Whacked in the stack

[ODJ]

Originally Posted by BillyMac

Thanks. As I said, our local board no longer uses NFHS mechanics. My 1998-99 handbook, when we were using 100% NFHS mechanics states "220. The official shall hand (not toss) the ball to the thrower." Since then we used a hybrid version of NFHS and IAABO mechanics, and have moved to all IAABO mechanics the past four years. The current IAABO mechanics encourage us, in some circumstances, to hand the ball to the thrower, on the sideline, when there is defensive pressure. I wish we would go back to NFHS mechanics. I don't know why we changed?

Fed changed this a few years ago to allow a bounce to the thrower on the sideline.

[bob jenkins]

I'd have the administering official watch his/her side of the stack (and the "end" by the inbounder) and the non-administering official watch the other side (and other end)..

[Nevadaref]

Billy,
Two comments:
1. My personal preference is for the Lead to remain on the opposite side of the court from the throw-in in this particular situation because the play occurs out near midcourt and there aren't any players down in the FT lane.
I don't have a problem with the Lead coming strong side in 2-man and do it frequently myself, but I just wouldn't in this situation. However, if the throw-in were FT line extended in the frontcourt, then I believe that it would make more sense for the Lead to come strongside on the endline as it is much more likely that the throw-in could go directly to the elbow or the block.

2. Please remember the purpose of officiating mechanics--to put an official in the position from which he is most likely to have the best view of the play. There are very good reasons for why the mechanics are the way that they are and they have been studied and developed by some of the best in the business. However, they cannot cover all possible situations and when one finds oneself in an oddball situation, don't be afraid to adjust and do whatever is necessary to obtain the best look at the play even if that means temporarily deviating from the prescribed mechanics. The mechanics are just your guide to good officiating, but when you have a valid reason to break those guidelines you have a responsibility to the good of the game to do so. Don't be afraid that some evaluator is going to tell you that you weren't standing in the textbook spot. Seeing the play and getting the call correct is more important.

[Back In The Saddle]

Wow, none of these are answers I would have expected. This is why I think this is such a great place to learn!

Nev, thanks I really like the idea of getting wider. It seems very obvious now that you mention it. I guess with so much that I could watch right in front of me, it just never occurred to me to change my angle to get a different look at it. I will try that next time and see what happens.

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by Nevadaref

The purpose of officiating mechanics (is) to put an official in the position from which he is most likely to have the best view of the play. They cannot cover all possible situations and when one finds oneself in an oddball situation, don't be afraid to adjust and do whatever is necessary to obtain the best look at the play even if that means temporarily deviating from the prescribed mechanics. The mechanics are just your guide to good officiating, but when you have a valid reason to break those guidelines you have a responsibility to the good of the game to do so. Seeing the play and getting the call correct is more important.

This statement is definitely relevant to this situation. Get the "best look". I also like the statement by bob jenkins, "I'd have the administering official watch his/her side of the stack (and the "end" by the inbounder) and the non-administering official watch the other side (and other end)". This should, hopefully, cover the original post situation.

[Back In The Saddle]

Originally Posted by BillyMac

This statement is definitely relevant to this situation. Get the "best look". I also like the statement by bob jenkins, "I'd have the administering official watch his/her side of the stack (and the "end" by the inbounder) and the non-administering official watch the other side (and other end)". This should, hopefully, cover the original post situation.

Perhaps you meant this as well, but in order to most effectively watch his side of the stack the administering official probably needs to do as Nevadaref suggested and go wide to get an "unstacked" look at the stack.