Quote:
Originally Posted by Twinfan
If the violation gained the attacker an advantage over the defender ... a marginal case to be made that the move was a violation ... not be giving us enough information.
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Throughout my thirty-two years of officiating, I've had many occasions where a player has made a move, as demonstrated in the original video, that caught me by surprise. I've usually "passed" on such a "gray area" call, but filed it back in my brain to be more observant when that player tries such a move later in the game. If the player tries it again, I can be ready to get a really good look at it, apply the rule, apply the philosophy of advantage/disadvantage, see the whole play, and either pass on the play again, or sound my whistle for a violation.
In some cases, if the opportunity presents itself, I may say to the player's coach, usually an assistant coach, during a timeout, "I don't like 32's crossover move. It may be a carry. I'm going to try to get a good look at it", so that if I decide to call the violation, the coach is prepared for the call. I know that some of you guys don't like talking to coaches, and I've been criticized for doing so in the past by local observers, but at this point in my career, I'm not going to change, and most of the coaches seem to appreciate my open communication with them.