 2012-2013 Casebook on pages 88 and 89. It falls under "WITHHOLD WHISTLE: 10.4.1 SITUATION F".
A couple of thoughts come to my mind; first-I have not had to spell "withhold" in a long time, I forgot there was the double h (it just looked weird.) Second, how many times in the rulebook or casebook are we asked to withhold a whistle anyway? It cannot be that many. Back to the point.
In the casebook when you read it you will see clear reference to the fact that A1 is advancing the ball toward the basket on an apparent goal. Said another way (for my friends from my home state of WV), the guy/gal is trying to score. The book advises us to hold our whistles and allow the play to develop to a made or missed basket-then blow the technical foul. And in my example, that is if the offensive language is coming from Team B. You react differently if the insult comes from Team A's bench/coach!
I will let you read the casebook for yourself and go over that. What I want you to think about here is that once again we are invited/advised to know clearly what is going on with the ball. We have to have court awareness enough and maturity enough in that situation to not stop that scoring attempt until it plays out.
In the situation I saw; the official banged the play too early. The result was he went to the table to assess the technical foul AND wipe off a basket. I gave him the information that the ball went in the basket. He chose to not award the goal.
In a case like this example, where I made the offensive language targeted at the official, it sometimes hard for us to not react very quickly. We have emotions on the floor as well. In the "on floor" culture now with so many coaches "working" the officials night in and night out, we can get on edge. Especially late in the season. We have to stay focused on the issue/s at hand, and on what we are on the floor to do.
One of the assignors I work for has a piece of advice he sends out several times a season. It is an exhortation that each crew work each night "to be the best team on the floor." Not only knowing the rules and getting calls right, but making sure we stay level headed and even keel on the floor is very important.
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
DOUBLE DOWN LOW, NO PLACE TO GO!!!
NFHS 2012-2013 CASEBOOK, p.74, 9.3.3 Situation B: A1 and A2 set a double screen near the end line. A3 intentionally goes out of bounds outside the end line to have his/her defender detained by the double screen. RULING: The official shall call a violation on A3 as soon as he/she steps out of bounds. The ball is awarded to Team B at a designated spot nearest to where the violation occurred.
Usually you don't see this in "summer ball" that much. Teams want to play their usual "runnin and gunnin" style of basketball. On occasion, not sure if a team is intentionally running a play or just happen into it, you will see what I call a "double down low." A double screen set near the end line.
Besides getting really crowded in some small real estate, this can cause some headaches for the lead, maybe even a slot-official if glancing at a secondary. The casebook application asks you, the official, to judge the intent of the movement of A3. Last time I tried really hard, I failed my mind reading test.
Seeing this recently, I put air in the whistle, made up some sort of mechanic-not sure what the correct one was-the book has one where you just point to the floor for the "free throw, designated spot or other violation" so I guess that's it-and sent the ball the other way. At the next possession coach calls a time out and says-"Give me a full time-out, then I want to talk to you!" You can guess where that went, and yes she was quite sure I did not know what I was talking about.
If you are reading this, you know well the play as you have seen it for yourself. And, I am not going to make comments on coaches and their understanding of rules. What is useful in this post is a discussion of the call and why you make it. The casebook sets it up as A3 "intentionally" goes out of bounds. I find this interesting. Is this entry really asking me to judge a players intent? Well, you should, we do it all the time. What about a try for a goal, a tap, or what about the intentional foul? Or, how about a closely guarded play-we judge the defenders intent there too. And, yes all those examples have something to do with the ball. I Got that.
The rule book also makes provisions for players leaving the court, inadvertently, as the result of normal basketball movements. And, I think there I can see that there probably is lack of intent. So, not a problem.
Back to the casebook. The other part of the sentence above is key to the call, "to have his/her defender detained by the double screen." There is a direct linkage to a distinct advantage/disadvantage scenario here. The offensive player leaves the court to put the defender at a clear disadvantage. And that is how I can make a judgment on the play. Besides, that is what the rule is all about.
Not sure it will be big one to focus on, especially in summer ball. Kids shoot so quick, the ball rarely makes it that low unless its on a rebound. But, when we see this, we got to make sure we get the call right. And, when you explain it to the coach-probably should mention the disadvantage created on the defender somewhere in your explanation.
Usually you don't see this in "summer ball" that much. Teams want to play their usual "runnin and gunnin" style of basketball. On occasion, not sure if a team is intentionally running a play or just happen into it, you will see what I call a "double down low." A double screen set near the end line.
