NFHS Update ...

[BillyMac]

Rubber, cloth, or elastic bands, of any color may be used to control hair. Hair control devices and adornments made of hard material (such as, but not limited to, barrettes, bobby pins, and beads) of any color are permitted provided they are securely fastened close to the head and do not present an increased risk to the player, teammates, or opponents. Headbands go around the entire head (and must be the solid color black, white, beige, or the predominant color of the uniform jersey), while hair control devices only go around hair and are under no color restrictions.

Officials are not required to explain judgment calls, but they may explain some calls if approached by the head coach in a respectful manner. Officials have been instructed to call technical fouls for profanity, unsporting acts, excessive complaints, or verbal abuse.

The primary duty of officials is to ensure fair play, safety, and good sportsmanship. Officials are on the court to be the only neutral unbiased arbiters of the game and are are not concerned with who wins, or loses. Everyone else in the gym cares about winning, and therefore, cannot look at the game objectively. Players commit fouls, and violations; officials view those infractions, judge the action, and then apply the rules of the game to what they had observed. The rules then determine the penalty.

Revised 11/27/23

[BillyMac]

See any mistakes?

Please let me know.

[Hawkeyes]

Officials are on the court to be the only unbiased arbiters of the game. Officials are not concerned with who wins, or loses, but only fairness, and safety. Everyone else in that gym cares about winning, and therefore, cannot look at the game objectively. Players commit fouls, and violations; officials view those infractions, judge the action, and then apply the rules of the game to what they had observed. The rules then determine the penalty.

Revised 10/19/23[/QUOTE]
I like and appreciate the 45 helpful clarifications - excellent stuff. Thanks!

Below is my humble opinion of how we may better word that last paragraph for newer officials...

What do you think?

The primary duty of officials is to ensure fair play, safety, and good sportsmanship. Their responsibility does not include a preoccupation with winners or losers; that is a concern for fans, parents, coaches, and players. Concentrating on victories and losses undermines neutrality and introduces biases that may impact the integrity of the game.

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by Hawkeyes

Below is my humble opinion of how we may better word that last paragraph for newer officials ...

The primary duty of officials is to ensure fair play, safety, and good sportsmanship. Their responsibility does not include a preoccupation with winners or losers; that is a concern for fans, parents, coaches, and players. Concentrating on victories and losses undermines neutrality and introduces biases that may impact the integrity of the game.

I'll meet Hawkeyes halfway. Thanks.

The primary duty of officials is to ensure fair play, safety, and good sportsmanship. Officials are on the court to be the only neutral unbiased arbiters of the game and are are not concerned with who wins, or loses. Everyone else in the gym cares about winning, and therefore, cannot look at the game objectively. Players commit fouls, and violations; officials view those infractions, judge the action, and then apply the rules of the game to what they had observed. The rules then determine the penalty.