Anyone got a good source of the differences in the 2 rulesets?

Since when does the IAABO have their own "ruleset?"

There have sometimes been subtle differences in mechanics, positioning during timeouts for example.

Mechanics aren't rules, Rick. IAABO uses the complete NFHS ruleset, not vice/versa. That was Tony's point, I believe.

[Edited by Jurassic Referee on Oct 13th, 2005 at 09:50 PM]

Exactly. Mechanics aren't rules.

I understand that mechanics and rules are different. I was trying to agree that IAABO uses NFHS rules but point out that there may be other differences. I teach the rules class for aspiring officials for my small IAABO local board in southwestern New Hampshire. I feel a little underqualified, but I take it seriously and (most important) I am willing to do it.

I understand that what I wrote might have been misleading. I should have written more clearly.

The IAABO "Handbook" includes the Federation's rules and casebook, but it has an IAABO mechanics manual.

Perhaps somebody more familiar than I with the structure of IAABO should take a shot at describing what it is. I know that I belong to a local board that is part of a state board which is part of a national organization. We get our rulebooks (handbooks) from IAABO.

Rick, the rules are exactly the same. There are no IAABO rules, just NFHS rules. If your IAABO state board has been appointed as the state governing body for NH, as you say, then they can interpret the NFHS rules and also use their own mechanics. They are supposed to follow any NFHS interpretations that have already been issued though. All State member associations are allowed to do that. Most states do not have an IAABO body as their governing body and as a result do use the NFHS supplied mechanics manual. IOW, you're fine for NH... but the IAABO manual isn't usually used elsewhere unless that particular state happens to specify that the IAABO manual be used.

I've heard also that some IAABO states don't like their own manual and have opted to use the NFHS one instead. Personally, I don't think that it's a biggie as long as all officials in a particular state are using uniform mechanics.

Speaking of IAABO, I think AIBO is pronounced the same way. . .

http://www.sony.net/Products/aibo/