What is the forum?
 

With all the brouhaha about off-topic posting, I've been pondering what I think people should realistically be able to expect from this forum.

I think most people go through stages in their relationship with the forum. First there's the wide-eyed, "This is the coolest thing ever" stage. The there's the excited contributor stage. And eventually there's "the honeymoon is over" stage. Reality sets in and a few things really start to irk you. You realize that the forum would be perfect if only we would all just make a couple of changes.

And every so often somebody is foolish enough to suggest that we all need to make this change or that, only to be surprised when they get flamed. It would be easy for this crispy poster to lick his third degree burns and believe he was treated unfairly.

But such a poster has missed the entire essence of the forum.

The forum is Padgett off his meds. It is JR acting the curmudgeon. It is Jeff and Nevada feuding. It is rainmaker taking us all to task. It is Dan_ref's occassional bitterness. It is passionate and self-assured arguments over questions with no definite answer. It is the annual running of the trolls. It is BBR's annual backcourt quiz. It is BillyMac's graphics and most misunderstood rules. It is BITS' boring philosophical missives. It is the annual off-topic baseball thread. It is inside jokes, running gags, and one disturbingly well equipped squirrel. And once upon a time it was also some guy named ChuckElias (may he rest in peace).

It is all these things and more because the forum is no more and no less than the people who gather here to share something of themselves with the rest of us. Often they share their knowledge and experience. But over the years many have shared far more of themselves than just that. And in my opinion, this is the best part of all.

So if you selfishly view this forum as your personal font of basketball officiating wisdom, like some internet genie in a bottle just waiting to serve you, if you mistakenly believe you are owed an uninterrupted stream of knowledge and answers, and especially if you think that those of us who contribute should stick to talking officiating and check the rest of ourselves at the door...then you're in the wrong place.

The good news is that what you're looking for is out there. It's called a book. They even have stores where you can buy them.

But if you want to hang out here, you can learn far more than you'll ever find in some book. But you'll only get that knowledge on the terms of those willing to provide it.

Trying to change us into something that will custom fit your wants and needs isn't only doomed to painful failure, it's extremely arrogant, presumptuous, and ultimately ungrateful.

We are the forum.

Sigh.

I never get mentioned in these lists. No wonder I sometimes feel so bitter.

Maybe I should just go to church. Wanna come with me, Dan?

I hope you don't get ignored there too.

This Is STILL The Coolest Thing Ever ...
 

Great post. I've copied my favorite parts above. I wish that someone from the NFHS, or NCAA, would monitor this Forum to prevent situations in which there is "no definite answer". I'm pleased that some of the finest officials in the world are willing to "share their knowledge and experience" with us, and I don't mind getting it on their terms. I have rule book next to my computer during the entire offseason. I use it to find what I need, and if I need clarification, I go right to the Forum, and within minutes, someone is willing to clarify a rule, interpretation, or mechanic, just like "some internet genie in a bottle just waiting to serve (me)". Finally, and maybe, more importantly, I still think, after several years, that, "This is the coolest thing ever".

Now all together now:
"We are the world, we are the children
We are the ones who make a brighter day
So lets start giving"

http://re3.yt-thm-a03.yimg.com/image/25/m5/3163670044

I Thought That You Were Mentioned ???
 

Doesn't "disturbingly well equipped " refer to you?

Not according to, uhm, never mind.

It's happened, actually. Specifically, on the following play.

Team B scores. A1 grabs the ball to make a throwin, but never steps out of bounds before throwing to A2 who proceeds up the court.

Not when I bring my gun.

What's next? One of those disgusting group hugs? :p

Someone's Posting Lord ...
 

Someone’s posting, Lord, kumbaya
Someone’s posting, Lord, kumbaya
Someone’s posting, Lord, kumbaya
O Lord, kumbaya

http://re3.yt-thm-a01.yimg.com/image/25/m2/2264343738

I knew I was forgetting somebody important ;) As for Adam, I haven't found anything annoying about him yet :D

Which is why I don't let my wife post here.

That's because nobody likes you.

Biily, the only time that you will get "Dan" and "disturbingly well equipped" in the same sentence, it[s pretty much guaranteed it will be accompanied by hysterical laughter.

Or so I've heard.....

Btw, does anybody know where the word "hysteria" came from?

I know, I know.....

Snip, Snip ...
 

Well. I know that is doesn't come from the word "vasectomy".

Didn't this guy invent the word "vasectomy"?
http://garlinggauge.com/wp-content/u.../09/droopy.gif

Hey, you can't post that here.

Well said, BITS.

BTW if you would print up a T-shirt, it would go nicely with my other one. :)

http://store.cstv.com/marketplace/st...07WERGUT-c.jpg

Well, it is the off-season. What are the odds the other poster besides the one that Mark knows will read this thread?

[probably greater once I hit the submit button]

Not any more it's not. While individually, I like and respect every one of you, collectively you bring a repulsion that I cannot overcome (loosely paraphrased from The Pirates of Penzance). I'm tired of trying to understand, tired of trying to discuss, tired of trying to be part of it. It's just not worth it.

Never mind my custom wants or needs, I'd settle for reasonably civil. But even that seems to be hopeless.

Fact is, Ray, this forum is pretty acceptable for some refs, perhaps many refs. But it leaves a lot to be desired, and doesn't seem to want to reach out to a lot of folks. Too bad.

