[Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.]

I have heard Ralph speak on basketball officiating I think that he is a wonderful guy, BUT he is wrong.

The play in the original posting is a throw-in violation, plain and simple, and no warning of any sort is to be issued.

And yes, Jurassic Referee, I will tell Ralph and Dick Knox they are wrong. As we speak, I am preparing a position paper on this play (but it is not 10,000 words long) which I will send to Mary Struckhoff and Dick Knox of the NFHS and Ed Bilik and Barb Jacobs of the NCAA. After seven pages of postings it is about time somebody put pen to paper and explain in a logical manner, that the only ruling that the NFHS and NCAA rules will support for the posted play, is a throw-in violation, and nothing more.

I have been officiating basketball for 31 years. That includes games under the following sets of rules: NFHS, NCAA (both men's and women's), FIBA, and NAGWS (women's college-the old blue and white days). I have been a rules interpreter and an OhioHSAA Certified Basketball Officiating Instructor since 1990. I sit on the IAABO Visualization and Education Committee, so I get to meet and discuss basketball rules with some of the best in the business: Peter Webb, Al Battista, Ray McClure, Edgar Cartotto, Roger MacTavish, Hank Nichols, Dick Schindler, Ed Bilik, and Mary Struchoff to name a few. Based on my experience I am very confident that my position is the correct position and in the final analysis it will be the accepted ruling for this play.

It amazes me how what is a very simple play has elicited rulings that call for warnings that are not supported by rule as well as possible technical fouls.

But on a more personal note: I would like to wish everybody and there families a very happy holiday season and good luck for the rest of the basketball season.