A perfect quarter of basketball officiating.

[Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.]

Yesterday was what everybody would call the Elite Eight (Four sections: North, South, East, and West.) for the Ohio Special Olympics State Championships. Daryl Long and I had four championship games in the West Section with three-man crews.

I had a perfect first quarter in the second game. I lined up in the U2 (Remember my motto: Never be the R. And in a three-man game, the U1 has to signal the clock to start, so the U2 only has to go left into the C position or right into the L position.) for the jump ball to start the game. The ball went to my left and i glided into the C position opposite the table. For the next eight minutes I went from free throw line extended to free throw line extended while the two teams kept the ball on the table side of the court. I had nothing in the paint the entire quarter and I never had to sound my whistle. I was just along for the ride.

But alas, my perfect game came to an end with 6:09 on the clock in the second quarter. I started the quarter in the L position but one time down the court was all it took to get me back in the C postion opposite the table, when a player the Visitor's attempted a three-pointer from my corner which was an airball. He let out a loud f*****k, which was heard by everybody in the bleachers in our corner of the gym. So my first whistle of the game was an unsportsmanlike technical foul.

When I break up a perfect game I do it in a big way.

MTD, Sr.

[M&M Guy]

Originally Posted by Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.

When I break up a perfect game I do it in a big way.

Don't we all. In fact, when I do it, I'm usually the one letting out the loud f*****k! I'm just happy if it happens after the opening tip.

[Mark Padgett]

Are you guys talking about the word that starts with "f" and ends with "uck" and it's not "firetruck"?

[Adam]

fluck?

[Nevadaref]

Originally Posted by Mark Padgett

Are you guys talking about the word that starts with "f" and ends with "uck" and it's not "firetruck"?

Fire truck is two words according to Webster's.

However, so as not to spoil your quip, funduck and foretruck are both one word.

[Adam]

Don't forget fduck (I believe the D is silent.)

[M&M Guy]

I am so glad you guys are giving me some choices for next time I screw up in a game.

[WhistlesAndStripes]

Originally Posted by Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.

I lined up in the U2 (Remember my motto: Never be the R. And in a three-man game, the U1 has to signal the clock to stop, so the U2 only has to go left into the C position or right into the L position.) for the jump ball to start the game.

Stop? Don't you mean start?

[Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.]

Originally Posted by Whistles & Stripes

Stop? Don't you mean start?

You are so right. I will go and edit my post immediately.

MTD, Sr.

[BillyMac]

My supervisor is letting me leave work early on Friday to volunteer to officiate at the Connecticut Special Olympics Unified Games. In these games players with mental retardation play with teammates who help them. The helpers cannot score, block shots or make steals. They can rebound, pass, and dribble. I've been doing this for several years now and it's the highlight of my officiating season. It takes a few minutes to figure out what the players are capable, or incapable, of doing and to adjust our calls to those players. Some players may be able to stop with a pivot foot, and we can call a traveling violation on them if they don't. Others may be "allowed" a few steps, or even several steps, after stopping their dribble. Some players may be allowed to double, triple, or even quadruple dribble. Others may be held to a higher standard. The out of bounds calls are the easiest. We even have to do some coaching, like saying "go this way" and point. The officials usually join the players and coaches for sandwiches and soda after the games conclude. I've never had a player, coach, or fan, complain about a call, never. I strongly encourage my brother and sister officials to get involved with Special Olympics in your area. You come away from these games with a great feeling that you done something good.

[26 Year Gap]

Originally Posted by M&M Guy

I am so glad you guys are giving me some choices for next time I screw up in a game.

You'll probably pronounce the 'd', too.

[M&M Guy]

Originally Posted by 26 Year Gap

You'll probably pronounce the 'd', too.

If you ever heard me swear, you would know that's a true statement.