Besides getting really crowded in some small real estate, this can cause some headaches for the lead, maybe even a slot-official if glancing at a secondary. The casebook application asks you, the official, to judge the intent of the movement of A3. Last time I tried really hard, I failed my mind reading test.
Seeing this recently, I put air in the whistle, made up some sort of mechanic-not sure what the correct one was-the book has one where you just point to the floor for the "free throw, designated spot or other violation" so I guess that's it-and sent the ball the other way. At the next possession coach calls a time out and says-"Give me a full time-out, then I want to talk to you!" You can guess where that went, and yes she was quite sure I did not know what I was talking about.
If you are reading this, you know well the play as you have seen it for yourself. And, I am not going to make comments on coaches and their understanding of rules. What is useful in this post is a discussion of the call and why you make it. The casebook sets it up as A3 "intentionally" goes out of bounds. I find this interesting. Is this entry really asking me to judge a players intent? Well, you should, we do it all the time. What about a try for a goal, a tap, or what about the intentional foul? Or, how about a closely guarded play-we judge the defenders intent there too. And, yes all those examples have something to do with the ball. I Got that.
The rule book also makes provisions for players leaving the court, inadvertently, as the result of normal basketball movements. And, I think there I can see that there probably is lack of intent. So, not a problem.
Back to the casebook. The other part of the sentence above is key to the call, "to have his/her defender detained by the double screen." There is a direct linkage to a distinct advantage/disadvantage scenario here. The offensive player leaves the court to put the defender at a clear disadvantage. And that is how I can make a judgment on the play. Besides, that is what the rule is all about.
Not sure it will be big one to focus on, especially in summer ball. Kids shoot so quick, the ball rarely makes it that low unless its on a rebound. But, when we see this, we got to make sure we get the call right. And, when you explain it to the coach-probably should mention the disadvantage created on the defender somewhere in your explanation.
Friday, May 17, 2013
"LONG COOL WOMAN"
(Disclaimer: My apologies to the readers who are not from my generation. I realize the post may have references to some pop-culture ideas that the young among you will have trouble with. But, to those of us who are "young at heart", it hopefully will make more sense!"
Those of us from or from shortly after the generation of Buddy Holly, will remember the tune. Even today, when this comes on the radio, I use the volume button on my steering wheel and turn it up. Its just one of those tunes that lifts the spirit no matter what the situation. So how is it relevant to getting the calls right on the floor?
Here is a question-"What color was the dress the Long Cool Woman wore?" Have an answer? I know what color it is, but does it really matter? I mean I have heard bands cover the song in person, on the TV, and even on radio. In many of those cases, the color changed. It seemed to be changed to make the song relevant to an issue or event the singer wanted to highlight. I remember one year, after the Duke Men won a national basketball championship, and on TV I heard that she wore a "blue" dress. In other cases, more than one, I heard the woman wore a "red" dress.
The point in looking at this highlights the fact that, in some cases an "artists' prerogative/interpretation" was taken with the song. It was done for effect, and illustrates what we as humans do on occasion, to make ourselves seem, feel, appear sensitive to our circumstance/s.
Recently, I have been reading a string of posts on an international social networking site, that are written by basketball referees. Referees of all levels of work and experience are commenting on the site. One string was of particular note when a few people addressed "flopping." In regards to violation, technical foul, or just no call. If you are reading this post, you have seen a flop. And, you have chosen a reaction to it (probably more than once, and maybe more than one reaction). The rule and its interpretation/application is not the point of this post.
What I want to address is, "Why do officials react to a flop the way they do?" When you read the string, you see that there is no particular misunderstanding of the rule. BUT, there is a wide range of response how to react to it. You, the reader, probably have no particular problem with the rule.
So, why then do we see such an apparent "ignorance" of the rule and its application/penalty, on the floor? How many times, this season in any of your games, did you see a "flop" penalized in any way? Or, have you heard a statement in the post-game discussion where a partner of yours complimented you on the "good no-call on that flop?" You know we just didn't want to stop the game for that "interrupter."
Oh, I see, you usually like to give them a warning. You want to keep the game moving (obviously important, no argument here), but you let them know if you see it again you will have to address it. Let me ask you something, "Have you ever given a warning to a player for traveling?" "Hey there young man, next time you forget which pivot foot you used I'm gonna have to get it!" Yes well the flop did not cause an advantage. Of course, you're right. And we call advantage disadvantage.
