[BillyMac]

LOOSE BALL RECOVERY

The final rules reminder emphasis deals with contact recovering a loose ball and options for the person recovering the ball. The committee feels that with these reminders, excessive physical contact while recovering a loose ball can be properly administered and prevent situations from escalating into more egregious acts. Also, the rules about recovery of the ball require constant review to ensure that acts are not deemed as violations that are in fact legal.
•Officials need to concentrate on possession of the ball and the players being hindered or obstructed from their legal path to the loose ball in determining infractions. If the loose ball is possessed by opponents, blow the whistle immediately. If a player is impeded by an opponent, rule a foul immediately.
•A fumble is the accidental loss of player control when the ball unintentionally drops or slips from a player’s grasp. After losing control of the ball, distance is not a factor in going to recover the ball.
•If a player dives for a loose ball, gets control of it and his or her momentum causes the player to slide with the ball, there is no violation. It does not matter how much distance the slide covered. Once the sliding player has stopped, the player may sit up, but the player cannot roll over or attempt to rise from the floor while holding the ball.
•A defender trying to recover the ball from the player in possession has a responsibility to avoid illegal contact. If there is illegal contact, then the appropriate foul should be ruled.
•If a player is going for a loose ball and an opponent dives or throws his or her body which changes the direction of the player going for the loose ball, this must be considered illegal contact and a foul ruled. If a player is in possession of a loose ball and an opponent dives on top of that player, a foul must be ruled.

Without question, incidental contact is part of the judgment in loose ball situations. However, much contact is not incidental to getting the ball, but rather is violent contact with no chance to get the ball. The loose ball situation with players diving or rolling on the floor is a situation where the potential for injury increases in proportion to the number of players involved and the amount of time the ball is loose. The player who gains possession while on the floor is often fouled two or three times before passing the ball or before a held ball is called.

A review of past situations shows that in some cases, officials have also erroneously called a "held ball" prematurely to stop action rather than calling the contact foul before a player gains possession. A player going after a loose ball should not expect to be pushed, grabbed, elbowed, blocked or tackled as a penalty for going after the ball.

The committee feels that the rules of the game in these three areas are in good shape, as evidenced by the very limited number of proposals for additional change. The constant review will allow for consistent understanding by players and coaches, and consistent application by contest officials.

OFFICIATING PROFESSIONALISM AND USE OF PROPER TERMINOLOGY

The final point of emphasis by the committee deals with professionalism by officials. In an era where officials are more needed than ever, it is important that officials maintain professionalism that leaves no one questioning their motivations. Key in this professionalism is the use of proper terminology. In an era of round-the-clock commentators using today’s latest lingo to describe game situations to entertain, officials cannot be caught up in that shift to less than professional terminology. A few examples of using the proper terminology include:

• Backboard (NOT Glass)
• Division Line (NOT Center, Mid-Court, or Time Line)
• End Line (NOT Baseline)
• Fumble (NOT a Muff)
• Goal (NOT Basket)
• Grant Time-Out (NOT Call Time-Out)
• Held Ball (NOT Jump Ball)
• Obtain (NOT establish)
• Officiate Game (NOT Call, Control, Manage, Ref, Work; Officials Officiate the Game)
• Request Time-Out (NOT Call Time-Out)
• Ring (NOT Rim)
• Screen (NOT Pick)
• 60-Second Time-Out (NOT Full Time-Out)
• Traveling (NOT Walk)

The use of proper terminology is one of many steps to ensure that the perception of game officials and the reality of their actions, remains on a higher plane and a critical part of the game. Also, wearing the proper uniform is critical. A neatly groomed official instantly has more credibility with the coaches, game administration, and even the patrons at the game. This includes the proper uniform, properly maintained shoes, a neatly maintained pre-game jacket if worn, and the wearing of only approved items by all contest officials.

Lastly, this professionalism is always on display when the officials interact with others at the site. Professional interaction with the other contest officials while on the court, with the game management and table crew, and with the coaches involved in the game are a vital step in “selling” yourself as an official. As the saying goes, you never get a second chance to make a first impression.

Maintaining a level tone of voice in all conversations, professionally addressing and interacting with the table crew are very visible signs of your professionalism. Those individuals are key to your maintaining a good game atmosphere and will help ensure the accuracy of all of the necessary elements in managing the games.

All interactions with coaches must be professional, and the conduct of the officials during these situations must be above reproach. Game officials must ensure that no matter the situation, professional actions carry the day!

A good relationship with game management is also critical. Officials must identify their “go to” person in the event of a situation such as the need to address a conduct situation involving fans. Officials should not, as a rule, have any dealings with fans but must rely on the game administration to intercede in these cases. Therefore, the development and nurturing of that positive relationship with game management are essential to the conduct of a contest.