Baltimore Area Officials Group 2006 Basketball Officiating/Camps
Owen Hannah's Message To Campers:
As you prepare for possibly your first 2006 summer camp, I would ask all campers to review the following check list. The check list should enable you to prepare for camp both mentally and physically. It’s a great time to review the rule book. This will prepare you if asked a question by an observer. Although all areas are important, you may want to concentrate on Rule 4. All officials should be well verse in the definitions. This will enable you to communicate effectively when responding to a question from an observer or coach. In between reading the rule book, stretch and begin to loosen up those large muscles that you may not have used in a couple months. Begin slowly and work up to the point of being fit for camp. Do an initial inventory of your camp attire. Remember first impressions are lasting. Do you still fit into those shorts; is the shirt black and white or black and yellow; are my shoes polished and finally, will I have a fresh hair cut. All of the above create a good impression and sets the tone for an excellent camp. As a collegiate supervisor one of the many inquiries that I get from coaches and administrator is “your officials look professional when they enter the court.” Begin to talk basketball with your fellow officials. If you have game tapes, review the tape and really critique yourself hard. Did I stop the clock on all whistles? Did I use proper signal? Were you sharp with your signals or rush at the end of a 20 point game? When all else fails revert back to officiating 101 and get in front of a full length mirror. All camps are a learning experience. But you need to come to camp and demonstrate just what YOU do know!!! You know you’re in trouble when the observer spends the entire critique with YOU. That’s why it’s important to come to camp prepared and let the observer polish your skills and not perform miracles. Campers need to be an Active Listener. Don’t alibi, listen and then respond to a question. Never say “I thought I saw…..” A proper response would be “I SAW……….. Recognize that all observers are saying the same thing but only in different ways. If you don’t understand a directive, by all means ASK!!!!!! Don’t anticipate a play and respond only to violations as they occur. No officials get paid by the number of call. Be precise, accurate and timely when blowing the whistle. Be attentive at all times and take notes. File your notes after each camp and review your notes before the next camp and do your best not to make the same mistake twice. Mentally cataloged plays as they occur and discuss with your partners or the observers following the contest. Finally, get your monies worth from each camp. Ask questions, listen and above all be congenial to your fellow campers and observers. Work on being a Referee as Umpire 1’s and 2’s are a dime a dozen. Separate yourself from the rest of the pack. See you at camp.
Handling injured players
When you have a player laying on the court, and the play has been whistled dead, go to the player and ask if she is all right, ask them if they want their coach to come out and help. They will usually respond yes or no. If they respond no, put your hand up to indicate the coach should not come on the floor, do not touch the player. If she cannot get up without assitance call the coach immediately.
If the play is going down the court on a fast break, the trail official should stay with the player laying on the court. If she needs immediate medical attention, blow the whistle immediatley, call the coach. If she is OK and just getting up, let the fast break finish, then blow the whistle. The fast break ends when the offense: stops going directly to the basket, passes off, pulls up their dribble to the basket, etc.Never ignore a player on the floor. Err on the side of safety to call the coach on the floor to attend to her.
Ed Rand's Pre-Game
Fellow Officials:
How many times have you heard of the importance of the pre-game conference? I’m a strong believer that the pre-game conference sets the tone for the upcoming game and gets everyone in the crew on to the same page. Every official has his or her own way of personalizing his or her pre game. Many use a variation of the outline from the official’s manual. For years, my pre game consisted of a collection of items that I compiled from fellow officials and from previous game situations. Each year I would add to this list.
For the 2005-2006 season, I decided to start from scratch and come up with something new. This years pre game is titled Rand’s “C’s” of Officiating. If you like my ideas or thoughts, feel free to use them. If you have any others to add, I want to hear from you…
RAND’S “C’s” of Officiating
1. Communication: Partners, Players, Coaches
2. Consistency: same play…same call…BOTH ends of the court
3. Clock Management: Time..Score..Team Fouls..Shot Clock..
4. Continuity of calls: Catalog calls..be aware of your partners calls
5. Check-in: make eye contact frequently with your partners
6. Call your Primary: assist in secondary…delay whistle...must be obvious to call out of your AREA…
7. Call the Obvious: don’t guess/anticipate…if you can’t administer or explain it, then don’t call it..
8. Control: Players/Coaches…Dead ball officiating
9. Confidence: know rules/mechanics...in all calls
10.Commitment: being mentally and physically at your best every game
11.Contact: is not always a foul…Ugly…
12.Contextual Judgment: When to pass on a call/ when to call it tight
13.Confident Game Management: Referee time and score
14.Call Similar plays Similarly..