I would argue, that in this job we call officiating, just because we step on the floor with a funny looking shirt and whistle-doesn't mean we stop being human. We take that part with us wherever we go. And, on the floor we use judgment. Part of the human condition that will just never be eliminated from the game. Nor, should it be. We should always admit to ourselves, and others, that we are first human, and all our decisions about enforcing a rule or not fall within that human condition. The "flop" rule is not the only one that gives us occasion to think about whether or not we enforce it. Ever heard of the three second rule? What IS of importance is that the crew be consistent in any given game, such that the players/coaches can adjust to the "ideas" they see on the floor. We need to take care that our "human condition" does not itself cause an advantage or disadvantage.
By the way, the "LONG COOL WOMAN" first wore a black dress! Question: How tall was she?
Those of us from or from shortly after the generation of Buddy Holly, will remember the tune. Even today, when this comes on the radio, I use the volume button on my steering wheel and turn it up. Its just one of those tunes that lifts the spirit no matter what the situation. So how is it relevant to getting the calls right on the floor?
Here is a question-"What color was the dress the Long Cool Woman wore?" Have an answer? I know what color it is, but does it really matter? I mean I have heard bands cover the song in person, on the TV, and even on radio. In many of those cases, the color changed. It seemed to be changed to make the song relevant to an issue or event the singer wanted to highlight. I remember one year, after the Duke Men won a national basketball championship, and on TV I heard that she wore a "blue" dress. In other cases, more than one, I heard the woman wore a "red" dress.
The point in looking at this highlights the fact that, in some cases an "artists' prerogative/interpretation" was taken with the song. It was done for effect, and illustrates what we as humans do on occasion, to make ourselves seem, feel, appear sensitive to our circumstance/s.
Recently, I have been reading a string of posts on an international social networking site, that are written by basketball referees. Referees of all levels of work and experience are commenting on the site. One string was of particular note when a few people addressed "flopping." In regards to violation, technical foul, or just no call. If you are reading this post, you have seen a flop. And, you have chosen a reaction to it (probably more than once, and maybe more than one reaction). The rule and its interpretation/application is not the point of this post.
What I want to address is, "Why do officials react to a flop the way they do?" When you read the string, you see that there is no particular misunderstanding of the rule. BUT, there is a wide range of response how to react to it. You, the reader, probably have no particular problem with the rule.
So, why then do we see such an apparent "ignorance" of the rule and its application/penalty, on the floor? How many times, this season in any of your games, did you see a "flop" penalized in any way? Or, have you heard a statement in the post-game discussion where a partner of yours complimented you on the "good no-call on that flop?" You know we just didn't want to stop the game for that "interrupter."
Oh, I see, you usually like to give them a warning. You want to keep the game moving (obviously important, no argument here), but you let them know if you see it again you will have to address it. Let me ask you something, "Have you ever given a warning to a player for traveling?" "Hey there young man, next time you forget which pivot foot you used I'm gonna have to get it!" Yes well the flop did not cause an advantage. Of course, you're right. And we call advantage disadvantage.
I would argue, that in this job we call officiating, just because we step on the floor with a funny looking shirt and whistle-doesn't mean we stop being human. We take that part with us wherever we go. And, on the floor we use judgment. Part of the human condition that will just never be eliminated from the game. Nor, should it be. We should always admit to ourselves, and others, that we are first human, and all our decisions about enforcing a rule or not fall within that human condition. The "flop" rule is not the only one that gives us occasion to think about whether or not we enforce it. Ever heard of the three second rule? What IS of importance is that the crew be consistent in any given game, such that the players/coaches can adjust to the "ideas" they see on the floor. We need to take care that our "human condition" does not itself cause an advantage or disadvantage.
By the way, the "LONG COOL WOMAN" first wore a black dress! Question: How tall was she?
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
CAN THERE BE TWO JUMP BALLS TO START THE GAME?
So, what is the answer? By rule, interpretation/application, can there be two successive jump balls in the middle circle to begin a high school basketball game? OK, if you said, "YES", you get the pat on the back. You are correct! If you said "NO WAY", then some more study is in your future!
Here is the scenario, (and I have never personally seen it, but I can imagine it to happen):
The referee steps in between the players, up goes the toss (a darn good one at that), one guy/gal tips the ball hard behind him/her and the ball heads quickly towards the end-line, two opposing players reach the ball at approximately the same time, and the ball is simultaneously controlled by opposing players, and just inside the end-line, the covering official blows and puts the thumbs in the air for a held ball!
