Running Backwards

[Freddy]

Though the former NFHS Officials Manual said nothing regarding running backwards (the new one hasn't arrived yet), one of the NCAA manuals stipulates this:

1. As soon as a new possession by the defensive team is imminent, the T official must move quickly toward the opposite endline and become the new L.
2. The new L must look back over her/his shoulder and observe the status of the game clock, 30-second clock, the ball and players as the play comes toward the new L.
3. When the ball is coming down the L and T side of the court, the L assumes the wide-angle position
4. When the ball is coming down the middle of the court or on the C side of the court, the L assumes the close-down position to receive the play.

The bolded part of #2 precludes running backwards.