Halftime Protocol

[Kell]

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I have found no mention of Halftime Protocol in the new NFHS Officials Manual, 2007-09.

If we go by this new book, I believe, we are to stand in the same positions as the other quarter breaks and the 60-second timeout, which would put the umpire/umpires actually on the court during the teams' halftime warm-ups.

I don't see anything about going to the table, changing the arrow, conferring with table officials, coming back out with 3 minutes left, standing in the same positions as Pregame, observing warm-ups, etc.

There is Pregame Protocol but no Halftime Protocol.

In the previous Officials Manuals the Haltime Protocol was in the section that covered the overlapping items of both 2 and 3 Person Mechanics.

There is no such section in the new Manual.

I assume the Protocol is the same, but I can only assume, as it's not in black and white.

Unfortunately, new officials only have this new Manual for reference.

As we say, "Coach, maybe I just missed that one."

Any thoughts?

Thanks,

Kell

[Nevadaref]

After taking a look through the new manual, I don't see any mention of halftime either. Follow what is in the rules book (2-5 + 2-12-1) and after returning to the court use the positions given for the pregame warmup.

[Larks]

Welcome to the board Kell

[Mark Padgett]

Originally Posted by Kell

As we say, "Coach, maybe I just missed that one."

Welcome to the board, however, I've never said that.

[JugglingReferee]

Some things not to do:

• shoot layups
• poll the audience for second-half bets
• try to pick up the hot female coach of the visiting team
• others?

(One of these I know from experience. )

In all seriousness, with my regular P:

• the R takes the ball to the table, reverses the arrow, checks the score and foul situation, and writes which team gets the ball for 3Q on the scoresheet
• as a courtesy, inform both teams before they leave whose ball in the 3Q
• asks the table if there are any questions
• relay any necessary info to the U

We then leave the court and grab a drink or something. We come back after a few minutes and sit by the table waiting for the second half to begin.

[Mark Padgett]

Originally Posted by JugglingReferee

Some things not to do:
try to pick up the hot female coach of the visiting team

Hot home team female coach is OK, though. Especially if she has a twin sister, like Juulie.

[Scooby]

Also have U grab the jackets and take them back to the dressing room.
You don't want to be searching for them after the game.

[JRutledge]

There probably is no "protocal" because the NF does not want to get involved in what we do.

I will say this again, mechanics are suggestions, they are not mandated proceedures that we must follow or else. If you need a protocal, then contact your local state association or official's association for guidance. I am sure there are things so many areas do that is so different that trying to set one standard would be silly. Considering that I am sure places have things they want the officials to follow or to check (or better yet they have procedures for game managment to follow) I am not sure there needs to be a one size fits all policy.

I do know this, I do not need a policy to make sure the arrow is set properly. I do not need a policy to get my jacket if it has been left at the table. And I do not need a policy to just make sure the table gets the teams and the officials at a proper time. These are things you should do without even thinking to make sure things run smoothly.

Peace