[JRutledge]

Dan, Chuck and myself have all come to the conclusion (it appears) that this works. If JR, Juulie and DTTonyBrown, does not, that is OK too.

I think this is a good mechanic and I have never been offended if a partner were to do this. If they are going thru all that trouble to stop the clock, then it is on them. But in many cases the clock is never stopped, because two officials have both signaled two separate calls. One is signaling a 3 point shot, they other might be pointing to the floor indicating, we have to do something. I know before I signal I do make some kind of eye contact with my partner to see if there is a conflict in what we saw (in a dual coverage area). The points are not final until we raise our arms or we signal to the table we just have a two. Again, this is something you can talk about during pregame. In most cases no one will even notice you even did this. When the ball is in transition, I really am not going to be stubborn if the Lead sees something different. If they clearly see the foot on the line, I understand they probably were in a better position to make a call. I will thank them later and buy them a drink for saving my hide. It makes absolutely no difference if they stop the clock or signal they just have a two.

Maybe one of these days I will run into someone that feels like you guys (JR, Juulie and DTTB), but I have yet to. This procedure is taught in the many camps and association meetings I attend. I have never had anyone speak up and say, "what if I think I got it right?" I am sure there are other officials that fell exactly the way you do, but I have yet to meet them personally. This procedure does not apply to anything else except 3 point shots. So to compare what we do on out of bounds calls and foul calls does not apply. I cannot think of any other situation where this type of action is taken in this fashion. But this is about points, not judgment.

This conversation has been great. This is the reason I come here. I love to discuss and debate without all the name calling and calling each other out. We just have an honest debate and it does not mean we have to just agree. But I do not have to work with any of those that disagree so whatever side you are on is really not going to change my mind. But I have learned something I might not have been aware of because if you guys had not made your points aware. I just think that is why we have a pregame conference in the locker room to iron out those differences and come to a conclusion of what we will do when he get on the floor.

Peace