I did my first games of the season last night. Two freshmen games. It took a while but midway through the second quarter we had our first team control foul. I reported it to the table and indicated a throw-in for white. The coach from the white team and the school's varsity coach immediately started calling for a 1 and 1 (they were in the bonus). I turned to my partners and told them to wait a second. I called both coaches over and explained to them that this was a new rule. I tried not to get too long winded with them just a basic explanation and told them it was a rule change that they needed to know for this season. The varsity coach heard it and nodded his head as if he knew of the change. My question is as we move into the JV and varsity season in about three weeks from now would you suggest we cover this in pre-game conference, do an explanation the first time it happens (at least for the first few games) or simply tell the coaches that we have the call right and the need to go back and review the rule changes for this year? In AL high school coaches are required to attend a rules clinic so there is an expectation that they should know the rule change but I have a feeling we will be doing a lot of explaining. Anyone experiencing the same thing and how are you handling it?

It never hurts to review new rules briefly -- and I do mean briefly -- the first few weeks. Your scorekeeper and timer need to be brought on board, too. As for the parents and fans, it will take a while, then the light bulbs will click on.

Thanks. Great point on reviewing this with the scorer and timer during a pre-game. Never thought of that.

I agree about the pre-game stuff. I think this year will really test the officials as well as coachs with all of the changes and POI.

Oh yea you definately need to cover thi sin the pre-game for the first 2 weeks, and also I'd suggest when you introduce yourself to the coaches, ask them if they are aware of the new rules. after 2 weeks of playing ball, I think all the teams should have had enough time to learn the rules, and there shouldn't be a need of reminding them.

And I mean good coaches will know new rules before the season starts and they will make their players aware of them so he can start using advantage of the new rule sin his favour during the game if he can.

Here's how I plan to say it in my pre-game:

"Has everyone heard about the new team control foul? High School is now going to be like college -- no free throws for any foul committed by the team in control, even away from the ball."

Three or four weeks into the season, I'll say,

"Any questions about the new team control foul rule?"

I'd be careful with using that phrase -- the NCAA definition of TC is different from the FED definition. So, the rule is enforced differently.

Juulie,

Good point. I think that's a good way to go for the pre-game. I was wondering how to include it in the pre-game and not make the conference too long. Just mention it and if the coaches have a specific question on it they can ask.

I agree and we had a good talk about that last night at a College scrimmage. But I agree, high school will soon adopt more college rules as well as mechanics.