[ysong]

Originally posted by JRutledge

I gave my opinion, call what you see.

I do not consider myself a "rulebook official." In many the circles I run with, that is a slanderous statement. For me that involve someone that is trying to find every little loophole and every little word and paragraph to find some justification for every call. In my opinion that does a disservice to you as an official. I do not have the eyesight that would allow me to see a strand of hair that might possibly touch the ball. I call what I see. I certainly am not going to consistently call something that is not clear to the masses watching. I cannot see myself making a call that I would have to explain in detail or I cannot see on tape. Maybe that is not the answer you are looking for, but if these are major issues for you to officiate games, you are going to have some real problems.

Peace

[Edited by JRutledge on Mar 17th, 2005 at 05:05 PM]

Thanks, JRutledge. you are absolutely right on this.

One note though, when the ball passes through somebody hair, not only you and all the players can see it, but you can also hear the sound, scratchy and clear, if you are the lead.

I would guess you are obligated to call OOB on the player with the hair too, am I right? (No wonder NBA players usually shave their heads.)

Thanks.