TIME TO CELEBRATE???????????

Someone please remember to stop after work and get a cake!  The NFHS rule 10-6-12 is "born" this year (2014-2015 season) and we need to celebrate.  If you are paying attention, keeping up for those of you not in my generation, you have noticed we have a new basketball rule this year.  And, I promise you, it will generate some discussions between officials and coaches.

The new NFHS basketball rule reads this way - "10-6-12:  The following acts constitute a foul when committed against a ball handler/dribbler:  a.  Placing two hands on the player.; b.  Placing an extended arm bar on the player.;  c.  Placing and keeping a hand on the player.;  d.  Contacting the player more than once with the same hand or alternating hands."  The letter then points you to this:  "Rationale:  Rather than continuing to make hand-checking a point of emphasis year after year, simply add a brand new rule that requires a personal foul be called any time this type of contact occurs on a player holding or dribbling the ball outside of the lane area, The NFHS game needs this type of illegal contact on the perimeter ball handlers and dribblers eliminated."

I would like to offer my congratulations to the committee.  After a while of "tinkering around the edges," they went full bore at the heart of this one.  And, for the rule's sake, it is very much straight forward.  The definitions are clear, understandable, and in my mind enforceable. 

The heart of the matter came in the "Rationale" statement.  There are some things in it that stuck out in my mind.  First, there seemed to be just a little bit of "exhaustion" coming across in the first part- "Rather than continuing to make hand-checking a point of emphasis year after year......."  I guess the positive way to look at it would be they really do want to address other things in the future.  But, if you have been around only a little while, you can perceive a little bit of the "c'mon we got to get this out of the game," sentiment there.  That is born out in the last part of the statement, "The NFHS game needs this type of illegal contact on the perimeter ball handlers and dribblers eliminated."

The second thing I noticed, is again in the last part of the rationale-"The NFHS game needs........"  I believe the committee is clearly trying to tell us something we should already know and believe-but evidently are failing to make evident in our body of work.  And, I hesitate to mention it due to not wanting to provoke the proverbial, "Duh!"

The committee reminds us that it is "The NFHS game..." that needs to get this type of behavior out of the game.  Sounds simple, but don't for a minute think it is.  The real message is a not so subtle reminder that the high school game is different.  The committee is once again making a clear distinction about this type of contact, and they are telling us that in our high school games across the country they want it penalized.

It's really no secret is it?  I mean, watch high school kids play ball today.  We see them mimicking and parroting what they see on television.  And, there are games and coaching styles that will say to the kids-"play hard, go to the limit, and see if they call it!"  I have actually heard that from coaches to kids during time-outs, "hey you gotta back off there, they are calling that......."

And, I have worked games with officials who are calling ball at other levels, and watched them as they officiate the key with a "broad definition" of illegal contact.  Some even going so far as to mention their "resume" in the pregame and then tell me how they want a game called in regards to this type of contact.  It is at times difficult to "get on the same page" with people like that, and work a high school game for its own sake.

My point is, this new rule is yet another opportunity for us to show we revere the high school game.  Sometimes it is easy to get lost in the mechanics or the intricacies of how to penalize fouls in the order in which they occurred and so on.  We do and should portray ourselves on a high school floor as what we are, even if for that night, high school basketball officials.  The committee has given us yet another clear mandate to make our case, and get our calls right.!

MORE AMMUNITION FOR THE FASHION POLICE:

I am so excited!  the NFHS has released basketball rule changes for the upcoming 2014-2015 season.  Can I get a collective "WooHoo!"  It draws to my mind the lyric, "something tells me I'm into something good........" (Herman's Hermits)

We all can be extremely excited and wait for the season with baited breath.  I mean I cannot wait to see how the latest NFHS fashion advice affects the game.  As it turns out, tights are in!  Yep, tights are in and the definition appears quite expansive.  Let's take a look at it-3-5-3:  Art. 3:  "Arm sleeves, knee sleeves, lower leg sleeves and tights are permissible:  a.  Anything worn on the arm and/or leg is a sleeve, except a knee brace, and shall meet color restrictions.; b.  The sleeves/tights shall be black, white, beige or the predominant color of the uniform and the same color sleeves/tights shall be worn by teammates.; c.  All sleeves/tights shall be the same solid color.; d.  Meet the logo requirements in 3-6.  (Note:  In general, a brace is defined as anything that contains hinges and/or straps or an opening over the knee cap.)

