December 2006
According to the talk on the IAABO conference call last week, a
fairly simple rule change has again been subject to unintended interpretations.
The elimination of “lag time” for the clock operator was not intended to have us
constantly putting a few tenths of a second back on the clock. Until our
whistles automatically stop the clock as they do in TV games, there must be a
short lag time between when we sound the whistle (AND PUT OUR HAND UP) and when
the clock stops. Ignore a couple of tenths of a second. If you see more than
that slip off the clock, fix it.
At the end of a barn burner it pays to see the clock when you sound
the whistle. If the horn sounds a split second after you blow, the period is
over. Remember a player cannot catch a throw-in or a rebound and score with less
than 0.3 seconds on the clock
Another issue discussed during the call was things used to control
hair. Safe hair control devices are not subject to the head band rules. For
example, a multi-colored ribbon used to tie up a pony tail is legal if you judge
it won’t come loose. However, things used for decoration, including tape under
wrap are. On Friday I saw girls with properly tied up pony tails also wearing
under wrap head bands which did not comply with the rules. We need to enforce
all the rules at every level of ball from the start of the season. Please.
Another issue was the long list of concussion symptoms in the rule
book this year. This is in the books for all sports. Officials are not
responsible for applying these considerations according to the NFHS office.
They are meant for coaches and trainers to use. WE ARE, HOWEVER, THE ONLY PERSON
RESPONSIBLE FOR DECIDING WHETHER A PLAYER IS RENDERED UNCONSCIOUS DURING
PLAY.
According to the feedback from places where they have been playing
games a while, foul shot administration stinks. Players are breaking the plane
of the lane lines with their feet early and actions meant to disconcert abound.
Trail officials are stepping forward as the shot is released and ignoring their
responsibility to watch the players on the far lane line and those behind the
arc. I have seen little guys in the second spot get rebounds in front of bigger
players, and guys waving their arms above their heads on the lane. Let’s be firm
about enforcing these rules in our games.
And then there is the box. I watched 2 games Friday night and saw
four guys (not 168) reap the whirlwind of failure to take charge early. The one
coach was up next to the table early while the other was seated. Soon she was up
next to the table also. As the game got close near the end the first guy was in
front of the table 3 feet out on the court and an official nearly ran into him.
One could get hurt doing that. Neither official said a word to either coach.
The second game was a double OT burner. One coach was up and down
the whole sideline from table to endline whining and debating the whole second
half. The other coach was much better behaved, although he did some arm waving
and travel signaling as the game went into overtime. In the second OT a couple
of questionable calls went the whiner’s way amid ferocious protests by the fans.
The officials sprinted off the court at the final horn. IS THAT THE WAY YOU WANT
YOUR GAMES TO GO? Take care of business early and they won’t.
A reminder: the penalty of an intentional personal foul is always 2
shots plus a throw-in at the spot nearest the foul even if the foul was against
the shooter of a successful basket. A five point play plus a throw-in is
possible.
Another reminder: Cheerleaders are not allowed on the court for any
reason during a 30 second time out, even if they are off by the warning horn.
It’s the rule.
Best wishes for a peaceful holiday, a great season, and a healthy
new year. If some unusual situations come up pleas contact me, and, of course,
any questions are welcome.
Bill
Kenney
From time to time, I will
be posting other plays of interest on the web site. I encourage you to call me
or email (Interpreter@NWNJBOARD168.ORG).
with your experiences and questions so that all members can learn from the
experience of others. I assure you that all situations will remain anonymous. I
hope to hear from many of you as the season progresses
Bill Kenney
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