Over the back ???

[bob jenkins]

Originally posted by mick
So, if the Lead is non-calling, he will go to Trail. If the Trail is non-calling he goes to Lead.

One thing that confuses some new officials is that they think that "Switch" always means from Lead to Trail. This works when the foul is on the defense, but wen the foul is on the offense, the old Lead will become the new Lead (and old T the new T).

"Switch" really means to switch from being the "north" official to the "south" official (I hope that makes sense).

Also, TK -- you may be running into officials who don't do things by-the-book. This is especially true at lower level and rec games (not always, and perhaps never in certain association). Some officials have more of a "switch when it makes sense" mentality. So, if the T calls a foul on the defense in the offense's frontcourt, T just turns to the table, signals the foul, then turns back in position. If the L calls the foul, the officials switch, since L has to come out to signal the foul.

If you're a new official working with (more) experienced officials in lower level games, tell them in the pre-game that you'd like to work the official mechanics so you can practice. I'd hope they'd be receptive.