Quote:
Originally posted by zebraman
OK, so let me make sure I understand. Once you get to D-1, we can't question anything (even if it's wrong by the book) because you've now "made it?" D-1 refs are now untouchable? So if a D-1 official calls a travel while the player has no control, that's OK because it's a D-1 game? If a D-1 official calls a travel when a player catches their own airball, that's OK and they don't have to pay Tony their $5.00? I wouldn't dream of questioning a judgement call, but in this case, it appears from the signal given that this official is demonstrating a lack of rule knowledge. When I evaluate an official for our association, I would correct a young official for this incorrect signal. Can't I expect the same from a D-1 ref?
Z [/B]
|
I've already explained why I think this official made the call such as he did; as well as explaining that i DO NOT APPROVE of usinf this mechanic in most all situations. Yes I would correct a younger official and expect myself to use the correct mechanic in this situation. I simply have a lot of respect for officials who have reached this level and think nitpicking a signal used to convey a very tense situation as a gross violation of officiating mechanics petty at best. To say that the offical did not know the correct signal is simply absurd. I have meat several D1 officials and their rules and mechanics knowledge is top notch. That official sold a call to millions of people. I never once said officials are untouchable at any level.
Keep in mind basketball officals do not have the luxury of football officials to turn on a mike and explain the results of the play and the reason for the penalization. They need to make a series of clear distinct signals to describe their reasoning and actions in a manner of seconds. That official did that. Praise him for making a great call in a pressure situation, not expanding a mechanic that is not 100% correct as it appears on a piece of paper. I'm sure as we all advance in our officiating careers we NEVER use an incorrect signal to convey what happened nor do we elasticize the rules to the style of play. If everything we do as officials has to be 100% as it is written in a mechanics manual I sincerely doubt we would ever make it out of middle school ball.