[BillyMac]

Jurassic Referee:

Thanks for Mr. Loube's article on the Tower Philosphy. I did not edit the original text that I presented earlier in this thread. That is the "Philosophy" that I was given early in my officiating career.

I definitely agree with you in regard to new officials learning both rules and proper mechanics before being exposed to this "Philosophy". We try to have our new class each year learn the rules to "pass the test". It isn't until later in their careers at our "Bread and Butter" clinics that we expose them to the "Tower Philosophy".

I do, however, disagree with you that the "Tower Philsophy" only deals with fouls and should not be used with violations. I have never seen this in writing and would welcome any expert and reliable sources, like the Loube article, that you could cite to back up your statement. Examples where I, and the members of my association, believe that the "Philsophy" should be used with violations include the carry (palming) rule and the three-second rule.