mrwhistle

Meeting Notes from January 31, 2010

DEALING WITH INJURIES DURING PLAY

A. Non-serious injuries

1. Examples: Twisted ankle, cramp, etc.
2. STAY WITH PLAYER!
3. If injured player’s team has the ball, or if injury occurs during a dead ball, blow whistle     immediately.
4. If opponent has the ball, let them attack the basket.
5. As soon as they STOP attacking the basket, blow the whistle. Do this when:
    -- the dribbler pulls up without an immediate pass.
    -- the ball is passed AWAY from the basket.
    -- a try is released.
6. When play is stopped, check the injured player.
    -- If player says s/he is ok, player stays in the game and the game continues immediately.
    -- If player need to be attended, start the replacement procedure (see below).

B. Serious injuries

1. Examples: Head hitting floor, knee injury, player on ground under basket.
2. STOP PLAY IMMEDIATELY!! Don’t wait. Player safety is our #1 priority.
3. Allow player to be attended on the court.
4. Once player has been removed from the court and the coach is back at the bench, then begin the replacement procedure.

C. In either case (serious or non-serious injury), if you beckon the coach or trainer – or if the coach or trainer comes on the floor without being beckoned – we MUST use the replacement procedure.

D. Replacement Procedure

1. Inform injured player’s coach that the player must be replaced OR the coach may request time-out and the player may remain in the game as long as s/he is ready to play at the end of the time-out.
2. Very important: the INJURED PLAYER’S TEAM must request the time-out in order for that player to remain in the game.
3. The team may use a 60-second or a 30-second time-out, as long as the player is ready to play     at the end of the time-out.
4. If coach chooses to replace the injured player instead of using a time-out, instruct the timer to     begin the 20-second replacement period, and sound a warning horn with 15 seconds remaining.
5. Allow the substitute and any other substitutes who properly reported into the game.

E. Resume play at the Point of Interruption.

1. If there was team control when you stopped play, then that team gets a throw-in at a     designated spot closest to where the ball was. The shot clock is not reset.
2. If a try had been released when you stopped play, then there was no team control. So:
    -- if the try was successful, resume with a throw-in anywhere along the endline for the     team that did not score the basket.
    -- if the try was not successful, resume with an alternating possession throw-in for the     team that has the arrow. Reset the shot clock, even if the offense retains possession.
3. If a basket had been scored immediately prior to the injury, resume with a throw-in anywhere     along the endline for the team that did not score the basket.
4. If you stopped play when free throws were going to be attempted, then resume with the free     throws.
    -- If the injured player was supposed to shoot the free throws, then the injured player’s     substitute shoots the free throws.
    -- Remember that the injured player’s coach chooses the substitute to attempt the free     throws.

F. REMEMBER: you can stop play any time you believe there is a serious injury. Don’t allow a player to hold his knee in agony because you are worried about stopping a fast break. If you judge that it may be serious, stop play immediately.

SOME REMINDERS AS WE COME TO “CRUNCH TIME” AND PLAYOFFS

A. It’s helpful if you know how many time-outs each has remaining.

1. At the end of the game, you should know when a team has used all its time-outs.
2. During the game, it’s helpful to know when a team has used all its 30-second time-outs. It     looks sharper, and keeps you out of the huddle, if you don’t have to ask “Full or 30?”
3. There’s no need to communicate this to the teams until they’ve used their last time-out.
    -- When you tell the coach that s/he has used the last time-out, please say, “Coach, you     have ZERO time-outs left”.
    -- Don’t say “None left”. In a loud gym, “none” sounds a lot like “one”.

B. Speak like an official. Don’t use slang expression.
    -- Avoid “over the back”, “on the floor”, “in the key”, “and-1”.
    -- Remember that “over the back” is not a foul. It’s only a foul if that player pushes to     get the rebound. A player can be “on the floor” and still be in the act of shooting. If you have a foul before the start of the shooting motion, simply say “NO SHOT”.
    -- Using correct terminology shows professionalism and rule knowledge and adds     credibility to what you are trying to communicate.

C. Especially in the playoffs, when we work 3-whistle mechanics, you will be directly in front     of a coach much of the game. You have to be able to deal with them and still concentrate on officiating the game.

1. Answer questions, but don’t get into a prolonged conversation. This will only distract you.
2. If there’s no question, no answer is required. Just acknowledge that you heard the comment.     (“I hear you, Coach”; “I’ll watch for it”).
3. If necessary, make sure the coach understands that you’re not going to listen to complaints or     have an argument on every trip down the floor. Be firm, but respectful.
4. Don’t be sarcastic; it just makes you look arrogant.
5. Most of the time, the coach just wants to be heard. If you can give a quick one-line response     to acknowledge that you heard the coach and understand his/her concern, very often that’s all that’s needed.