15.Call Similarly within the crew..
16.Common-sense officiating…Fairness and Balance..
17.Competitive Match-ups…referee them in your primary or beyond..
18.Court Coverage Areas: body language to accept play…
19.Clean up: start in the paint and work your way outside..
20.Coaches can stand: Assistants/Players cannot..
21.Center Official: Must work strong…Off Ball..
22.Concentration: Especially during Dead Ball period..
23.Consult Partners: Rule interpretation…Don’t Kick a Rule…
24.Cohesiveness: We are the 3rd team on the court..
25.Critique: Post game conference…Good/Bad/Ugly… Final and most important “C”…
26.CREW: Shake Hands and have fun…Cover your partners BACK…
The author is a retired high school teacher and veteran of 20 years officiating, women’s division 2/3 college. He officiates in the following conferences: PSAC, MAC, Centennial, Pennsylvania Athletic Conference, CAC, and PAC. Email: EHRand@comcast.net
Observations I would like to share with you. Some observations made by college coaches and assigners. Take in the knowledge and improve. After games, I reflect and try to find out, what I could have done better. I ask myself, is there a call I wish I could take back. It's all about getting better.
Doesn't call a foul and when asked says "I thought she had a lane to the hoop - you wouldn't have wanted me to take it away from her, right?" I ask.. Why do they do this? completely over-officious. Made calls that weren't hers Out of position for some calls she made worst continuation call I've ever seen defensive when questioned Sloppy appearance. Not forceful enough with his calls. When the whistle blew, I'm not sure he knew what he was going to call. Developed an early chip on her shoulder and never let it go. Has a very defensive manner - it's all about her. No consistency in her calls - I absolutely question her judgment ! Followed up a poor first half with an attempt to dominate the second half. Two very poor calls at key moments Late with whistle 2 legit 3 sec. calls, one was wrong & inappropriate Horrible, he is one step behind every play. the game is to quick for him. weak mechanics The game was not called the same way at either end of the floor. Officials looked to balance out foul calls based on what showed on the scoreboard I did not feel that XXXXX was consistent in his calls. He was not in synch with the others in terms of how he was calling the game. In my opinion, I don't beleive XXXXX is ready for this level. The game was beyond him and it wasn't even a close game. Announced to the crowd that Head Coach as being given a "verbal warning" 1 play later was in front of opposing bench talking with coaching staff, laughing and smiling. Highly unprofessional. Cutters were totally displaced all game long/no call. Most calls were late/make the call when it happens A bit dismissive when questioned HERE ARE SOME GOOD COMMENTS.....WISH THERE WERE AS MANY AS ABOVE....but the coaches generally only submit specific comments for negative issues.... I like XXXXX because he talks to you - he worked a very solid game and was consistent with his approach and really let the teams play. XXXXX hustles all the time and doesn't seem to overwork very professional Just referees the game with no attitude, no showboating. Does a consistent job and works hard.
More comments.
We still have too many officials not rotating. Officials seem to be closing down and standing while peering across the lane. Move with a purpose but get there. Officials are standing calling across the court and don't have the proper angle to make the correct call. This has caused far too many double whistles. I have also notice that officials are not getting on top of the ball. Center officials who should be on top of the ball are working in the leads back pocket. Get above the ball and secure the proper angle to make the correct call and officiate the match-up. Guard against the flop. Having said that, I have seen a number defensive player get drilled. If you officiate your match ups, anticipate weak side help (which will require the lead officials in some case to move into the lane) you will get the play correct. Screens above foul line extended and low post screens when teams are running motion offenses must be recognized. Officials need to recognize the type of offense being run and view cautiously. Don't coach but provide the players with generic verbal commands early in the game. One command only and then blow the whistle. The same verbal command should be given to hand checks and arm bars. Officiating is a continual learning experience, no matter what level you are on. They tell you at some camps to throw the rule book in the trash. I will guarantee you out of your crew, somebody better know the rules. If you blow a rule, could mean loss of assignments,suspension or termination. Get in the habit of reading the rules.
These are some other tips that will assist.
1. Don't ignore coaches. Communication is a key to game management. This doesn't mean hold an in-depth conversation.
2. Tune the crowd out they are partisan. If remarks are personal in nature,threatening and derogatory, summon game management to deal with the issue. Never ever deal with it yourself.
