[Rick82358]

I disagree that just because it is stressed at the NCAA level we should ot necessarily call it at the NF level.
I think that to a point if we at the NF level were to make those calls more often it would help our Bretheren at the NCAA level out. The players would be more in tune to the game when they arrive there.
But J has found the the key to it all we need to be consistent. Both as individuals and partners.
You do have to take into consideration the advantage/disadvantage situation of a play. But remember a foul, is a foul, is a foul. Talking with a player is good thing to do but the most important thing as an official is to establish control of the game.
I started doing b-ball under the Carol Cosby. Long time veteran NCAA offical who passed away in the early 90's Carol's theory of the game was this: the first 2 minutes of each half were the most important in setting the tone for the game. If you established control warly onyou could back off if the flow of the game dictated such, but you could always re-establish control quickly, since you had it early on. But if you didn't have it you were not ever going to get.
There are games that have been called very loosely and then in the final two minutes when the game is on the line the officials are forced to try to get control of the game because the play has gotten very rough ( because they have allowed it throughout and now it is getting out of hand), and the officials are calling everything that changes the tone of the game when, the play is most important.
That why consistancy throughout the game is most important.
This is why Carol brought his theory to the game. It was effective throughout his carrer, and I think I have used it effectivly in mine.
I may not be able to respond for about 10 days as I leave for Ireland on Thursday, for ST Patricks day, but keep the conversation going.
I'll Tip a Guiness for all of you! (Please send cash as I am not paying for them all)
Top o' The Morning to all!