[Raymond]

Originally Posted by BillyMac

I have come up that same realization based on forty years of officiating high school basketball, especially in regard to mechanics, and the teaching of such.

Forty years ago it was acceptable to just know the rules, understand the game, be in fairly good shape, and be a good communicator to become a successful basketball official.

Mechanics were often a side-note, often interpreted very artistically. Now mechanics are treated like a science.

Forty years ago one never spoke about secondary coverage areas, and secondary defenders. Now it's all the rage.

Many pregames were simply, "Don't screw up. Good eye contact".

The IAABO mechanics manual now has dozens and dozens of diagrams, to cover every possible situation.

Forty years ago the NFHS mechanics manual had just a few diagrams.

The modern emphasis on "scientific" mechanics (and robotic officials) is good for the sport (adds fairness and accuracy), but it takes away some of the fun of officiating.

Just spit-balling here, but maybe mechanics have become so difficult that maybe its had a slight impact on the shortage of officials, with many new officials leaving within their first three years.

Just sayin'.

I like the emphasis on mechanics. It's keeps my mind engaged into the game as to what I should be doing and how best to do it instead of just randomly standing on spots and waiting for something to happen.