[JRutledge]

Originally posted by zebraman

No big deal in the scheme of things, but why not just correct the officials who were cheating up the court. Correct the cheating official, not the mechanic which is very effective.

Maybe because they did not want to take that stand? Maybe, just maybe?

Originally posted by zebraman
Agreed, and that is called an interpretation. There is a big difference between interpreting a muddy rule and changing it outright.

You are right, it is called and interpretation. But there have been many state interpretations that either the NF adopted (from this state) or changed their own interpretation because of concerns that have come directly from this state. I know in football the NF took on the logic as in football the NF put out several contradictory interpretations as it relates to the PSK rule. Our state interpreters told us to do it one way, the NF soon followed after they screwed the pooch. I do not consider that muddying the waters, I consider that common sense.

Originally posted by zebraman

You keep using that word "God." Just because I try to use standard NFHS mechanics and rules doesn't imply any worship (well, for you it does).

I use the word God, because just like a Christian or a Muslim that keeps referencing the words of the Bible or the Koran without any consideration for context or personal faith or denomination that someone might practice. I know when the Pope speaks about issues of God; I know I do not take in account his teachings as to how the Word of God is to be interpreted. It might be interesting to make note of, but not being a Catholic the Pope is just another human being. I am sure the Catholics feel the same way as to someone speaking outside of their religious faith and practices.

Originally posted by zebraman
I'll never understand why you worship at the feet of some college assignor who overrules the governing body for whom he works.

The governing body that we work for is the IHSA, not the NF.

I work about 95% of my games at the HS level. I work college but that does not carry over to my HS game philosophy. I am not talking about a college interpretation; I am telling you what a mechanic that was subscribed by our state interpreters and clinician that happens to be a former D1 Official. You are the one that claimed that the NF knows better than all involved. And by the way, the NF Basketball editor is a D1 Officials but on the women's side. It is very clear that some of the changes over the past few years are in direct compliance with the NCAA Women's philosophy and do not be surprised if more changes will follow. Not everyone is happy with those philosophies, but they are filtering back to the HS level.

Originally posted by zebraman
There is a process in place to request a change in mechanics and rules through NFHS. To "ban" certain mechanics or change them on our own doesn't help anyone (except the ego of the person who anoints themself as Caeser).

I think Bob said this best. The NF works for the states. Unfortunately most people cannot call the NF directly for an interpretation or direction on situations that cause confusion or debate. I also know that many of the things that have been adopted as mechanics or philosophies have filter there way into the actual NF Rule and Mechanic books. Mary Struckoff was once the head person over the IHSA Officials Department. It has been suggested that she still has contact with the IHSA closely and has spoken a few times since she has left at IHSA functions. I realize you might think there is something wrong with coming up with a solution to a common problem, and that is your right to feel that way. I just think it is silly to think that the NF has all power and only their interpretations are solid. I guess out state should not throw out test questions that the NF writes because they are all knowing and powerful. Not that anyone from our state would be smart enough to know that there is confusion in many of their test questions or interpretations the NF can and has come up with. I guess we should all be like the people in the book 1984 and just follow blindly without dissention from “Big Brother.”

Peace