Now, think of it for a moment. If this is you, what do you do? Unless you know the application of the rule, you could be sweating-a lot. Here is what the NFHS 2012-2013 Casebook says in regards to this situation: "A2 and B2 will jump in the center restraining circle regardless of where the ball went out or where the held ball occurred." ( p. 52 under Jump Ball To Start The Game - 6.4.1 Situation C. )
By the way, the application treats a ball that goes out of bounds after simultaneously being touched by two opposing players the same way!
So, yes Virginia not only is there a Santa Claus, but there can be two jump balls in the middle restraining circle to start a high school basketball game. Probably rare! But you know the saying, "If it's in the book, it probably has happened."
Now, for the really sharp among you-noodle this one-when does the direction arrow get set? Think about it!
Here is the scenario, (and I have never personally seen it, but I can imagine it to happen):
The referee steps in between the players, up goes the toss (a darn good one at that), one guy/gal tips the ball hard behind him/her and the ball heads quickly towards the end-line, two opposing players reach the ball at approximately the same time, and the ball is simultaneously controlled by opposing players, and just inside the end-line, the covering official blows and puts the thumbs in the air for a held ball!
Now, think of it for a moment. If this is you, what do you do? Unless you know the application of the rule, you could be sweating-a lot. Here is what the NFHS 2012-2013 Casebook says in regards to this situation: "A2 and B2 will jump in the center restraining circle regardless of where the ball went out or where the held ball occurred." ( p. 52 under Jump Ball To Start The Game - 6.4.1 Situation C. )
By the way, the application treats a ball that goes out of bounds after simultaneously being touched by two opposing players the same way!
So, yes Virginia not only is there a Santa Claus, but there can be two jump balls in the middle restraining circle to start a high school basketball game. Probably rare! But you know the saying, "If it's in the book, it probably has happened."
Now, for the really sharp among you-noodle this one-when does the direction arrow get set? Think about it!
Sunday, May 12, 2013
"ON THE FLOOR!!!!"
How many times have you heard this in a high school gym? How many times have you uttered these words in one of your high school games? It can look a lot (or a little) like this: an offensive player with the ball drives the basket, there is illegal contact and a quick whistle-from any where on the floor-and then we have a basketball falling through the basket with an official with his fist up and quickly waving off the basket yelling, "No basket, On The Floor!" And, accompanying these words come these spastic referee arm movements-usually a windmill fashion and ending up with fingers of one or both hands pointing to the hardwood. Have you seen it? Have you done it?
I have. Seen it that is. Well, OK, I have also done it. And, unless I am just weird and terribly below average, my guess is one or two readers will have some "personal" experience with this as well. Let's take a look at it. Let's get the call right!
Referees must be intimately familiar with continuous motion. And, not just with the rule, but really consistent with its application. To begin, I am not talking about obvious fouls that occur before the habitual throwing motion begins. Example: you see a foul on a drive, hold your whistle because you are looking at a play in a secondary coverage area and you are waiting for the primary official to put air in the whistle. Not hearing any, you blow-and a little late. Not exactly optimum-but you can get the idea.
Continuous motion is a concept in the rules that applies to illegal contact/foul that occurs after a try has begun, and before the ball is released. Arguably, this is not a great amount of time! In fact, we all know it can be over very quickly, and we have to make the determination quickly. And, the foul does not have to be committed on the shooter, but it/foul must be committed by the defense. Also, the shooter does not have to be in the air.
I heard a referee tell me in a clinic one time that we make judgments on calls in about a half second. I am not a physicists, nor have I researched how long "begins the habitual act of shooting" is! (You can also tell I'm not an English major.) But, what I am sure of is the amount of time that the rule of continuous motion applies is a really short time frame on the floor. It begins quickly, and once the ball is away from the hand, it ends. Not withstanding the air-borne shooter rule.
The rule, according to the NFHS Casebook, has no significance unless there is a personal or technical foul by the defender or defense that occurs after the trying or tapping motion by the offense is started and before the ball is in flight. And, in this case the whistle does not cause the shot to end or the ball to become dead. Hopefully-even in the most obscure of gymnasiums the whistle will stop the clock!
There are other rules that can apply in this scenario, but I am only addressing the rule of continuous motion. Expert knowledge of the air-borne shooter rule would also be good in this situation.
There are several suggestions in the spoken and the written official universe that can be of significant help. Here are a few that I have found helpful. I researched some this, especially after "kicking the crap" out of a call like this in a game last year.
