[wanja]

My objective is to provide middle school officiating guidelines that are brief and cover the basics. The target officials vary from uncertified newbies to experienced varsity officials. I'm also thinking of sharing the guidelines with coaches to help with their official observations. Game start at 3:15pm. Here' s a first draft. Help.
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These are minimum guidelines for xxx Public Middle school basketball game officiating. Coaches are requested to keep these guidelines in mind when submitting official evaluation reports using the Assign By Web system.

1. Be On Time
Arrive at game site at least 25 minutes before the game. We are requesting that coaches use the online Assign By Web system to report officials who are not present 15 minutes before game time.

2. Be Presentable
Officials must wear the approved uniform including black pants, black and white striped v-neck shirt, black sneakers, black socks, a black official’s whistle and an optional black whistle lanyard. If a belt is worn, it must be black. Sweat pants or shorts are not acceptable. Shirts must be worn tucked into the pants. No jewelry may be worn unless an exception is specifically requested and granted by a xxx assignor.

3. Be Respectful
Be respectful to players, coaches, team staff and others. Profanity, threats or insults directed at or by officials are unacceptable.

4. Be Fair
Provide equal opportunity to each team within the rules.

5. Avoid contact with spectators
It is acceptable to acknowledge an acquaintance or friendly greeting prior to game activity. Any other contact with spectators is to be avoided. If a spectator's behavior must be addressed, refer the matter to the site administrator.

6. Introduce Yourself
Identify the game site administrator and introduce yourself. If the need arises, refer site administration problems (such as unsafe facilities and unruly fans) to that individual.

7. Review Facilities
Review the game facilities and equipment to ensure that they are safe and acceptable. Ideally, facilities and equipment should meet NFHS requirements. However, many middle school facilities do not. Any scheduled gym (including facilities and equipment) is acceptable unless a safety hazard exists or a condition exists which would not allow a fair enforcement of the rules. If you identify a safety hazard or unacceptable condition, confer with the site administrator and, if necessary, with your assignor. Do not officiate if the safety hazard or unacceptable condition is not resolved.

8. Conduct a Pre-Game Conference
If you are officiating with a partner, conduct a pre-game conference. Pre-game conference guidelines will be provided separately.

9. Observe team warm-ups
Be on the court at least 15 minutes before game time to observe team warm-ups.

10. Before the 10-minute mark, consult with scorer and timer. Also, review the scorebook and ensure that it is in compliance to avoid administrative pre-game technical fouls. For middle school games, official discretion is allowed to extend the preparation time. Also, briefly cover scoring and timing issues including stopping the clock, substitutions, time outs, fouls, warnings and setting the possession arrow.

11. Hold a coaches and captains meeting at the 5 minute mark.
Coach and captains meeting guidelines will be provided separately.

12. Enforce the rules
Middle school games use NFHS /xxx rules except for quarter length and stopping the clock as follows:
a. 7 minute quarters with a running clock except
i. clock stops on time outs and foul shots
ii. clock stops on every whistle in the final 2 minutes of the 4th quarter

13. Use approved mechanics and signals
a. Use approved NFHS/xxx signals and mechanics including line responsibilities; switching; foul, violation and time-out reporting; positions for throw-ins, jump balls, time-outs, intermissions and free throws.

14. Communicate with your partner
Start with approved signals. Always make eye contact with your partner when the ball becomes dead and again before the ball becomes live. Occasionally confirm timeouts, bonus, substitutions and possession arrow direction with table staff and partner.

15. Hustle
Get into position to make a good call. Do not turn your back to the players or run backwards.

16. Report Disqualifications and Severe Incidents
As soon as practical during the game day, call a xxx assignor to report any player receiving 2 technical fouls or a flagrant foul, any ejection (involving team members, coaches, other team staff, spectators or other) and any severe incidents. If you are unsure if an incident is severe (e.g. a forfeit or cancellation), call.

If applicable, the official imposing the penalty must call. Otherwise the referee or sole game official must call. The assignor may request the calling official to submit a brief, written description of the incident.