The rule letter that I downloaded on the internet had this statement below the clarification:  "Rationale:  To clarify the rule and give better guidance to what is acceptable."  Well color me "clarified!"  We are now down the road where the visual stimulation of colors and fabrics will never cease to amaze.  Teams can now take the rule, and mix or match colors for just about any mood and or social convention.

While it probably won't show up at some of our less affluent schools, can you imagine what could happen at a few of our schools during certain months of year?  I mean, the rule allows literally "any" color-as long as it falls under the predominate color of the uniform advice. 

And, did you notice, the total consistency with previous advice in the rules concerning logos?  Do you believe any "thinking" referee is going to go looking for appropriate placement of logos, particularly on tights?  (Read the logo restrictions and get back to me on that one!)

I am truly grateful for the clarification.  And, really am looking forward to the results this year.  I am always curious and amused at some of the conversations in the crew at the division line before a game.  Cannot wait for that night the home team tests the limits of the colors and fashions available to them this year.

"....the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day."

I remember back in the 90's raising my son, and reading him a book called, "Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day."  What a title?  I mean doesn't that just get you right in the gut, especially on a day like today.

I am speaking of a news article I read today about a basketball referee who has been charged with murder, in the death of a coach, after an altercation broke out at recent weekend basketball game.  I remember last year writing about the culture of sports, and the increasing amount of problems occuring in the world of officiating-especially as it relates to emotional outbreaks and violence.

Those of us who are students of the officiating avocation, and the culture in which we live, can honestly say we are deeply saddened but not shocked.  It is unfortunate and very sad, that in today's time in which we live, that these terrible, horrible, no good, very bad things occur.

My thoughts and prayers go out to the two individuals-the alleged perpetrator, and the deceased, and the their families who are involved in this so sad and tragic turn of events. 

BACK TO THE GROOVE YARD OF FORGOTTEN FAVORITES, OR, WHAT IS TRAVELING-I MEAN IN TODAY'S GAME

OK, so here is a question to ponder from the "Groove Yard of Forgotten Favorites."  During the British Invasion of the early 1960's Rock and Roll music was revolutionized by some friends from across the pond.  Some of you remember the bands that were involved-The Beatles, The WHO!  Actually, do you remember there were five bands credited with the "invasion?"  Most of us can get three, and the music lovers can get the fourth.  But very few people now remember the fifth band.  Here is a Hint; the four obvious bands are-The Beatles, The WHO, The Rolling Stones, and The Kinks.  Trivia Question:  Who was the fifth band?

Now, to basketball.  NFHS 2014 Rules Book; page 40 and rule section 44-Traveling:  "Traveling is moving a foot or feet in any direction in excess of prescribed limits while holding the ball."  As I go through my summer rules review, I was struck as I read this rule/definition again, probably for the 100th time.  My thinking went to the many opportunities I have had on the court to call this violation.

This year, as I slowed down to ponder it, my mind went to something I had not considered for awhile.  Those of you familiar with the rule and the book, know that the book goes on to describe various scenarios and considerations about the foot/feet and when they move, and so on and so forth.  What stood out to me this summer were four almost forgotten words-"while holding the ball."  After contemplating that phrase, I went back and read the rule again, along with other quotations in the book related to traveling.  And, there it was-the ball and where it is and what it is doing in relationship to the feet just stood out.

Just like many of you, I have been to camps and clinics, and been intructed in what is traveling and what it is not.  When it is called and when perhaps it should not be called.  What I have noticed in the culture and discourse of the world of basketball is that the traveling "discussion/discourse" is around what the feet do.  Coaches, and "color analysts" often pontificate to ad nauseum about the call, and whether or not the referee got it right.  Many times, as we know, they get it just plain out wrong.

But I ask you, are the feet/foot the central part of the rule?  Asked another way, would there be any traveling calls made without consideration of where the ball is and what is going on with it?  I submit, no there would not be.  I mean, how many times have you ever made the call on any player without he/she being involved with the ball.  Probably absolutely none.  And, if you did/do, you probably would not be officiating very long.

