I would pay for a trip like that in a heartbeat. I have the upmost respect and admiration for the NBA refs.

For the longest time I said I wanted to officiate basketball and the NBA isnt basketball so I said I never want to officiate it. The more and more games I call the more and more I'm liking the sport. I get alot of critiques from older officials, some of whom have almost made it into the NBA. One even declined his invitation because his sons high school carrer was really starting to take off. I've learned quite a bit about what goes on in NBA officiating and I'd consider it an honor to join those ranks of one these days. I'm young enough to where I could pull it off I think :-D. even though I like to officiate womens basketball - i'd still would love to run out onto the floor 30 minutes before tip off infront of a sold out/packed Arena. You get that in college too... :sigh: I hope i can make it up the ranks one of these days.

While the traveling rule is almost the same as the NCAA/NF traveling rule, the NBA rules for establishing a pivot foot differ slightly (the "two-count" idea). The rule is called correctly, but it looks different from what most of us are used to calling.


The NBA has recognized that rough play had become a real problem around the league. In my opinion, they've worked very hard to clean up a lot of the banging that used to go on unchecked. I think the game has become more fun to watch in the last two or three seasons.

If there's no real danger to damaging the rims, then what's the problem with hanging on them? I agree that we don't want to see it in our games, but at that level, with that equipment and with the desire to be entertaining, I can see letting it go.

I was fortunate enough to go to camp this summer where a LOT of NBA officials were observers. Their insight and ability were unparalleled in my experience. If you don't like the game b/c of the way the rules are written, fine. But (again, in my opinion), you should not blame that on the job that the officials do.

I had the great fortune to work a minor pro league for a season, and believe me when I say that it was the most challenging level of ball I've ever participated in. Different from NCAA/Fed? Absolutely. But a GREAT experience. As always, just my opinion.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by ChuckElias
[B]
While the traveling rule is almost the same as the NCAA/NF traveling rule, the NBA rules for establishing a pivot foot differ slightly (the "two-count" idea). The rule is called correctly, but it looks different from what most of us are used to calling.

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Chuck, Could you explain what is the difference in traveling.

Even so, many traveling infractions are still ignored.

I once saw Dominque Wilkins, trapped in a double team near the top of the key. He pivoted over and over, until he was standing in the center circle when a timeout was finally granted.

Hey, traveling is missed at all levels, I grant that. But it's not like the NBA is saying to ignore it. Hard to know what to say about your Dominique example from -- what? -- 10 yrs ago.

Not sure when he retired, but I still see examples of players taking 4 steps on spin and post moves to the basket. That's traveling, in any league. IMHO, it is ignored when a player is going to the basket.

Rule 10, Section XIV-Traveling
a. A player who receives the ball while standing still may pivot, using either foot as the pivot foot.

b. A player who receives the ball while he is progressing or upon completion of a dribble, may use a two-count rhythm in coming to a stop, passing or shooting the ball.
The first count occurs:
(1) As he receives the ball, if either foot is touching the floor at the time he receives it.
(2) As the foot touches the floor, or as both feet touch the floor simultane- ously after he receives the ball, if both feet are off the floor when he receives it.
The second occurs:
(1) After the count of one when either foot touches the floor, or both feet touch the floor simultaneously.
c. A player who comes to a stop on the count of one may pivot, using either foot as the pivot foot.
d. A player who comes to a stop on the count of two, with one foot in advance of the other, may pivot using only the rear foot as the pivot foot.
e. A player who comes to a stop on the count of two, with neither foot in advance of the other, may use either foot as the pivot foot.

f. In starting a dribble after (1) receiving the ball while standing still, or (2) coming to a legal stop, the ball must be out of the player's hand before the pivot foot is raised off the floor.
g. If a player, with the ball in his possession, raises his pivot foot off the floor, he must pass or shoot before his pivot foot returns to the floor. If he drops the ball while in the air, he may not be the first to touch the ball.
h. A player who falls to the floor while holding the ball, or while coming to a stop, may not gain an advantage by sliding.
i. A player who attempts a field goal may not be the first to touch the ball if it fails to touch the backboard, basket ring or another player.
PENALTY: Loss of ball. The ball is awarded to the opposing team at the sideline, nearest spot of the violation but no nearer the baseline than the foul line extended.

Chuck, he asked you to explain, not copy and paste. :D

I'll attempt to address some of it. I'll defer to Chuck to check behind me, since he's actually officiated these rules.

The NBA rule allows for a pivot in situations where the NFHS rule does not. It's associated more with where the feet are, as opposed to whether the land simultaneously or not.

It's not traveling to fall to the floor with the ball. It is traveling to catch your own airball.

Many of the other restrictions are the same. Lifting the pivot when starting a dribble is no different than the NFHS as I read it. This is probably the call that is not made the most often.

I have great respect for NBA officials. But they still ignore a lot of traveling, IMHO. I don't think I'm alone in that thinking.

Ok, I was hoping that the underlined sections would explain the "two-count". Tony's right about allowing a pivot in situations where NCAA and Fed would not. For example:

A1 catches the ball while airborne and lands on one foot. A1 then jumps off that foot and lands on both feet simultaneously.

In Fed rules, A1 may not pivot. A1 has no pivot foot. That's the "jump stop".

However, in the NBA, A1 would (probably<font color = red>*</font>) be allowed to pivot on either foot. In the above example, when A1 landed on one foot after catching the ball, that was his "count of one". When he then landed on both feet, that's his second count of the "two-count". The pivot is not established in the NBA until the second count; so A1 may still pivot. If his feet are "parallel" to the basket, then either foot can be his pivot. If one foot is closer to the basket, than only the rear foot can be the pivot.

<font color = red>*</font>(In reality, however, the player is usually allowed to use the forward foot.)

Is that better, Tony? :)

I heard that the NBA is looking for some Canadian officials. I'd apply, but i'm too young. Last I heard they pay $200,000 per year, anyone know if this is true??

Yes, much better! But I still don't think you'll traveling called if he pivots on the wrong foot after a jump stop.

;)


Ah, no, I don't think so. Unless things have changed, they're paid based on their years in the league. While the top dawgs make very good money, rookies do not start at $200K. I'm not sure the vets even make that. In fact, I doubt it seriously.

Well even if their not bringing in $200k i think its a pretty good way to make a living doing what you love. Does anyone know what a D1 Mens Official makes per game??

Major conferences can make over $1000 a game (Big Ten, Pac-10, Big 12). Some of the smaller conferences or Mid-Majors, might make around $600-$800. And that fee has travel and lodging included. It is not a flat salary, it depends on how many games you do or are assigned. And it is the same for all (without the travel considerations).

Peace

Wow!!! I think university level ball in my area makes $85 per game.