Notes from a recent ref clinic

[crosscountry55]

Originally Posted by Kansas Ref

Attended a ref clinic and heard a few surprising things:

1) One of the clinicians who specializes in "Two-Man" reffing told us/ advised us per the following: "...when you're in the L, don't be shy in closing down much closer when the ball goes into the low block post area opposite of the side that pertains to your primary coverage area." She suggested to us that although our PCA does not include the opposite side of the lane, we should close down closer in this area to get a better view of the matchup. Albeit, this is not the norm, she indicated that in today's NFHS level games, the players are so much better and offenses are so much more complex that it is easier of your partner in the T get 'stacked' and miss contact that occurs in post play.

Several years ago I was taught this as "pinching the paint." It wasn't a horrible technique, but I agree with the general sentiment that going over (a la three-person) is always better, provided there's a matchup to go officiate. Also, indeed the more skilled the players and/or complex the offenses, the less this makes sense because without a C to back you up, when the ball swings back you gotta high tail it back over, and that gets old really quick.

I hate two-person.

Originally Posted by Kansas Ref

2) A panel of clinician also told us that a "45 sec shot clock" is coming to NFHS games sooner rather than later.

Seriously, that's the way they're going to introduce it? Use the old time standard that the NCAA used and abandoned years ago? Stupid. Just go with 30. How many HS offenses do you know that take 45 seconds to operate? I mean why even bother?