First, one of the most worn out but extremely valuable and correct statements you will hear in our world is "move to improve" or "work to get a better angle to see through the players." I find this to be the number one reason I miss the calls I do. I was not looking through the play, or I was in a poor position to observe the whole play. Working the angles and being mindful of ball lines is so important no matter what rule we are dissecting. I try to make sure I am conscious of when I am statuesque. Yes we move to improve, and stand still to officiate. And, I am not recommending we have "happy feet." But, if I find myself standing still too long, I will move slightly. I don't want to get into a situation where me and the Statue of Liberty have something in common.
Secondly, one mentor used to tell me all the time, "be patient, see the whole play and have a patient whistle." Good advice! And especially in this case. When we slow these type of plays down, we are more likely to get it right. Sure, we don't want to blow consistently when plays are obviously over and play is resetting. But, patiently allowing a play to develop, occur and finish, is of supreme importance.
Thirdly, a good pre-game where the whole crew goes to the floor understanding that when we have a whistle, the on-ball guy/gal is going to get the status of the ball. This can be real helpful to the crew when the off-ball guy blows in a continuous motion scenario. When you hear a whistle, with the ball in your primary, find the ball. Sound silly and simple and a little obvious? OK I will give you that. Now tell me, how many times a whistle goes off in a game of yours, and there is a question about the ball status. Our natural tendency, even as officials, is to look towards the whistle when we hear it. Kind of like the tendency of a lead official to look up, instead of look through plays at the basket or an official in transition watching the pass instead of the players in a fast break scenario.
Lastly, observe the contact/play. Trust your partners to get the flight of the ball. The mechanics book I have read all indicate what coverage occurs when the ball is headed to the basket. Trust the other guys/gals to do their job. While we do wear funny looking striped shirts, none of them in my bag have large red "S" on the chest. I am not Superman! My job is to see through the play, see the contact, determine if is illegal, and blow. My partners will have my back. They will let me know if I need to score the basket.
Here is a link to a helpful summary of the application of the continuous motion rule and high school officiating. There are other resources out there as well. Good Luck!
http://www.arbitersports.com/Groups/105990/Library/files/Continuous%20Motion.pdf
I have. Seen it that is. Well, OK, I have also done it. And, unless I am just weird and terribly below average, my guess is one or two readers will have some "personal" experience with this as well. Let's take a look at it. Let's get the call right!
Referees must be intimately familiar with continuous motion. And, not just with the rule, but really consistent with its application. To begin, I am not talking about obvious fouls that occur before the habitual throwing motion begins. Example: you see a foul on a drive, hold your whistle because you are looking at a play in a secondary coverage area and you are waiting for the primary official to put air in the whistle. Not hearing any, you blow-and a little late. Not exactly optimum-but you can get the idea.
Continuous motion is a concept in the rules that applies to illegal contact/foul that occurs after a try has begun, and before the ball is released. Arguably, this is not a great amount of time! In fact, we all know it can be over very quickly, and we have to make the determination quickly. And, the foul does not have to be committed on the shooter, but it/foul must be committed by the defense. Also, the shooter does not have to be in the air.
I heard a referee tell me in a clinic one time that we make judgments on calls in about a half second. I am not a physicists, nor have I researched how long "begins the habitual act of shooting" is! (You can also tell I'm not an English major.) But, what I am sure of is the amount of time that the rule of continuous motion applies is a really short time frame on the floor. It begins quickly, and once the ball is away from the hand, it ends. Not withstanding the air-borne shooter rule.
The rule, according to the NFHS Casebook, has no significance unless there is a personal or technical foul by the defender or defense that occurs after the trying or tapping motion by the offense is started and before the ball is in flight. And, in this case the whistle does not cause the shot to end or the ball to become dead. Hopefully-even in the most obscure of gymnasiums the whistle will stop the clock!
There are other rules that can apply in this scenario, but I am only addressing the rule of continuous motion. Expert knowledge of the air-borne shooter rule would also be good in this situation.
There are several suggestions in the spoken and the written official universe that can be of significant help. Here are a few that I have found helpful. I researched some this, especially after "kicking the crap" out of a call like this in a game last year.
First, one of the most worn out but extremely valuable and correct statements you will hear in our world is "move to improve" or "work to get a better angle to see through the players." I find this to be the number one reason I miss the calls I do. I was not looking through the play, or I was in a poor position to observe the whole play. Working the angles and being mindful of ball lines is so important no matter what rule we are dissecting. I try to make sure I am conscious of when I am statuesque. Yes we move to improve, and stand still to officiate. And, I am not recommending we have "happy feet." But, if I find myself standing still too long, I will move slightly. I don't want to get into a situation where me and the Statue of Liberty have something in common.
