anticipating the call

[drothamel]

The very nature of girls basketball means that some times it is unpredictable. Because of this, don't jump the call because you think you know what might happen. In the situation that you mentioned, all types of stuff could happen before a jump ball, i.e. a foul by the defense, a player control foul, a travel, a timeout, a pass; just to name a few. I would say you need to watch very intensely and be prepared for any of those things to happen, and then call it when it does. While I think your intent is commendable, it may not be necessary. A lot of times, we as officials anticipate a call like that to save ourselves trouble, rather than doing it for the girls. If you are trying to protect the girl on the floor, that is one thing, if you are just trying to avoid an ugly play that is difficult to officiate, that is another. Either way, to echo the other posts, anticipate the play, not the call.