If you had not studied the rule book you would not have known that the word "intentionally" was added to slapping the backboard. I guarntee there are a lot of officials out there who do not know this change. I have been told at every camp, clinic, etc. that knowing the definitions in section 4 is essential for you to become a good official. I have gotten the impression from JRutledge posts that knowing the rules is not important, but mechanics and judgement are. I strongly disagree. I can teach mechanics, rule situations, but I cannot teach judgement. Either you have good judgement or you don't. My judgement has improved over the 20 + years of officiating basketball and I continue to teach and mentor new officials. I would hate for a team to lose a game because I miscalled a backcourt violation, because I did not know the rules. I may miss a BC call but it is not because I don't know the rule. It will be because of my judgement. Big difference. I am sorry but knowing the rules can only help an official get better. Very few officials get worse because they know the rules. I don't mean you want to be a rule book official but you need to know how to effectively apply all rules and I've already called over 30 games this year.
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 Jerry Baldwin
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