The point is, the ball and its location is key in making a decent traveling call.  Now, I am not addressing what you do for game management, or various levels like we see on TV in the late spring, like now.  Those games and people making those calls, are not my audience.  But, to make a decent call a good referee, who wants to get the call right, will not only know what is going on with the feet, but absolutely know what the ball is doing, and what can be done while holding the ball.  You also will have to be an expert at what a pass and try look like.  And, you will know these things regardless of the team or personalities playing on the floor.  And, in some cases, the referee just has to have the guts to blow and make the call in a tough situation.  Suggestion:  know the rule, know where the ball is, and know the definitions of "try, tap, and pass" in order to get it right!

Now to the Trivia: Mike Smith, Lenny Davidson, Denis Payton, Rick Huxley and Dave Clark-composed the British band, "The Dave Clark Five."  Also known as "The DC5."  They were the second British invasion group to appear on the Ed Sullivan Show, after The Beatles.  And had more total appearances on that show than any other British band.  Their single, "Glad All Over" was the single that knocked the Beatles' "I want to hold your hand" out of the number one chart spot in Britain.  Pull that group up on your MP3, and relate to a more simple time!

PROFESSIONALISM: AT ANY LEVEL

In a high school game recently, my crew was put in an unfortunate circumstance.  First, a small anecdote:  A parent approached me after a recent contest-which happened to be a a conference play-in game for both teams.  Whichever team won, they moved on to a much coveted playoff spot in their conference.  She was almost in tears as she walked up, a nice looking well mannered lady.  I could tell that what she had to say was going to be one of those moments-you know the kind that you just hate to hear about.  She asked permission to speak to me, as if it were a rule she could not, and began talking in a low, measured voice.  She let me know that her son was a player on the losing team.  She stated that she and her husband had taken great pride in coming to the gym tonight.  Especially, since her husband-and son's father had recently been diagnosed with a life-threatening disease with a poor prognosis.  Her son, as a way to handle his grief/feelings had dedicated tonight's game to his dad.  But, her son was a player that did not get in the game that often.  And, the coach had promised that under the circumstance-he would play tonight no matter what.  So all in the family were just so excited.  BUT, you see her son did not get in the game.  As it turned out, he had to give up his jersey to another boy, a better player, so that he could play in the game.  And, so her son, sat on the bench almost in tears the whole evening, unable to honor his father with his efforts.

Now, the "rest of the story!"  At the beginning of the game, the crew had to address two illegal numbers on jerseys.  We followed the rules/protocols and did not allow those jerseys on the floor.  As it turns out, according to the AD, these illegally numbered jersey's had been used the "entire" year.  They were allowed by other referees in over 20 contests.  I find that hard to believe, but I am not going to call the guy a liar either.  What occurred on the bench was that, some players that normally do not play much, "gave up" their jersey's to the better players, so the team could compete for the playoff spot.  We as a crew were unaware of the "human" toll this took on the contest vis-a-vis the story above. 

Now, I am not going into my disgust with the outcome of the stories.  Nor will I launch into my thoughts about why we have to be uniform police at certain levels; arbitrating what colors and what shapes, and what widths, and what lengths, and what logos are where, and what constitutes this or that.  I mean really, how many times have you known a leg sleeve of any length or color creating such an advantage that opposing players could not overcome it?  And, do you mean to tell me that a player who wears the number "8", is substantially putting the other team at a disadvantage?  I know, it causes problems with reporting fouls.  But what about the unintended consequences.  I mean, I'm a dad too, and if that had been my son.........................who knows!

What about the other games where supposedly the illegal numbers were "allowed" on the floor.  We as referees are expected and paid to apply a governing body of rules to our contests in order to provide a "level playing field" for both teams.  Were these numbers overlooked in previous contests?  Were there conscious decisions on the parts of crews to allow illegal numbers?  Had this been addressed previously would the above story had happened?

I don't know.  What I do know is that we are professionals that should apply the rules with reasonable equity across our contests.  When a crew sets aside, or ignores a rule, even as "inconsequential" as some of them "appear" to be-you put yourself, the next crew and the avocation/profession in a difficult position.  Don't do it!  Know the rules.  Apply them expertly and professionally as we are paid to do.  Who knows, you might be the next crew going in "cleaning up the other crews stuff!"

FEELING THE HEAT OF THOSE PHYSICAL DEMANDS ON OUR BODIES

How are you feeling today?  To many, this is an everyday, non-consequential type of question.  Many times our responses are sanguine-"Doing OK, you?" or "I am fine, hope you are!"  And, I must admit, I do this all the time.  Most of the time, when I am asked that-the person asking the question really doesn't care about how I am, they are just being socially polite.

