Notes from a recent ref clinic

[Camron Rust]

Originally Posted by crosscountry55

If we're gonna do it to prevent stalling, let's set it at 30 or 35 and spice up the game at the same time.

I contend that going that low in HS would make a lot of games a mess. Forced shots, turnovers, etc. will increase for less skilled teams. If both teams are lower skilled, it could be an even uglier night than it would have otherwise been.

[crosscountry55]

Originally Posted by Camron Rust

I contend that going that low in HS would make a lot of games a mess. Forced shots, turnovers, etc. will increase for less skilled teams. If both teams are lower skilled, it could be an even uglier night than it would have otherwise been.

Having worked in two states with a shot clock, I respectfully disagree. Teams that are lower skilled and/or not as well coached often lack the discipline to employ a methodical offense; they shoot or drive as quickly as possible and the shot clock rarely comes into play. There may be bad basketball, but it has nothing to do with the shot clock.

With better coaching and/or advanced play (i.e. varsity), the shot clock sometimes comes more into play but without the forced shots and goofy turnovers you describe. Even so, when I did some varsity in CA, it was not uncommon to sometimes go three or four games without a shot clock violation. I often wondered why they bothered to have one in the first place.

[Camron Rust]

Originally Posted by crosscountry55

Even so, when I did some varsity in CA, it was not uncommon to sometimes go three or four games without a shot clock violation. I often wondered why they bothered to have one in the first place.

And that is the biggest point of them all.

[deecee]

In 2 man as lead, I have been going across the lane when there is active post play and the ball is on the side opposite from me. In cases where the endline is deep I step in and down several steps so that I can officiate the post play, but ideally I'm going over.

I may also go over if the ball is on that side of the floor with 8 players. Not fair to my partner to cover that much action and my coverage through the lane sucks.