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Old Tue Dec 11, 2001, 02:33am
RookieDude RookieDude is offline
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Join Date: Feb 2001
Posts: 1,856
Quote:
Originally posted by eroe39
We cannot take every rule literally. I think I mentioned the 3 second play to you. Here are a couple more examples. It is a delay of game warning when the defender of the throw-in steps out of bounds or waves his hand so that it goes over the boundary plane even if just by two inches. Obviously, as officials we do not call this play every time as defenders violate this rule constantly. We use our judgement when to enforce the rule. When we believe it places the thrower-in at a disadvantage we call this. Also, it is a technical foul if the coach steps onto the floor. However, practically every coach in America steps onto the court several times during a game and generally it is just to yell instructions to his players. We use our judgement when to enforce this rule. Not all rules are black and white in my opinion. Judgement still needs to be used as to when to enforce certain rules. The spirit and intent of the rule should be analyzed. Please don't think I am somehow anti-rule. I study the rules religiously and think they are very important to the game.
Well stated...
Here are some more;
* The semi dunk...not slam dunk...in pregame warmups...if just a one time thing I'll usually ignore it...NO "T"

* The books at the table are not completely filled out 10 minutes prior to the game...person is still frantically writing the players and numbers in...I don't check the books untill I see they are finished...NO "T"

* Both the Coach and Assistant Coach are standing in or outside the box during the game...I warn them...NO "T"

* (Here's one that will get some of you)...A player misses a lay-up...uses profanity under his breath, to himself...I hear it...maybe say something to him at a break in the action...NO "T"

All of the above, BY RULE, could be a Technical Foul...and sometimes they will be called...sometimes they will not...depends on the situation. Therefore, IMO not black and white.

Sorry BsktbalRef, but I do believe this is a good forum for opinons...it develops each officials personal philosophy of how he/she wants to call the game. You seem to have an excellent knowledge of the rules...keep up the great work on the rule references...but please, have some patience with those officials who want to post their thoughts...try not to belittle them...just show them where they are "wrong".

I would be willing to bet a game check that there are many who read these posts but are afraid to ask or respond to questions because of the ridicule they may face.

That is too bad,because no matter how simple the question may be to the experienced official...it is still good review for all of us.

RookieDude


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