Creighton-Gonzaga backcourt play

[Altor]

Originally Posted by Nevadaref

For those who don’t officiate at the NCAA level, I would think that the best reason to be aware of recent NCAA rule changes is that the NFHS often follows suit.

This is a good reason, but I also like to have it in my bag of replies when a coach complains because he saw it on TV.

"Well, it happened in the State U. game the other night."
"Coach, their rule book allows for that exception. NFHS does not."

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by Nevadaref

For those who don’t officiate at the NCAA level, I would think that the best reason to be aware of recent NCAA rule changes is that the NFHS often follows suit.

Disagree. The best reason is this below:

Originally Posted by BillyMac

Being aware of NFHS/NCAA rule differences can help in a debate with a confused and bewildered high school coach that doesn't know NFHS/NCAA rule differences.

Whether it's backcourt, goaltending, technical foul penalties, free thrower injured, etc., awareness of these differences allows officials to see where coaches are "coming from" and to quickly deescalate debates, preventing them from becoming arguments.

Originally Posted by JRutledge

"Coach that is the NCAA rule ... not the rule at our level."

Originally Posted by Altor

... like to have it in my bag of replies when a coach complains because he saw it on TV. "Well, it happened in the State U. game the other night." "Coach, their rule book allows for that exception. NFHS does not."

Also, one never knows when one will have a partner who's rules knowledge is mostly based on what he sees on television, or based on his mostly college schedule, and one should be prepared to "cut him off at the pass".

Originally Posted by Nevadaref

For those who don’t officiate at the NCAA level, I would think that the best reason to be aware of recent NCAA rule changes is that the NFHS often follows suit.

If the NFHS decides to switch to an existing NCAA rule, I can wait until the switch is actually made, no need (other than what I stated above) to "see it coming down the pike". When it gets in my high school games, it gets in my high school games. No real need to "jump the gun". Without a "head start", I can easily learn a new rule in the months between April and December.

Bottom line, for many reasons, high school basketball officials should, at least, be somewhat aware of NFHS/NCAA rule differences. No need to memorize the differences as would one who works both levels, but high school basketball officials should just be aware of some major differences.

Just be sure to not be confused by the differences. Now, where are my car keys?

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by BillyMac

Whether it's backcourt, goaltending, technical foul penalties, free thrower injured, etc., awareness of these differences allows officials to see where coaches are "coming from" and to quickly deescalate debates, preventing them from becoming arguments.

I could not agree with you more on this point. Many times a coach starts they do not know the rule anyway and often are stumped if you tell them that is only a college rule. They usually have no counter for that because they know they did not read the rule for themselves, they heard Grant Hill talk about the rule and then believe that is how we should have applied the rule. People that are smart enough know when they are speaking from anecdotal evidence in the heat of the moment. They might not like it at the time but again my goal is not to get an agreement but to move on. If I have to keep explaining something we are often wasting time or not able to resolve the conversation.

Peace