[mplagrow]

What do you guys think of this attempt to explain Advantage/Disadvantage?

REF - It all boils down to the fundamental philosophy of the rules, commonly referred to as "The Tower Philosophy." It was named in honor of an old timer by the name of Oswald Tower who is credited with explaining that the rules are based on the concept of "Advantage and Disadvantage."

LIB.com - "Advantage and Disadvantage?" Do you mean "no harm, no foul?"

REF - Well, that's an extreme way of looking at it. Actually, it has to do with the overall concept of trying to create a "balance of play" with "equal opportunity" between offense and defense, small player and tall player. Ideally, the rules create an atmosphere of sportsmanship and fair play with emphasis on cleverness and skill. To that end, no player or team should be permitted to gain an "advantage" (or be put at a "disadvantage") that is not intended by the rules. The best referees understand this notion and apply it throughout the game, no matter what level they are working.

LIB.com - So, it's more than just "rules"......there's actually a philosophy involved.

REF - Exactly. There's plenty to keep an eye on, to be sure, but you really want to conduct a game within the context of this philosophy. It takes a clear understanding of both the rules AND the philosophy to know when the whistle needs to be blown and when you can "chew on it" (not blow). The RULES BOOK gives the referee all the ammunition needed to handle any situation that may develop during a game. But the game is about players and teachers (coaches). It is NOT about an official playing "Deputy Dog" on the court and blowing the whistle for every little infraction.

LIB.com - But, players, coaches and even spectators love to talk about "consistency" when it comes to referees. What's going on there?

REF - The problem, if there is a problem, goes back to your first question. The best referees have gained an understanding of the "spirit and intent" of the rules and do a wonderful and CONSISTENT job of administering the rules using this concept. Unfortunately, the players, coaches and spectators do not usually see the game from the same perspective as a referee. The referees are expected to make instantaneous decisions in the midst of an environment where everyone else tends to be extremely biased in their views and cannot see any other perspectives but their own. Too often, it seems, referees are labeled as "inconsistent" when, in fact, they may have done a marvelously "consistent" job of handling difficult decisions within the spirit and intent of the rules.

The entire interview can be found here:

http://www.longislandbasketball.com/AskTheRef2.html