Mr. Elias (only used the "Mr." part becasue I know it will elicit a response - just in humor Chuck)....
Your response to my post of a couple days ago makes you sound like the resolute veteran...
Timeout positions
I am UNconcerned about officials switching positions during a timeout - nothing in the mechanics manual specifies that we should change positions. However, there are two things that need to be communicated 1) this is where the ball is coming in. One of the officials should "take the ball where it is to be put in play, face the table and indicate the direction of play by placing the ball either in front or behind the body or one either side..." and 2) that an official is wathcing the bench/scorers table area. "The other official should be on the division line ... and be facing the table, ready to beckon properly-reported substitues into the game and ready to give the scorer and timer any needed information. [Additionally,] If a free throw is to follow a time-out, the offcial with the ball takes a position on the free-throw line." NFHS Mechanics manual Page 43 article 273.
If the official with the ball is not standing at the location where the throw-in will occur (mislocated at the top of the key, free throw line, etc.) then this information has not been communicated. Agreeably the coach could still ask, but by not being in the proper location you have created a need for the coach to ask. Additionally, when you now indicate the location from 30 feet away, the coach really has no exact information and would be required to ask again if he seriously wants an exact location. This pisses-off the coach and inturn angers the official because the coach asked twice.
If neither official is located at the division line (equally distant from the scorer's table) then which official should the substitues report to? Of which official does the table ask clarification questions? I know it doesn't matter but you have created a minor confusion again.
Trail position during free throw.
Again there are responsibilities and those responsibilities dictate the required position. Agreeably, we only call a few free throw lane violations but we must still be in the proper postion to sell that call.
To see a shooter violation I feel you should be in line with the free throw line. To see a lane violation at the lower block, opposite side of the lane, you need to see that player's feet without looking through the legs and feet of the players on the near side of the lane. Where those two lines of sight intersect is very close to the 3-point line. This is where I stand. Another benefits is that this also puts me in a great position to sell a rebounding foul.
Standing on the side line free throw line extended does not allow a clear view of the lower block. Scooting toward the division line so the lower block can be seen precludes you from definitely seeing the free throw line violation. This last position puts you even farther away for a rebounding foul call.
My original question was
Quote:
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.... How do you, with politcal correctness, realign a veteran's thinking?
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Perhaps I've just done it.... perhaps it is impossible.