BUT, let me give you some context.  What about this question-How is your body holding up during the long season's physical demands of the basketball season?  Many guys/gals that may read this article, work several nights/days each week.  I once saw an ESPN expose about a well known NCAA Division I official and his travel schedule during just one month of the season.  In a 30 day month he roughly had only 7 total "days" off, including travel.  I know many officials in my local area that work multiple levels, and on average call 4 to 5 days a week.  This has to have some impacts on our bodies?

Well it does.  Here is a real story, the names are not mentioned to protect the innocent!  In the pregame, the crew is going back and forth with the normal stuff.  The night promises to offer some challenges, as one of the teams is looking to move up in conference standings.  There is a slight delay in getting the crew to the floor for "technical" reasons.  During the "down time" conversation turns to schedules and the physical demands they place on the body.  Interestingly enough, a statement is made that one member is just "tired tonight."  Further conversation revealed that there were thoughts about schedule, travel, and physical and mental impacts.

The game proceeded.  And, as expected one team came out and just "punched the other in the mouth."  We all have seen it-suffocating defense in the back-court, get the turnover, then rain down the three's.  The losing team's coach is getting animated.  He starts chirping.  His players on the court start chirping as well.  At half time, conversation within the crew is around managing the game.  You know, let's stay in control, keep this game between the lines.

Second half opens up.  Three minutes in we have a technical foul on a player, a warning to a coach, and a technical foul on the coach.  In three minutes.  Not making a judgment on the guys calls, because yes it all came from one official.  During a time out early, the calling official mentions to the crew something about having his back.  After the game, an apology is issued, and a heartfelt statement about being tired and letting it affect his performance.

Not saying anything against anybody here, and I am no saint when it comes to keeping my concentration on the floor and staying grounded in "Real-ville."  My lesson is more global-how can we manage ourselves during a long season to make sure we are the best team on the court every night?  Answers abound, but consider some of these tidbits that come from various sources.

Physical preparation:  most of the problems I see usually come from the off season.  Not keeping ourselves in physical shape.  I have talked to six doctors and exercise physiologists over the last two years, and every one of them made statements about body weight, and the impact it has on what a basketball official does on the floor.  It is just common sense-extra pounds-no matter what the body type-mean extra pressure on joints and extra energy to move the the body.  Soreness and pain can affect our rest and recovery.  Rest and recovery, affects our moods, emotions and judgments over time.  And, as we age up, it is more difficult to manage that weight down from the off-season.  Sociologist and gerontologists tell us that "boomers" (Baby Boomers, as in the generation for you young readers) see themselves as being 10 years younger than their chronological age.  Point being is-folks each year we go into the season its gets harder for us to drop the extra pounds.  The normal stuff we do to lose the pounds doesn't work like it used to.  So, if you are a referee over the age of 40-consider adjusting your workouts to take care of the extra pounds, "cause the body is a changing faster than you want to admit!"

Mental preparation:  it just takes discipline!  In that same game, the coach made a statement to me-that he had attended the clinic meeting, and there was supposed to be a "clean slate" for this game.  The official that hit him with the technical was holding a grudge from a previous game.  Not something you want to hear from a coach.  I mean, how do you respond to that?  Trying to protect the integrity of the game, the integrity of the crew and keep yourself focused.  We have to be professional no matter what the circumstance.  We all know late season conference games are going to have higher emotional investments from the teams, crowds, and everyone involved.  We have to know going in how we plan to respond.  Game management becomes so much more critical.  You have to look for opportunities early to respond appropriately to emotionally charged actions on the floor.  And, not every emotional occurrence needs a "hard" response from us.  Slow down, look at the action, see where it is coming from, look at the result, where was it directed, what impact did it have on the situation and the game, and who was impacted?  Then, make a solid professional judgment in the moment with no preconceived notions.  Judge what you just saw and proceed.  And when you do what you are going to do-do it with calm professionalism.  Act like you have seen it before.  It is just a play/occurrence.  It is not the end of mankind as we know it.

As we strive to be the best team on the floor each night, all of us need to remember our avocation calls on us to think about the impacts we as physical beings have on our games.  Let's get our rest, adjust our preparations, make our bodies and minds the best they can be-then let's all be the "the best team on the floor" and "get the call right!"