Meeting Notes from January 10, 2010

UNIFORMS:

•    Seems to be a recurring and pervasive problem this season.
•    Point of Emphasis last season.
•    Headbands and wristbands must be a single solid color.
•
•    Anything that goes all the way around the head (including pre-wrap) is considered a headband.
•    Color can be white, black, beige, or the primary color of the game jersey.
•    All players must have the same color.

•    One manufacturer logo is permitted on headbands and/or wristbands.
•    Illegal headbands and/or wristbands must be removed before a team member is allowed to enter the game.
•    If discovered after player is in the game, it is NOT a technical foul.

•    Undershirts are considered to be part of the game jersey.
•    Must be a single solid color that is similar to the color of the game jersey.
•    Undershirt sleeves must be the same length.
•    No manufacturer logos.

•    Illegal undershirts may not be worn, even by “buying” them in with a technical foul.
•    Illegal undershirts must be removed before team member enters the game.
•    It is a technical foul to remove the jersey within the visual confines of the court.
•    Have an adult accompany the team member to the locker room.
•    Do not accept the objection that “he’s worn it all season.”

•    Don’t be confused with the color rule for headbands.

–    Undershirts – color of game jersey.
–    Headbands – white, black, beige, color of game jersey.

•    Must be enforced, even at the sub-varsity levels.

Fellow officials,

After our meeting on Sunday, the following picture appeared in the local paper:

Please note that player #33 for East Longmeadow is wearing a white jersey and a red hairband. Per our discussion on Sunday, anything that goes around the head must conform to the color rules for headbands. Legal colors are white, beige, black or color of the jersey. Player #33 is not dressed legally. This is not acceptable. The rule is clear and easy to enforce. Don't ignore it!

GOOD PARTNERING

•    Begins before the game!
•    Contact your partner to confirm game details.
•    Be willing to have a pre-game conference.

•    During the game, trust your partner to officiate his/her primary area.
–    Offer help when needed, but don’t “poach”.
•    Be careful of posture or facial expressions that might show coaches you disagree with a call.
•    Don’t try to appease a coach after your partner makes a difficult call.

•    Establish eye contact or get a “thumbs up” before putting ball in play.
–    We don’t want to be shooting free throws while one official is still at the table.
–    We don’t want to administer a throw-in before substitutions are completed.

•    Communicate by using proper mechanics.
•    We should use a “stop clock” signal for every whistle.
•    We should indicate where the throw-in will be administered before leaving the area to report a foul.
•    We should communicate the shooter’s number to our partner before going to the table.

•    In end-of-game situations, we should communicate last shot responsibilities.
•    Remember that there are three teams on the floor for every game. Your partner is your ONLY teammate.

Meeting Notes from December 13, 2009

DOs and DON’Ts for a successful game

BEFORE THE GAME:

1.     Don’t assume that your partner(s) have the same game information that you do.
    Do: Call or email your partner(s) 24-48 hours prior to your game together.

2.    Don’t force yourself to rush to the game site.
    Do: Leave early. Build in time for traffic, weather or construction.

3.    Don’t make the AD or coach wonder where you are.
    Do: Arrive at the game site 30 min. early for a Fr/JV game or 45-60 min. early for a Varsity game.

AT THE GAME SITE:

1.    Don’t think that you’re going to sneak in unnoticed.
    Do: Dress appropriately. Office casual is good.

2.    Don’t waste the time in the locker room.
    Do: Prepare mentally. HAVE A PRE-GAME!!
    Do: Prepare physically. Stretch, warm up in the locker room; not on the court.

3.    Don’t assume your table crew knows what they’re doing.
    Do: Make sure the scorer knows what information you need; give instructions to your shot-clock operator.

DURING THE GAME:

1.    Don’t walk when you can run.
    Do: HUSTLE!! Run. Work hard. You never know who is watching your game.

2.    Don’t draw attention to yourself with exaggerated signals or whistles.
    Do: Use the mechanics in your manual. They’re there for a reason. Use them.

3.    Don’t say too much to the coaches. Wise-guy comments, ultimatums just get you in trouble.
    NEVER try to “big-time” a coach. They don’t care where you worked last night.
    Do: Be firm, but respectful. Warn, then penalize. Running dialogue is usually not necessary.

