Positioning question

[ChuckElias]

Originally posted by theboys
Do you have a "rule" or standard you follow in positioning in such a case? I guess, it seems like the official should try to maneuver, if possible, to be on the opposite side of the basket as A2/B1 in such a case.

Coach, I'm having a hard time visualizing the play as you describe it, so I'm going to ignore your play and just talk in generalities.

The main "rule" in officiating is "See the whole play". That means see both players, and the space between them, and the ball from the beginning of the play to its end. Piece of cake, right?

In general, this means that it is more important to have a good angle on a play than it is to be in a certain spot. Generally, we don't want the official to call "across the paint". It's pretty common practice (especially in 3-whistle) for the call to come from the official who is on the same side as the ball. It's easier for that official to get "the angle" on the play than it is for the official opposite the play.

Obviously, there will be occasions where another official has a better view than the primary official. (The most notable exception is a play where the post player spins away from the Lead official, and toward the C, on his/her way to the basket.) But for the most part, we want the closest official to make the call; and that official will almost always be on the "ball-side" of the basket.