3. When assessing Techs, be calm, don't show facial expressions that you are mad at the world, communicate with your partners what is going on. If an athlete cursed and the coach wants to know what they said. Do not repeat the curse word or you may become the villian. Tell the coach, player A used inappropriate language and move on.
4. Part of officiating is game management. Be aware of both benches. Always have eyes on the players. If there are issues that need to be addressed talk to both captains or both coaches.
5. Do not allow war dances at center court. Even though they are pretty, they can upset some teams stomping on their mascot or school's emblem. Avoid this problem in the Captain's meeting.
I had a conversation with a fellow official and they stated that they would call a jump ball quicker in a Girl's game than a Boy's. I found this to be strange. Basketball is basketball and the game is supposed to be called irregardless of gender. My point of emphasis is putting the ball in play close to where the violation or foul occurred. I have seen to many times the ball being put in play in the wrong spot because the official doesn't want to rotate. Whether you are officiating Rec, High School, or College. You must hustle. It's kind of hard to make calls in the paint from half-court. It's just not creditable and the coach will let you know. Don't set yourself up.
Observations From Camps
1. Camper debating with observer.
2. Campers blowing the whistle all over the court trying to impress.
3. Camper in pink shorts.
4. Camper in multi-color jogging sneaks.
5. Camper wearing long pants when they said wear shorts.
6. Camper refusing to listen to partners who had knowledge on who the ball went out on last. This resulted in a Tech on the effected coach who stormed the court and started cursing because of the blowned call. Don't Let This Be You !!
The 25 MOST Misunderstood Rules in High School Basketball
1. There is no 3-second count between the release of a shot and the control of a rebound, at which time a new count starts.
2. A player who is not a dribbler in control can keep (i.e., tap) a ball inbounds,go out of bounds, and return inbounds and play the ball!
3. There is no such thing as “over the back”. There must be contact resulting in advantage/disadvantage. Do not put a tall player at a disadvantage merely for being tall! 4. “Reaching” is not a foul. There must be contact and the player with the ball must have been placed at a disadvantage.
5. A player can always recover his/her fumbled ball; a fumble is not a dribble,and any steps taken during recovery are not traveling, regardless of progress made and/or advantage gained! (Running while fumbling is not traveling!)
6. It is not possible for a player to travel while dribbling.
7. A high dribble is always legal provided the dribbler’s hand stays on top of the ball, and the ball does not come to rest in the dribblers’ hand.
8. A “kicked” ball must be intentional, and contact must be at the knee or below.
9. It is perfectly legal for a player to rebound his/her own air ball, provided the official deemed the shot a legitimate shot.
10. It is a jump ball (alternating possession) when the ball lodges on or in the basket support, except during a throw-in. This is a violation.
11. Striking the ball handler or shooter on his/her hand, while holding the ball, is not a foul- no matter how noisy or how much it hurts!
12. A defender does not have to “give the dribbler a step”. As long as legal guarding position has been established, it is up to the dribbler to avoid contact. The person with the ball should expect to be guarded.
13. The sides, top, and bottom of a rectangular backboard are IN BOUNDS.
14. Jumpers may tap the ball simultaneously; may tap the ball twice; and when a legally tapped ball touches the floor, a player other than a non-jumper or (believe it or not) a backboard, the jump ball has ended, and either jumper may recover it!
15. A 10 second count continues when the defense deflects or bats the ball.
16. A "moving screen" isn't a violation unless there is contact. (If contact occurs, it’s a “BLOCK”, which is a foul.)
17. Any contact foul during a live ball is personal, not technical!
18. Basketball is NOT a non-contact sport. Incidental contact does occur, and contact which does not create an advantage/disadvantage may be ignored. Contact on the shooter should be called.
19. Any unsportsmanlike contact during a dead ball is a technical foul!
20. A defensive player does not have to be stationary to take a charge…. he or she simply must have established a legal guarding position. The defense can move backward and sideways.
21. An intentional foul is always penalized with 2 free throws, except on a missed 3-point shot, which is awarded 3 free throws.
22. When an airborne shooter commits a player control foul, his/her successful try for goal cannot be allowed, regardless of whether the try was released before or after the foul!
23. Lifting the pivot foot DOES NOT constitute a travel unless the ball handler puts the pivot foot back on the floor prior to beginning a passing, or shooting the ball! The pivot foot cannot be lifted before the dribble is started.
24. If bench personnel leave the confines of the bench during a fight, the offenders are ejected from the game but only ONE technical foul is administered regardless of the number of offenders (also charged indirectly to the coach).
