Things the Mechanics Manual Doesn't Tell You

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by ilyazhito

Now I know to just fall back on the book when in doubt, because if I am working with people that I do not know, they will understand when I use mechanics as in whatever the appropriate manual for the type of game is.

Good thought, but remember, in regard to high school games, your local association may do some things differently than the manual. It's up to you to find out when to follow the manual, and when to do otherwise. How do you find out? Think back to your local association's original floor training. Listen to your local interpreter/trainer/clinician during the training part of your regular association meetings. Directly ask your local interpreter/trainer/clinician if you have any mechanics questions (rather than asking us here on the Forum).

I'm lucky in that my local board follows the IAABO manual 98% of the time, so if I have a question, I can just look it up. But we do differ in a few aspects of mechanics. For example, we point to floor for two point field goal try when shooter has a foot touching three point line. You won't find that in the IAABO Mechanics Manual.

[SC Official]

Originally Posted by BillyMac

For example, we point to floor for two point field goal try when shooter has a foot touching three point line.

FTR I do this and it's not in the NFHS manual (which we use in SC) nor explicitly approved by our powers-that-be. So, this would be one example where an official (me) uses an "unapproved" signal, but nobody who matters is going to lose sleep over it.

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by SC Official

... nor explicitly approved by our powers-that-be.

The "touching the three point line" signal is unapproved by IAABO International, but is 100% bona fide approved by our Connecticut State board, as well as our local board.

Originally Posted by SC Official

... an official (me) uses an "unapproved" signal ...

It's the ultimate punishment for a basketball official.