Quote:
Originally Posted by VaTerp
As a coach we always used baseline. As an official, the correct term is endline but I often hear both used.
In the end, it doesn't really matter since the meaning is the exact same and I have never heard any confusion/complaints as a result of the use of either.
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This is absolutely true. As a player, and later as a coach, the end lines have always been referred to as the baseline. I am fairly confident that MTD is correct in that the origin came from the fact that the rectangular court has a "base" line at its bottom.
As a defender, we never wanted to give the offensive player the "baseline" (i.e. get beat to the basket along the end line). Yet, you cannot find the term "baseline" in the Rules Book.
As has been pointed out, these two terms are synonyms. When talking to fellow officials, using the term "end line" is best. When talking to coaches or players, using the term "base line" is most understood.
Some officials are very particular that we, as officials, use the proper term and it is up to the coaches to figure out the rules book (by reading it). Personally, I have far too many things about which I am concerned to be worried about this particular debate.