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Originally posted by rainmaker
Quote:
Originally posted by Back In The Saddle
Yeah, yeah, yeah. We all cringe and grind our teeth every time anybody uses terms like "reaching in" and "over the back." And yes, using the term "moving pick" is still a hanging offense in some states.
It seems to me that the officials in question weren't posting to the board, or trying to impress other officials. They were talking to players. They chose to speak the players' language. Game/player/coach management is mostly about effective communication. Being bi-lingual can help.
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Ray, I agree, but guardedly. If we keep using inexact terms to people who don't know any better, we keep suffering under the misunderstandings that make our lives more difficult. I think that's really a liability.
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rainmaker--
I would have to agree with BITS. Most basketball players go their entire careers without learning anything about the rule book or officiating. Ex. Ask an experienced player where an official stands after he throws you the ball for a FT? Most wouldn't have a clue. That's not their concern. Making the shot is all they care about. As an official, it's important to know the rules, implications, jargon, etc. of officiating. When talking to other officials, it certainly is appropriate to use "official's lingo", but when talking to players & coaches, they know what you are talking about when you say "moving pick" or "reach". Can they give you a definition--not a chance. But in order to communicate effectively with coaches/players, you better be able to talk their language.
However, I agree that "coaching" by officials in the last few seconds of a game is something that I would be hesitant to do. I like officials who talk players out of bad situations early in a game, but by the end of the game--just call it like you've been calling it. The players should have it figured out by then.