Pre game

[BillyMac]

I have concentrated on two things during my pregames this season:

1) Our local board recently switched from NFHS mechanics to IAABO mechanics. Many of our veteran officials, like myself, are used to NFHS mechanics, while our newer officials are used to IAABO mechanics. I make sure that we're both on the same page, especially in regard to line responsibilities on out of bounds calls. Many of our veteran officials, especially those that don't officiate college ball, want the lead to be responsible for his or her sideline, all the way into the backcourt, all the way back to the backcourt endline. Many of our newer officials, and those that do a lot of three-man college ball, want the lead to be responsible for his or her sideline only out to the frontcourt foul line extended. The diagram in the IAABO manual actually says that these responsibilities are "optional". I don't want a lot of double whistles on out of bounds calls, or even worse, I don't want it so that neither official blows his or her whistle on an out of bounds call.

2) For some reason, Connecticut IAABO boards have come up with a "Connecticut" mechanic, which, I guess is based on some college or three man mechanics: No long switches when foul is called in the backcourt and there is no change of possession or direction. You wouldn't believe how confused some of our officials are. I've seen outstanding officials not switch on an ordinary player control foul. Also, for those of us who have been used to hustling to switch on every foul for the past twenty-plus years, it's difficult to remember not to switch. I've asked my partner to please help me out with a stop sign if we're not supposed to switch.