Quote:
Originally Posted by Jurassic Referee
They're still middle school kids learning the games. Junior high comes next to 'em, Billy, not the NBA. Sometimes I think that we do have to keep things in perspective.
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High school is next. We pretty much no longer have junior high schools here in Connecticut
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jurassic Referee
Sometimes I think that we do have to keep things in perspective.
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And they do try in this league. Depending on the division: No strict coaching box rule, just stay away from the table. Yelling in the face of an opponent for any reason is not permitted. Three point shot only for upper divisions. Girls ball for younger boys. No overtime for younger kids. The game ends tied. Each team member must play a minimum of six minutes (one period for younger levels) in each game. Play zone inside three point arc and no fast breaks with big lead for younger levels. Kids in the youngest divisions are allowed to move closer to the basket if they can't reach it on free throws. We, as officials, are encouraged to explain our calls to all but the oldest kids. Sometimes we're more like basketball rule teachers out there on the floor than officials.
Interesting side note: T-shirt, headband, wrist bands, and jewelry rules are strictly enforced. If we, as officials, don't enforce these rules, we don't get paid by our assigner. All officials know this, as do all coaches. After a few reminders the first week of the season, we no longer have any problems with these "Fashion Police" rules. No, "The officials last week let her wear her lucky polka dot headband".