2.3 Referees Authority

[wanja]

Originally Posted by LDUB

-Small earthqake
-Fire alarm
-Celing tile falls and hits player in the head causing him to travel

Is that called officiating the obvious?

[Kelvin green]

I have had lights go out.... an changed floors in an AAU tournanment...
I have had lights go out and had to wait, so we had to re do warm ups...

Utah had a game a few years back when the rubber/tartan floors were popular (not hardwood). It was a cross town rivalry, gym packed, and moisture was actually building up on the floor. They had to play overtime one one half of the floor.

You may have issues with special needs kids, although it was football, last weekend in a 11 yaer old's game we let them have 12 kids on the field because of the special needs kid, he "played" but did not play if you know what I mean.

Allowed kids to play in a gym where there was no padding on the backboard but it would not affect play beause it was sixth graders.

Enforced other things that may be safety issues not covered specifically by the rule.

[Nevadaref]

Originally Posted by wanja

Rule 2.3 states that the referee shall make decisions on any points not specifically covered in the rules. Has anyone applied this rule in a game or can you think of any good hypothetical examples. I'm leading a rules study session tomorrow and could really use a couple of good examples.

Wanja,
One of the simplest examples that I can think of would be what happens if the ball were to burst or become deflated during play. To my knowledge this situation is not detailed in the rules or the case book therefore, the referee would have to make a decision on how to handle it. Perhaps JR, MTD, or some other senior official may know of an NFHS ruling from years gone by on this, but I don't.

You could design a play in which during a try for goal the ball strikes the ring or backboard and bursts, but then falls through the basket. You could then ask questions such as: Should this goal count? At what point does the ball become dead? Let's say that no whistle was sounded until the ball struck the floor, but everyone in the gym could hear the ball pop upon striking the ring.

Have a good class.

[Dan_ref]

Originally Posted by Nevadaref

Wanja,
One of the simplest examples that I can think of would be what happens if the ball were to burst or become deflated during play.

The rules define the size & inflation pressure of the ball.

If the ball bursts I would use that rule to get a new ball since obviously the old ball no longer complies.

[Old School]

Here's the real definition of rule 2-3, in laymen terms. Rule 2-3 is only to be used when all other avenues have been exhausted, and even then, use with discretion. Emphasize, use with discretion over and over when discussing whether to use this rule or not, especially if there are a lot of new or inexpereinced officials at the meeting. The referee can not think of any other resolution from the rules that covers the unique situation, and in an attempt to keep the game moving. Invoke this rule and keep going.

Possibly the biggest thing to the use of this rule is to "NEVER" tell a coach you are using rule 2-3. Never say rule 2-3 gives me the authoirty to do this. That's dangerous because most situations are in fact covered by the rules and if you are wrong, you are in even more trouble. IOW's, you just kicked the call if you're wrong. If you told the coach R2-3 gives you the right, then not only did you kick the call, you also kick the use of R2-3. That's two mistakes, get it! Again, be very careful with the use of this rule.