Wow. :eek: The emotion behind this post is obvious. It seems appropriate to pause for some thought before making a response.

She's basically saying we're not good enough for her to associate with but that won't stop her from lurking so she can occasionally remind us just how awful we are.

Consider yourself reminded.

Soooooo.......basically you're saying that her post gave you a repulsion that you can't overcome? Correct?:p

I can't possibly be any more repulsive, I was only able to attain this level through a lifetime of practice (and by your example of course).

And btw... where does the word "hysteria" come from? Enquiring minds want to know

Soooo....I'm finally one of those role model thingys? How flattering....

Re:HYSTERIA......
http://comics.com/wash/opus/archive/...8042261970.jpg
If it's in the Washington Post, it must be true.

So glad I asked... where did I leave that red hot poker?

I thought hysteria was some kinda flower that makes people sneeze.

Wow. Not much anyone can say in response to something that strongly worded...

Actually, for what it's worth, Juulie Downs, formerly known as the rainmaker, didn't write that post. Someone must have hacked into that particular user name and posted it as a dig. Juulie wouldn't even have known it was there, since Juulie has basically quit reading the forum. But Juulie received a personal e-mail with a comment in it. So Juulie came and checked it out. Juulie comments,

"Fact is, I don't feel that I'm too good to associate with any of you. But I will admit to being very, very tired of the abuse and mis-construction. Thus the hiatus.

Nevada reads some emotion in the post, and I admit I had some emotion a few weeks ago when his list of "best games" and my emendation thereto were posted. Talk about mis-understanding!! But those emotions are resolved now. I've moved on. The person who hacked in under my name has apparently not realized that even strong emotions can be handled over a period of time.

I do think this board would be better and more interesting if a wider variety of people were allowed to be themselves. I do understand, however, that there's nothing I can do to cause that to happen. I'm bored with the current set of self-expressions, and I"ll be moving on.

Knowing that my user name is now compromised, I won't be using it anymore. If I do decide to post again, I'll find something different to use. Perhaps something anonymous, but I'll see."

Whoa... cue Twilight Zone music...

I hate it when random hackers do that ;)

Wow!!!

Peace

Juulie's new user name is Howard Mayo. (inside Portland joke)

Any relation to OJ?

(Isn't there a player named OJ Mayo?)

I am compelled to respond to Juulie's comments.

I used to be a semi-active participant in the forum. Like Juulie, I grew tired of the mean-spiritedness of many of the posts so decided to quit participating. No big loss. Heck, I'm not even a referee. But, I will say, I used to tell referee friends about this website. Not anymore. I'm afraid they'd be treated like so many others have been.

OH YEAH!!! Why don't you just take your comments and..... er, never mind. :o

I think there is still value in the forum, but the best years have in fact gone by. "Back in the day", imho, the forum was better. At least on the basketball side...

Interesting comment.

I've only been involved in the Forum for a few yrs, but I certainly understand the recent comments as above.

For me, the good threads, rules interpretations, advice and comments far outweigh the bad. While I'll occasionally try to inject some sarcasm or humor, I just choose to take the bad with the good and not participate in the negative banter - I just ignore it as best I can.

It would truly be sad though if we didn't get rookies/newbies referred to the site or have others who stumbled upon the site, not use it because they were intimidated, bullied, or insulted. JMO

You mean like they are going to be treated on the court?
The purpose of this forum is to teach people about officiating, and that has to include everything, not just the fine points of the rules.

If a person can't take the disagreement and some name-calling on an internet discussion forum, how is he going to handle it during a live game? It is an unfortunate aspect of officiating that one either learns to deal with or one quits because of it. In fact, several studies have shown that the primary reason that newer officials quit is abuse from fans and coaches.

So what difference does it make if someone learns that officiating isn't for him from here or on the court?

Once again, welcome to the internet. That goes on at every site I have been to with many subject focuses. People say a lot of things on the internet they would never say in person. And frankly, if you are an official and you cannot handle someone taking you to task here, then officiating is going to be very difficult. It is not the job of this site to mold brand new officials. This site is to discuss officiating and everyone is not going to agree on many aspects of our avocation. Honestly, people that come here need to lighten up when most of these people you will never meet, never work with and will never have to face them for officiating purposes. Why would you care if someone is saying things to you here? I can tell you what they say in real life will be a lot harsher.

Peace

link me to that thread snaq

I actually had this happen twice last season

No need for the thread. It'll just confuse the issue. :)

This rule and case book play is the result of our discussions and would apply today.

9-2-2
The ball shall be passed by the thrower directly into the court from out-of-bounds so it touches or is touched by another player (inbounds or out of bounds) on the court before going out of bounds untouched.

9.2.2 SITUATION C:
A1 scores a basket. After the ball goes through the net, B1 grabs it and makes a move toward the end line as though preparing to make a throw-in. However, B1 never legally steps out of bounds, both feet remain inbounds. B1 immediately passes the ball up the court to a fast-breaking teammate, who scores a basket.

RULING: Cancel Team B's goal, throw-in violation on B1. The ball was at B1's disposal after the made basket to make a throw-in. B1 must be out of bounds to make a legal throw-in. (7-4-3; 7-5-7)

Wait a minute. Helpful, respectful, basketball knowledge being shared? Here? In the basketball forum? I thought we weren't doing that anymore? :confused:

Shut up.

That's more like it.