"We don't use that advantage/disadvantage crap here."
Remember, the USBL does use NBA rules but IT IS NOT THE NBA!
IMO the NBA experiemented with that philosophy when they implemented the "no-touch" hand check a couple of years ago.
Guess what? They dumped it. The mantra now is that the refere must determine if the contact affects the "speed, quickness and balance" of the ball handler. If it doesn't,
play on. If it does call it. (Sounds like advantage/disadvantage to me.)
Some things are automatic fouls, just like NF and NCAA, two hands is never allowed and 99 percent of the time will be whistled immediately. (I shouldn't have said never, because there is always a time or two that it won't be called.)
"looking for things not to call".
Very true. Always look for things TO CALL.
Yet, it's a fine line between a good no-call,(isn't that looking for something NOT to call?) and calling the game so tight that players can't move.
For me, it's a matter of semantics.
Mentally "I don't need to call that" as opposed to
"I see the contact, but it doesn't affect the play"
Maybe if Eli is around he can give his take on this philosophy.
By the was, who was the observer?
"Pro ball is about entertainment. You better know who the fans are at the game to see."
Of course it is. But can we honestly say that High School and College games are not? Why do you think fans go to High School games?
TO BE ENTERTAINED!!!
And what is the biggest event of the year?
The NCAA Tournament! Why? Because it is entertaining!
I think no matter what level you work it is good to know
who the fans PERCEIVE to be the "star player" or players.
Not that you let them get sway with anything extra, but
when it gets down to the nitty gritty and the "stars"
have 4 (or 5in Pro rules) fouls, you don't want to foul them out with a "cheap" foul!
It is a good thing to remember, that most of those in a Supervisory position in the Minor Leagues, have never been in the NBA. They may have been in the development program at
one time or another, and may know NBA officials.
But what I've found is that they don't stay current with the philosophy of the day. That is, the NBA is always looking at how they can improve the way they call the game.
Those who are not in the program may know the basics, but are left behind in some other areas.
Chuck, if I were you, I would address any questions I might have to Eli Roe. He is in the Program and can provide definitive answers for you.
The bottom line, go out and call the game. If you think it's a foul, blow the whistle. It's always better to call too tight and have someone tell you how you can back off, than to not call tight enough.
Just my two cents.