Secondly, one mentor used to tell me all the time, "be patient, see the whole play and have a patient whistle." Good advice! And especially in this case. When we slow these type of plays down, we are more likely to get it right. Sure, we don't want to blow consistently when plays are obviously over and play is resetting. But, patiently allowing a play to develop, occur and finish, is of supreme importance.
Thirdly, a good pre-game where the whole crew goes to the floor understanding that when we have a whistle, the on-ball guy/gal is going to get the status of the ball. This can be real helpful to the crew when the off-ball guy blows in a continuous motion scenario. When you hear a whistle, with the ball in your primary, find the ball. Sound silly and simple and a little obvious? OK I will give you that. Now tell me, how many times a whistle goes off in a game of yours, and there is a question about the ball status. Our natural tendency, even as officials, is to look towards the whistle when we hear it. Kind of like the tendency of a lead official to look up, instead of look through plays at the basket or an official in transition watching the pass instead of the players in a fast break scenario.
Lastly, observe the contact/play. Trust your partners to get the flight of the ball. The mechanics book I have read all indicate what coverage occurs when the ball is headed to the basket. Trust the other guys/gals to do their job. While we do wear funny looking striped shirts, none of them in my bag have large red "S" on the chest. I am not Superman! My job is to see through the play, see the contact, determine if is illegal, and blow. My partners will have my back. They will let me know if I need to score the basket.
Here is a link to a helpful summary of the application of the continuous motion rule and high school officiating. There are other resources out there as well. Good Luck!
http://www.arbitersports.com/Groups/105990/Library/files/Continuous%20Motion.pdf
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
Out of Bounds: No Problem!
NOTE TO READER: I have to issue my disclaimer again, I am not an expert on the rules of basketball, so what you read next may have some "tongue in my cheek!"
IMAGINE THIS; ( I say that because frankly, I've never heard of anyone that has seen this! ) You are beginning to administer a throw-in to resume play after a held-ball. You have designated the spot, the player is ready for the hand off/bounce, you take one last glance at your partners and the court, and just for safe measure you remind the defender to not strike the ball or the player out of bounds. You hand/bounce the ball to the player, step back a step or two, and begin the visible but silent five count for the throw in. And then, what to your wandering eyes should appear, but the thrower extends the ball forward across the boundary into the playing court. And, and an exceptionally bright-or possibly just real lucky defender-grasps the ball, and all of sudden we have four hands on a live ball, in bounds on an alternating possession throw in. You put air in your whistle!
OK! Everything has gone according to plan to this point. Now, the whole gym is looking at you and you have got to make the call. What is going through your head? Probably the same thing going through a bunch of heads, "How did that happen?" And, what is going to be done about it. We got a whistle.
So now you start thinking, it looks like a held ball. But wait a minute, something is just wrong with this picture. I know I've got a live ball, I know it looks like a held ball. So, I'm going with a held ball. So, up go the thumbs. It is almost automatic. And, not a correctable error by the way.
All right! Now, I have the held ball, what is my next instinct? Look at the arrow! OK, I got the arrow, it says I'm staying, but wait a minute, that was a held ball throw in, so is that right? Maybe a partner can help, so you look. Oh boy, deer in the headlights. This is not going to be smooth. And, doggone it, there is a supervisor on the fifth row. Oh, I know, when not sure, come together as a crew, talk about it-get it right.
Now, we come together. What do you have? Did the arrow change? No, there was no chop. Oh, OK, well the arrow says we are staying-yeah-wait that was an alternating possession throw in, you called a held ball we got to go the other way! Well yea, but one guy was out of bounds. Huh? Yea, the guy just held it, he was out of bounds. Well, do we have a held ball? Well, sort of, except one guy was out of bounds. Well, don't both guys got to be in bounds? Yeah, but he wasn't. Yep, he sure wasn't. Well he hit the ball, is that violation or technical? No, he just grabbed it. And, it was in bounds? Yeah, it was inbounds. OK, well, I think I remember, we got a live ball, it was tied up, so we go to the arrow and we're going the other way. Yeah, but the arrow did not change, we did not have a chop or legal touch in bounds. Oh yeah, you're right!
