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[crosscountry55]

Originally Posted by APG

I think there are a lot more common occurrences/events to go over with a first year official that would beneficial rather than burden them with a rather rare scenario.

Originally Posted by Adam

I don't think this is a scenario we need to burden a first year official with. There's enough to learn before we start discussing plays they might, maybe, possibly see once in their entire careers.

Respectfully disagree for two reasons:

1. We're all benefiting from this discussion because of the inquisitiveness of a rookie. Good for the rookie. I'd work with him any day because I can tell he cares about his craft.

2. Scenarios like this, though rare, do more than just help us through a once-in-a-career situation. They challenge us to contemplate the logic of definitions and their connections to the rest of the rules. This, IMHO, is where the real learning value lies, for rookies and veterans alike.


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[Adam]

Originally Posted by crosscountry55

Respectfully disagree for two reasons:

1. We're all benefiting from this discussion because of the inquisitiveness of a rookie. Good for the rookie. I'd work with him any day because I can tell he cares about his craft.

2. Scenarios like this, though rare, do more than just help us through a once-in-a-career situation. They challenge us to contemplate the logic of definitions and their connections to the rest of the rules. This, IMHO, is where the real learning value lies, for rookies and veterans alike.


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I'm not saying it shouldn't be discussed here in this forum. Rookies who participate here have a leg up on the competition with regard to rules knowledge.

I'm saying there's no reason to bring situations like this up in pregame meetings, or in large group rules clinics. There are ton of other rules that need to be addressed first. With a rookie, I'd rather discuss common myths and misconceptions.

Talk to a rookie about LGP. Talk to her about positioning. Discuss the fact that you can't travel unless you're holding the ball. Discuss the standards for calling a foul vs letting the contact go uncalled. Talk about the merits of a patient whistle.

Until those things are down pat, we're wasting time talking about the sasquatches of the basketball world.

No need to discuss multiple fouls, indirect technical fouls, the rare situation in the OP, or other big foot plays. For those plays, it's easy for the veteran to initiate a quick conference and take control.

Yes, there is benefit to discussing these plays, I just don't see a need for most rookies to focus their efforts here. When the exception asks questions in a forum like this, then by all means have the discussion.

My main disagreement is with the idea that young officials need to understand these situations before stepping on the court.

That's just my opinion, though. I think reasonable people can disagree.