rules talk

[Junker]

I'm heading over to our middle school tonight to spend 15-30 minutes talking about basketball from our perspective to the 8th grade team. Here's my topics so far:
Basic principles-every player has the right to their space on the floor
Advantage/disadvantage-when is contact deemed illegal and when we just play on
Common Myths-3 seconds, over the back, reach, backcourt violations
POE-intentional fouls
Sportsmanship!!!!!!!

Take questions.

If you have any other suggestions, please let me have them. I'm going armed with my experience, the casebook, and the rules book. I'm actaully kind of looking forward to it. This is the first time I've been asked in.

[bronco]

I would suggest what refs look for in making a block or charge call, in regards to reffing the defense, contact on the torso, etc.

[Hartsy]

Mention that of all the people in the gym, the officials are likely the only ones that really don't care who wins. Officials have a job to do and aren't "out to get anyone".

[Smitty]

Keep in mind you're talking to 8th graders. If you throw too much information at them, you may get nothing across. When you see the yawns start and their eyes start to glaze over, maybe you should start to wrap it up.

[Junker]

Originally Posted by Smitty

Keep in mind you're talking to 8th graders. If you throw too much information at them, you may get nothing across. When you see the yawns start and their eyes start to glaze over, maybe you should start to wrap it up.

So I should quit about 4 minutes in?

[Smitty]

Maybe. Depends on how compelling a speaker you are for that audience. I know I would be in bad shape 4 minutes in because I'm not a very compelling speaker. Maybe keeping it interactive and fun will help keep them focused and attentive. Good luck!

[M&M Guy]

How about asking them their opinions on lag time/definitive knowledge issues?

Never mind.

I think for the relatively short amount of time given, you've the basics covered. Good luck!

[tjones1]

Originally Posted by Hartsy

Mention that of all the people in the gym, the officials are likely the only ones that really don't care who wins. Officials have a job to do and aren't "out to get anyone".

We're all out there to have fun and learn.

[deecee]

Dont forget to mention to them how lame and retarded most fans are and that ironically most fans are parents therefor most of their parents are lame and retarded.

Also explain to them why Bobby plays the whole game and Jimmy only gets in when 8 other players have fouled out -- and how as an official we try to facilitate Jimmy getting into the game.

Or even better -- the finer principles of dirty play and what they can get away with because it is out of our field of vision or in traffic or what we are looking at sometimes where we "could" miss "something" off to the side. Teach them to exploit

Other than that have a blast.

[bronco]

Originally Posted by deecee

Dont forget to mention to them how lame and retarded most fans are and that ironically most fans are parents therefore most of their parents are lame and retarded.

A lot of 8th graders would probably agree with this.

[Adam]

Originally Posted by deecee

Dont forget to mention to them how lame and retarded most fans are and that ironically most fans are parents therefor most of their parents are lame and retarded.

Yeah. Whatever!