While the event is certainly rare, or even non-existent, you probably can appreciate some the discussion, that would have gone on in the huddle. As referees, we get paid to get it right. But, some times, especially when the event is just that weird or the rule that obscure, sometimes we have to just reach deep for the answer. And, when the event we witnessed is out side of our experience-that is when we have to be prepared with deep knowledge.
Everyone reading now knows that this particular occurrence is addressed, at both high school and the college level. Let's take the NFHS Casebook explanation on this one its a little shorter. Here it is; "6.4.5 Situation B: During an alternating-possession throw-in, thrower A1 holds the ball through the end-line plane and B1 grabs it, resulting in a held ball. Ruling: Since the throw-in had not ended and no violation occurred, it is still A's ball for an alternating-possession throw-in. (4-42-5)"
Now, back to the huddle. OK guys I got this. We got a held-ball, but not a completed throw-in. So, we're staying! Are we good? Yep, got it! So you step at from the huddle, and in your most serious of basketball mechanics, you motion at the table that we are staying, and the team that had the ball is going to get another crack at it! And the fans and the other coach go NUTS! And, you notice the supervisor is writing on his pad! Holy Cow!
Interesting, is it not. I mean has anyone thought this one through just yet. OK, here it is, the rule book gives this situation a real break. You just called a held-ball, and put the ball back in play to the team that had the throw-in to begin with. And, yes when you called the held ball, the team's player that you are giving the ball back to was out of bounds when you called the held-ball. And, in all likelihood, you give it back to the same player at the same spot.
I was not around when the rules committee/s put this one in place. But, I bet it was just plain fun to watch the twisting and turning discussion on this one. Really, how many different views would there have been? How did they get past the player being out of bounds part? Why does the team retain the possession? Was a disadvantage created? Who is being penalized for good play here? How many times did this happen before they put something in the book? How many times has it happened since it was put in?
I am not smart enough to make a judgment on this. I don't know why it is the way it is. But, if it ever happens to me, I hope I get the call right!
IMAGINE THIS; ( I say that because frankly, I've never heard of anyone that has seen this! ) You are beginning to administer a throw-in to resume play after a held-ball. You have designated the spot, the player is ready for the hand off/bounce, you take one last glance at your partners and the court, and just for safe measure you remind the defender to not strike the ball or the player out of bounds. You hand/bounce the ball to the player, step back a step or two, and begin the visible but silent five count for the throw in. And then, what to your wandering eyes should appear, but the thrower extends the ball forward across the boundary into the playing court. And, and an exceptionally bright-or possibly just real lucky defender-grasps the ball, and all of sudden we have four hands on a live ball, in bounds on an alternating possession throw in. You put air in your whistle!
OK! Everything has gone according to plan to this point. Now, the whole gym is looking at you and you have got to make the call. What is going through your head? Probably the same thing going through a bunch of heads, "How did that happen?" And, what is going to be done about it. We got a whistle.
So now you start thinking, it looks like a held ball. But wait a minute, something is just wrong with this picture. I know I've got a live ball, I know it looks like a held ball. So, I'm going with a held ball. So, up go the thumbs. It is almost automatic. And, not a correctable error by the way.
All right! Now, I have the held ball, what is my next instinct? Look at the arrow! OK, I got the arrow, it says I'm staying, but wait a minute, that was a held ball throw in, so is that right? Maybe a partner can help, so you look. Oh boy, deer in the headlights. This is not going to be smooth. And, doggone it, there is a supervisor on the fifth row. Oh, I know, when not sure, come together as a crew, talk about it-get it right.
Now, we come together. What do you have? Did the arrow change? No, there was no chop. Oh, OK, well the arrow says we are staying-yeah-wait that was an alternating possession throw in, you called a held ball we got to go the other way! Well yea, but one guy was out of bounds. Huh? Yea, the guy just held it, he was out of bounds. Well, do we have a held ball? Well, sort of, except one guy was out of bounds. Well, don't both guys got to be in bounds? Yeah, but he wasn't. Yep, he sure wasn't. Well he hit the ball, is that violation or technical? No, he just grabbed it. And, it was in bounds? Yeah, it was inbounds. OK, well, I think I remember, we got a live ball, it was tied up, so we go to the arrow and we're going the other way. Yeah, but the arrow did not change, we did not have a chop or legal touch in bounds. Oh yeah, you're right!
While the event is certainly rare, or even non-existent, you probably can appreciate some the discussion, that would have gone on in the huddle. As referees, we get paid to get it right. But, some times, especially when the event is just that weird or the rule that obscure, sometimes we have to just reach deep for the answer. And, when the event we witnessed is out side of our experience-that is when we have to be prepared with deep knowledge.
