Egregious mis-application of a rule

[tjones1]

Originally Posted by KSRef07

I find it amazing a varsity level official did this. At the first timeout I would politely ask all three of them to come over and ASK them why it was called. Don't TELL them they were wrong. If he says, "He stepped outside the 3-foot area with both feet" then you have no issue, but you might want to remind them there is no traveling on an inbounds. If he says he moved backwards, then ask his partners if they agree. In the unlikely event they ALL think it's a violation, I would explain that it's not. Then thank them.

If they said he moved backwards, this would still not be a violation as there's no depth limitation (4-42-6).

Not sure if that's what you're saying...

[Bearfanmike20]

go bobby knight on them....

LOL JK

I would suggest as others to politly say your peice and leave it at that.

Originally Posted by tjones1

If they said he moved backwards, this would still not be a violation as there's no depth limitation (4-42-6).

Not sure if that's what you're saying...

I agree, it's not a violation. My point was that if the calling official says the player moved backwards and that is why he called the violation, I would let his partners correct him right there by asking them if they agree that is NOT a violation. Don't TELL the official he was wrong, just let him step in it himself.

[tjones1]

Originally Posted by KSRef07

I agree, it's not a violation. My point was that if the calling official says the player moved backwards and that is why he called the violation, I would let his partners correct him right there by asking them if they agree that is NOT a violation. Don't TELL the official he was wrong, just let him step in it himself.

Got ya.. just making sure.

[jer166]

This is something I would take up with the assignor after the game.

One of the problems here is that, once again, most coaches don't know the rules either so there is usually no challenge. Maybe his partners brought it up in their post game. Unless the game is on the line, most officials are not going to throw their partner under the bus during a game & some not even then.

I'm curious about the coach's response in your situation.

[Mark Padgett]

A few years ago, I had a coach ask me how far back the opposing player could be on an inbound play. I replied, "Until he falls off the edge of the earth, or until he reaches the bleachers - whichever comes first."

I don't think he got it.

[Camron Rust]

There are simply a lot of officials (at all levels) that get this wrong. I see it every year...in HS games and even NCAA D1 games. More often than not (at the HS level), it is by officials that think they're hot stuff (and they actually are pretty good officials)...but think they're a little too hot and don't spend much time in the rule book. They've usually got a few of the mis-understood rules in thier head and they'll keep calling it. They're not going to listen to a coach and will likely not even listen to their peers. They won't open the rule book to check it out (cause they already know they're right. ). Only a conference call from James Naismith, Hank Nichols, and at least 10 other authorities would make them consider they might be wrong (and only maybe).

[Mark Padgett]

Originally Posted by Camron Rust

Only a conference call from James Naismith

Here's Dr. Naismith about to make the game's first dunk. Man - he's tall!

[rockyroad]

From the coaching standpoint, you can ask questions - but I don't think it will do you much good. If the official doesn't know the rule, you aren't going to change his/her mind by arguing...

Looking at it from a little different perspective, I find it hard to classify this mistake or mis-application as "egregious"...just doesn't seem like it's all that earth-shattering to be labeled that way...