lively ball
 

have been officiating highschool boys varsity games for some 12 years and came across a new one. was working with a senior guy last night and thsi happened. before the game , did all the prelims, check the book, starters, etc . captains meeting go thru the norm, say hello to coaches and about to start. my partner asks the home coach to have his point guard pic out a ball and he reached in his bag and pulled one out and said thats the one. my partner did what we see every official do , drop the ball from about shoulder height and if it bounces above your bend elbow ball is over inflated. well it did just that , so he reaches into his pocket and pulls out a pin and lets some air out of the ball on his own accord. game starts and at the first t.o. in the game, on of the home team players complains to the coach that the ball was dead. coach then asks for the ball and went nuts . not really concerned with the coach,but whats the proper procedure about the pressure of the ball and how do we take care of it.... do we ask permission to take pressure out of the ball, should we disscuss it with bout coaches ????.thanks

If the ball doesn't bounce within the legal specifications, either make it legal or replace it. You don't need to consult the coach.

Rule 1, Section 12
ART. 2 . . . The ball shall be inflated to an air pressure such that when it is
dropped to the playing surface from a height of 6 feet, measured to the bottom
of the ball, it shall rebound to a height, measured to the top of the ball, of not less
than 49 inches when it strikes on its least resilient spot, nor more than 54 inches
when it strikes on its most resilient spot.
NOTE: To be legal, the air pressure which will give the required reaction must be stamped
on it. The pressure for game use must make the ball bounce legally.
ART. 3 . . . The home team shall provide a ball which meets the specifications.
The referee shall be the sole judge of the legality of the ball and may select a ball
provided by the visiting team.

I'm curious, did you happen to ring the coach up?

So if the home PG gets to pick out the ball, are they 'dead' on the road too, or does everyone but refs like to play with bouncy balls?

You're welcome. ;)

I agree that you don't have to inform the coach that you are going to take air out, but it's real courteous to let them know and it won't hurt you one bit. Just say, "coach, this one has too much air... do you want me to take some air out or do you have one that isn't so "resilient?" :) Then you won't surprise him/her.

Personally, I'd go this route.

Lively balls make for longer games.