4.    Don’t get involved with spectators.
    Do: Alert game management to abusive behavior and have them remove the offender.

5.    Don’t waste your 10 minutes at halftime.
    Do: Discuss tough plays from the first half. Discuss coach/player behavior that you think might need to be addressed. Discuss what you HAVEN’T called.

4.    Don’t fall asleep!
    Do: Know the foul count, the arrow, time-outs remaining. Always get a shooter.

AFTER THE GAME:

1.    Don’t have any conversation until you get back to the locker room.
    Do: Remember that your comments can be overheard or misconstrued.

2.    Don’t be in a rush to leave.
    Do: Have a “post-game” review with your partner.
    Do: Stay for the Varsity game.

3.    Don’t keep interesting or difficult plays to yourself.
    Do: Email me with rule questions or plays that we can talk about at the next meeting.

WE ALSO REVIEWED AN UNUSUAL PLAY FROM AN ACTUAL GAME. HERE IS THE PLAY AND THE CORRECT RULING:

PLAY: A1 is fouled in the act of shooting and awarded two free throws. Before attempting the free throws, A1 shoves B1 and the official calls a foul on A1. It is the fifth foul on A1. How are the penalties administered?

RULING: This is a false double foul. The fouls are penalized in the order in which they occurred. Since A1 is disqualified, his/her substitute will attempt the free throws for the personal foul. Coach A selects the substitute. Then any member of Team B will attempt the free throws for the technical foul. Team B will have a throw-in at the division line. (This is NOT a situation where we resume at the Point of Interruption!)

Shot Clock Rules and Situations
I. Shot clock stops and is reset:
A. On any change of possession (this includes a successful try)
B. When a held ball occurs (exceptions to follow)
C. When a try strikes the ring or flange and then possession is gained by either team
D. When a violation occurs (exceptions to follow)
E. When the ball is intentionally kicked
F. When an inadvertent whistle occurs with no team control (or ensuing throw-in)
G. When a double foul or simultaneous foul occurs with no team control (or ensuing throw-in)
H. When a single personal foul or single technical foul occurs

II. Shot clock stops without a reset:
A. When the ball is deflected out of bounds by a defensive player
B. When a player is injured
C. When a held ball occurs while there is team control and the arrow favors the offensive team
D. After any double foul or simultaneous foul, while there is team control
E. After an inadvertent whistle when there is team control

III. After the shot clock has been stopped, it starts:
A. During a throw-in, when the ball is legally touched inbounds, by either the offense or the defense.
B. During a jump ball, when the ball is controlled (not merely touched) by a player.
C. After an unsuccessful try, when the ball is controlled by a player of either team.
D. After a successful try, when the throw-in pass is legally touched inbounds by a player of either team. (NOTE: Make sure the shot clock is not running while the thrower-in still has the ball!)
IV, Shot clock situations
A. Shot + horn + ball strikes ring = No violation.
Comment: Shot clock is reset and will start when either team gains control.

B. Shot + horn + ball misses rim + ball is caught by B1 = Shot clock violation. Comment: Do not allow play to continue. Blow whistle, administer throw- in to Team B with a new shot clock.

C. Shot + horn + inadvertent whistle + ball strikes ring = Blow whistle.
Comment: No violation, but because the ball became dead with no team control, the result is an AP procedure. Team with the arrow receives a throw-in with a new shot clock.

D. Shot by A1 + blocked by B1 + horn + ball lands out of bounds =
Shot clock violation.
Comment: Even though B1 touched the ball last before it went out of bounds, the shot clock violation happened first and is penalized. Team B receives a throw-in with a new shot clock.

E. Shot by A1 + blocked by B1 + simultaneously recovered by A2 and B2 + shot clock shows 15 seconds = The result of the play is a held ball with no team control.
Comment: The team with the arrow will receive an AP throw-in with a new shot clock. This ruling also applies if the held ball occurs after an “air ball”.

F. Shot by A1 + blocked by B1 + ball is loose on the floor + horn = Shot clock violation.
Comment: The shot clock continues to run until the ball strikes the ring or Team B gains control.

G. Pass by A1 + deflection by B1 + ball strikes ring = No reset.
Comment: The shot clock resets when the ball strikes the ring during a try. Shot clock continues to run. This is also true if A1 makes the deflection.

H. Shot by A1 + double foul on A2 and B2 + try is unsuccessful = After a double foul, play is resumed at the point of interruption.
Comment: This is an AP situation with no team control. The team with the arrow receives an AP throw-in with a new shot clock.