Everyone reading now knows that this particular occurrence is addressed, at both high school and the college level. Let's take the NFHS Casebook explanation on this one its a little shorter. Here it is; "6.4.5 Situation B: During an alternating-possession throw-in, thrower A1 holds the ball through the end-line plane and B1 grabs it, resulting in a held ball. Ruling: Since the throw-in had not ended and no violation occurred, it is still A's ball for an alternating-possession throw-in. (4-42-5)"
Now, back to the huddle. OK guys I got this. We got a held-ball, but not a completed throw-in. So, we're staying! Are we good? Yep, got it! So you step at from the huddle, and in your most serious of basketball mechanics, you motion at the table that we are staying, and the team that had the ball is going to get another crack at it! And the fans and the other coach go NUTS! And, you notice the supervisor is writing on his pad! Holy Cow!
Interesting, is it not. I mean has anyone thought this one through just yet. OK, here it is, the rule book gives this situation a real break. You just called a held-ball, and put the ball back in play to the team that had the throw-in to begin with. And, yes when you called the held ball, the team's player that you are giving the ball back to was out of bounds when you called the held-ball. And, in all likelihood, you give it back to the same player at the same spot.
I was not around when the rules committee/s put this one in place. But, I bet it was just plain fun to watch the twisting and turning discussion on this one. Really, how many different views would there have been? How did they get past the player being out of bounds part? Why does the team retain the possession? Was a disadvantage created? Who is being penalized for good play here? How many times did this happen before they put something in the book? How many times has it happened since it was put in?
I am not smart enough to make a judgment on this. I don't know why it is the way it is. But, if it ever happens to me, I hope I get the call right!
Monday, May 6, 2013
Tragedy Speaks About Our Culture
If you have been paying attention lately, you are aware of the soccer referee that recently passed away, apparently as the result of a punch to the head received during a contest. At first, my reaction was one of shock, horror, and amazement. REALLY! He is dead?! Then, my thoughts turned to silent prayers for this guy's family, and the loss of a father and family guy.Then, my memory turned to the last few years, and the You Tube video's posted about violence towards officials. I tried to contemplate my years of growing up playing basketball in high school, and volleyball in college-(I was too short and slow to play basketball in college-so I stayed connected on the hardwood in another sport.) And, I could not come up with any personal experience around violence committed against a sports official in my presence. While doing some web research, I did find that over the last 30 years, there are stories about bad things happening to officials as a result of their officiating duties. And, what I also found is that there are more reports of such events in the last third of those years.
What struck me though, is that the culture around athletics is moving in the same direction as the culture generally. It appears to me, (in my opinion), that more and more I see some sort of verbal insult, obnoxious behavior-throwing ice, drinks, food, etc.-or out right physical violence in or around an athletic contest. Recently, I was talking to my partner referees at the end of a game behind a scorers table. We looked up when a crowd of parents/people estimated to be around 75 people gathered at the end of the court. And, within seconds, a fight had broken out. It was somewhat severe, as the next contest was delayed 30 minutes as blood had to be scrubbed from the playing surface.
I am not generally a doomsayer, nor do I try to judge behavior of other people- there is plenty of both of those and people who do are probably much "better" at it than me. And I find it simply just not worth my time to think about what I think about what someone else does.
But, I do find myself now, thinking about safety much more than I used to. It is a small "world" we operate in. Most places any of us go these days, we have been there before, and people can figure out who we are and what we do. I mean when you park and get out of the car and go to your trunk and pull out the right bag for the location-it is obvious to many what you are arriving to do.
Some time ago, I read an article about a notable referee retiring. I found it amusing at the time when in the body of one of the articles he was quoted as saying he always made sure he parked the car with the nose facing out. Not funny, anymore.
Now, no matter where I go, even in small summer venues, my thoughts are different when I pull into the parking lot. I mean its not just trying to avoid "door dings" anymore!
The real concern for me is, "Where does it go?" How far will it go? When will we read/hear about the official that is shot while working or after a game? I don't know. I hope never.
And, I am not sure what really can be done. I mean I recently saw law enforcement officers in uniform, attending and supervising a summer game sight. When I asked if he had a player there, or a relative, he said no-he was just doing his job! WOW!
I do wonder if in the future, in the front of our rule books under the "Officials Duties" section, if we indeed will see advice/mechanics about "workplace" violence!
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