Should 4th through 6th graders, have the same

[JoeT]

quote:

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Originally posted by sunshinegurlmo on 12-29-1999 08:32 PM
Should 4th through 6th graders, have the same rules and regulations? It seems to me they would not understand some of the calls.

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Finally a topic with which I'm familiar - at least enough to have a strong opinion.

As a grade school coach for a number of years, I would make one request to officials calling the game at this level: call the game. I've had a number of refs who think they're helping by letting a lot of things - particularly travelling - go uncalled. This makes it really hard for the kids to learn the game properly.

It's equally common at this level to see a LOT of illegal contact go uncalled. This not only makes learning difficult, it can make the game overly dangerous. I have had to let one or two refs know that I am willing to forfeit a game if I feel it is unsafe.

The only difference I like to see in grade school officiating is refs who take the time to explain the calls to the players. All too often, the kids aren't sure what they did wrong.

Of course we work on all these things in practice, but the kids learn more quickly in game situations. (Keep in mind, grade school teams usually have a lot less practice time than older kids. Those who have the most to learn - the youngest players - have the least time to learn it.)

Finally, one more request to anyone who would officiate grade school games: Don't coach. Every now and then, we get a well-intentioned ref who wants to make little suggestions about players' free throw mechanics, defensive stance, or whatever. I assure you, this never helps. These kids are absorbing a lot of new stuff at once, and it's hard to filter out the advice. They're already getting plenty of advice (some good, some not-so-good) from their parents - usually shouted from the stands. (Of course the most frequent bit of parent advice: SHOOT!)

Many younger leagues have "special" league rules as it is: closer free throw lines, limited press, limited running clock.... Personally, I would prefer no special rules, but I do get a little cranky with officials who neglect to read the league rules. I guess this is common sense, but you'd be surprised how often it occurs.

[This message has been edited by JoeT (edited January 02, 2000).]