Crossing Whistles

[Josh1993]

Hello, I'm new here and signed up specifically to ask you more experienced officials how to handle a situation. Trying to learn, so I'll probably ask many questions unless I wear out my welcome.

Here is the situation that prompted me to come to you:

Officiating basketball at a middle school and there are two courts separated by a curtain. Our kids are playing and a whistle sounds loud and clear from the other court. Our kids all stumble to a stop, look at me and my partner. I just hold up my whistle as if to say, "That wasn't us" and the kids stumble to a start again.

This happened a few times during the game. Each time, the kids just slowed down like slow motion, and then kicked right back up when they realized the whistle was coming from the next court.

So other than being a distraction, it didn't affect the outcome of the game. The parents and coaches didn't make an issue of it, so we just played on.

Is there a better way to handle it?

Thank you in advance!

[Adam]

Nah, that's just the nature of the beast of multiple courts. If it causes an advantage, kill the play and make it right.

[TimTaylor]

Originally Posted by Adam

Nah, that's just the nature of the beast of multiple courts. If it causes an advantage, kill the play and make it right.

This!

And what Freddy said, Welcome to the forum!

[Freddy]

Originally Posted by Josh1993

Hello, I'm new here and signed up specifically to ask you more experienced officials how to handle a situation. Trying to learn, so I'll probably ask many questions unless I wear out my welcome.

Here is the situation that prompted me to come to you:

Officiating basketball at a middle school and there are two courts separated by a curtain. Our kids are playing and a whistle sounds loud and clear from the other court. Our kids all stumble to a stop, look at me and my partner. I just hold up my whistle as if to say, "That wasn't us" and the kids stumble to a start again.

This happened a few times during the game. Each time, the kids just slowed down like slow motion, and then kicked right back up when they realized the whistle was coming from the next court.

So other than being a distraction, it didn't affect the outcome of the game. The parents and coaches didn't make an issue of it, so we just played on.

Is there a better way to handle it?

Thank you in advance!

Welcome. And stick around!

[Raymond]

The kids eventually adjust. Your whistles need to be strong and loud

Sent from my SPH-L900 using Tapatalk

[BlueDevilRef]

If I can see anyone start to react I just say "not our court, keep playing". It won't take most teams long to figure out your whistle vs other court. Most teams that play at our wreck leagues in multiple court gyms do so several times per week so they get it taken care of pretty quick.

[Nevadaref]

Never cross the streams!

[Adam]

Originally Posted by Nevadaref

Never cross the streams!

Well played, Nevada. Well played.

[Josh1993]

Thank you for the advice! This is a great way to help pay for college, and it's been fun so far.
Still pretty intimidated, but having fun.

[bas2456]

I had this happen recently while working in a gym with two courts. Normally I don't stop play, but the kid who had the ball took off for the basket before the others realized what was going on. As mentioned above, I felt that was an advantage, and I stopped the game and gave it back to the team who had it before the confusion.

My partner that day tried to give me a hard time about it...not sure he understood me when I explained it to him.