Jackgil - To clarify the game situation, our player (A1) was always directly up against a defender, staying in tight to the zone but dribbling on the outer edge. When I run a zone (not much at the younger ages) I never allow the ball to be unguarded anywhere within shooting range. You have to pass the moving dribbler from defender to defender or doubleteam. Otherwise, your zone is broken down or you have just given up an open look.
I did not talk to the ref about it, and rarely do I discuss game calls with an official on the spot (including immediately following a game). I have had good and bad experiences with this, as officials are human too, with their own egos. Some are happy to discuss things, others immediately react as though you have no right to say anything that might call into question their knowledge or judgment. Especially in these tournaments, however, I go right out with my team to talk cause we're playing one game on, one game off with 3-4 games in a day. When I work the table on off games, I do get a little bit of a chance to talk to refs, which is a good chance to ask some questions.
The thought on NCAA rules presents another possibility, that the ref went with something other than NF rules. It is confusing to us coaches with these club tournaments. We are using NCAA women's free throw rules (go on release, foot on the block, five on the lane), but I would have to check on the other rules. We have no shot clock (except in medal rounds of our regional qualifiers!) and I believe that everything except free throws is NF. On the other hand, our leagues usually go straight NF. A lot of changing around for young players, not to mention us coaches and the refs. In the morning games, refs frequently get together with the coaches to make sure we all agree as to what the rules for the day are. Straight NF is a whole lot easier, although I do like the NCAA freethrow rules better!
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