25. Basket Interference occurs when: a player touches the ball or basket (net included) when the ball is ON or within the basket; touches the ball when it is touching the cylinder having the ring as its lower base; touches the ball outside the cylinder while reaching through the basket from below. Goal Tending occurs when: a player touches the ball during a try or tap while it is in its downward flight entirely above the basket ring level and has the possibility of entering the basket in flight; or an opponent of the free thrower touches the ball outside the cylinder during a free throw attempt.
It is impossible to travel,double dribble or carry while taking the ball out for a throw in. I have seen officials tell athletes they can't move on a throw-in. Why? This is not a rule. You have limitations but you can move. We all need to read the rules. They are good to know.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Mary Struckhoff INDIANAPOLIS, IN (April 19, 2006) — Beginning next season in high school basketball, only one warning will be given for any of the four delay situations before a technical foul is assessed, including the newly approved delay situation for water on the court following a time-out. This change was one of five rules revisions approved by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Basketball Rules Committee at its April 9-10 meeting in Indianapolis. The rules changes subsequently were approved by the NFHS Board of Directors. In addition to the new delay situation for water on the court following a time-out, the other delay situations in Rule 4-47 are for throw-in plane violations, for a huddle by either team and contact with the free thrower, and for interfering with the ball following a goal. Previously, a team could receive a warning for each of the other three delay situations before a technical foul was assessed and two free throws awarded to the opposition. “The elimination of three warnings for various delay-of-game situations into one warning will better assist with the flow of the game, as well as the administration of the rule by officials and scorers,” said Mary Struckhoff, NFHS assistant director and liaison to the Basketball Rules Committee. “With new tactics of additional delay-of-game situations increasing, such as wiping up the floor following time-outs, the rule gives coaches and officials clear direction on limiting these situations by allowing only one w arning prior to administering a team technical foul.” In another major change, the exact time observed by the referee may be placed back on the clock when an obvious mistake is made by the timer in starting or stopping the clock. “With this change in Rule 5-10-1, it eliminates the lag time/reaction time of the clock operator,” Struckhoff said. “If the referee observes the time on the clock when an error occurs, the exact time will be able to be put back on the clock.” Two equipment changes were approved by the committee. In Rule 3-5-2, the guidelines for headbands and sweatbands were altered, and in Rule 3-6, the school logo/mascot now will be permitted on pants, compression shorts, sweatbands and headbands. Headbands and sweatbands must be white or similar in color to the torso of the jersey and must be the same color for each item and all participants. Only one item is permitted on the head and on each wrist. Sweatbands must be a maximum of four inches and worn below the elbow. “Increasingly, headbands and sweatbands have become items of concern, mainly on how and where athletes have worn them,” said Nate Hampton, assistant director of the Michigan High School Athletic Association and chair of the NFHS Basketball Rules Committee. “Many are concerned that these items are worn mainly for decorative reasons or individual identification rather than for a useful purpose. This change will give a clearer direction on where sweatbands may be worn, and the colors will be more reflective of team and school.” Among the five rules changes was the addition of a new signal for a team-control foul. The mechanics for this signal will be extension of the arm with the fist punched. Struckhoff said the new signal should eliminate confusion at the scorer’s table, as well as with players, coaches an d fans. “Today’s game of interscholastic basketball is in the best position ever,” Hampton said. “The great work done by so many knowledgeable and caring previous committee members has made for the great game we enjoy today. This year’s committee discussed at length many proposed changes with an eye on how each proposed change would affect the game as it is coached, played, officiated and understood by the various levels of participation in interscholastic programs across the nation.” In addition to the actual rules changes, six major editorial revisions were approved by the committee, along with five points of emphasis for the 2006-07 season. Among the editorial changes is a revision to Rule 5-11-2 which prohibits on-court entertainment during a 30-second time-out. In addition to the point of emphasis on the Proper Procedures for Handling Apparent Concussions th at is being emphasized in all NFHS sports rules this year, the Basketball Rules Committee issued four other areas of concern: uniforms, time-outs, intentional fouls and rule/signal enforcement. In terms of school sponsorship, basketball is the most popular high school sport for boys and girls, according to the NFHS High School Athletics Participation Survey. In 2004-05, a total of 17,482 schools offered the sport for boys and 17,175 for girls. In terms of participants, it ranks second for boys with 545,497 participants and first for girls with 456,543 individuals playing the sport.
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