J. A1 is dribbling inbounds + double foul on A2 and B2 = After a double foul, play is resumed at the point of interruption.
Comment: Since there is team control, the ball is awarded to Team A with no reset of the shot clock.

V. Officiating the shot clock
A. Especially at the sub-Varsity level, you must make sure the shot clock is run properly.
B. Have a pre-game with your shot clock operator.
C. Check the shot clock after every whistle to make sure that it has not been reset incorrectly.
D. After a time-out, make sure that you and your partner are aware of the time remaining on the shot clock.
E. Shot clock is primary responsibility of the Trail official in a 2-whistle game. 1. Lead should be ready to help.
2. If you have a good shot clock operator, use the shot clock as an aid for the 10-second backcourt count.
F. After an air ball or a shot that narrowly misses the ring that is recovered by the offense:
1. Trail must check to make sure that the shot clock is not reset.
2. If it is reset, blow the whistle and have the clock set back to what it should be.
3. If the air ball results in an opportunity for a quick put-back, withhold whistle.

POST GAME HANDSHAKE ("PGHS") PROTOCOL
from your interpreter, Chuck Elias', presentation of Dec 14

I. Game Site Administration Responsibilities
A. Greet officials and discuss handshake arrangements
1. Make sure you know who will meet you after the handshake.
2. More important, make sure you know WHERE that person will be at end of game.
B. Make a public announcement before the conclusion of the game, stating that the ceremony will take place at the game’s conclusion
PLEASE NOTE: In Sunday’s meeting, it was stated that the public announcement must be made prior to the start of the game. THAT IS NOT CORRECT. That was a mistake on my part. The public announcement can be made any time prior to the conclusion of the game. The athletic directors have been instructed to make this announcement with 2 minutes remaining in the fourth quarter.
C. Be at the designated location after the game to assist officials leaving the court.
D. This person is NOT a member of the coaching staff.
E. If any of the previous things do not occur:
1. You are not expected to stay for the ceremony;
2. You are not required to fill out the Sportsmanship Handshake Report Form (per PGHS Cancellation – Scenario #2 and Scenario #3)
3. You are requested to contact your assignor within 24 hours

II. “Concerns which arise during the game involving the contest participants and/or spectators”
A. If you have such concerns, you may leave the court immediately following the final horn.
B. You are required to fill out the Sportsmanship Handshake Report Form.
C. If you’re uncomfortable FOR ANY REASON, you are allowed to leave the court and fill out the report form.
D. Possible reasons for “concern” include, but are not limited to:
1. Any unsporting or flagrant foul during the game
2. A serious injury occurs at any time during the officials’ jurisdiction
3. Any comments of a personal nature from a player or coach
4. Any comments of a personal or threatening nature from a spectator
5. A spectator or other unauthorized person enters the court at any time during the officials’ jurisdiction.

The MIAA website has a Game Officials section that lists all the information about the "PGHS" including scenarios and forms you may need. Check it out at:
http://www.miaa.net/game_officials_main_page.htm

Looking for information on high school rule changes for 2008-2009, mechanics and instructions for the scorer and timer? Use this link to obtain all this high school basketball information: http://www.nfhs.org/web/2006/08/basketball.aspx

MEMO REGARDING LACK OF SHOT CLOCKS AT GAME SITES

After corresponding with Virginia Anderson at the MIAA, it was made clear to officials that the MIAA does not require notification if there are no shot clocks present at a game site during the regular season. As was stated in our Jan 7th meeting, the game should be played. A report should then be made to Bill L’Hereux and the League Director. For the PVIAC, Mrs. Anderson indicated that the current League Director is Tom Russo.
To summarize the discussion from our previous meeting: If only one of the shot clocks at the game site is functioning, you will play the game using only that shot clock. The team that is not facing the shot clock will be responsible for counting it out for its own players. If neither shot clock is functioning, you will play the game with an alternate timing device at the table. This will be a stopwatch or a handheld clock. The timer will announce “TEN” when 10 seconds remain on the shot clock and will then count down the final five seconds. If there is no alternate timing device available, you will play the game without shot clock rules in effect. After the game, you should notify Bill L’Hereux immediately and also notify the League Director.

REMINDER: A backcourt violation consists of four elements. If all four occur, it is a violation. If any one of them is missing, the play is legal. The four elements are:

1) There must be team control.
2) The ball must have frontcourt status.
3) The team in control must be the last to touch the ball before it gains backcourt status.
4) The team in control must be the first to touch the ball after it gains backcourt status.