ref or umpire

[spivo]

1) I would say that they should have come together and discussed the play. Especially since they had different calls. First is sounds like they might have had a differing opinion of where the ball went out of bounds. If it went out on the baseline it was Leads call, on the sideline Center's (or what should have been Trail). The second problem sounds like the Lead might have been giving in to the Trail/Center's call and was asking for the ball so that they didn't have a long switch. If the ball was going the other way the Lead should have adminstered the throw-in as the new Trail and Trail/Center should have become the new lead down on the other end of the court.

2) When I am officiating it doesn't matter who is the Referee or an Umpire. Other than the beginning of the game and starting a new period. When questionable calls occur where the officials need to come together they should work as a team to get the situation resolved.

3) Hopefully they discussed the situation at a break. If I was involved I either would have mentioned that we messed up a switch, which is what the description sounds like to me. Or I would have discussed whose line is whose and that we should have discussed the call if we have a double whistle.

On Q1 I agree it was the leads resposibility to administer the throw-in, but it looked to me more like the lead was wanting the ball to administer to team B. I say this because this play happened right in front of me. The lead was really emphasizing his signal to give team B posession. But the center official refused to give him the ball. I may be wrong. Its one of those situations I wish I could rewind and hear what might have been said between the two at the moment it took place.

On Q2, I agree with you 100%. My thinking is, I am always open to suggestions or help when another official might gave seen something I might not have seen. And your saying then, once the game has started, all officials are equally on the same continuum of authority on the floor while play is going on.

Q3, even though it could have been a mistake by the center official, if I was in his shoes I would respect any official for bringing situations like this to the table and correcting me if called for.

Thanks Jerry for your input, you have been very helpful!