Floor Markings

[kwv001]

I just worked a game for the first time in a new HS gym in our area. When marking the floor, they did not put down the semi-circle at the top of the free throw lane. When I questioned the AD, he said it wasn't necessary since there were no more jump ball situations at the free throw line. I argued that it is required by rule, both in Rule 1 and Rule 9. Rule 9 states that free throws must be taken within the semicircle - if it 's not there how can that rule be enforced. Granted in reality 99.99% of all free throws are taken directly at the line so it's not really an issue, but none the less I believe it is a requirement by rule.

Obviously we played the game. I guess I am now supposed to file a report with the state about the irregularity. I am surprised that a month into the season, I am the first official that has worked there that has mentioned this to them. I'm curious what some of you more "senior" folks think?

[JugglingReferee]

Originally Posted by kwv001

I just worked a game for the first time in a new HS gym in our area. When marking the floor, they did not put down the semi-circle at the top of the free throw lane. When I questioned the AD, he said it wasn't necessary since there were no more jump ball situations at the free throw line. I argued that it is required by rule, both in Rule 1 and Rule 9. Rule 9 states that free throws must be taken within the semicircle - if it 's not there how can that rule be enforced. Granted in reality 99.99% of all free throws are taken directly at the line so it's not really an issue, but none the less I believe it is a requirement by rule.

Obviously we played the game. I guess I am now supposed to file a report with the state about the irregularity. I am surprised that a month into the season, I am the first official that has worked there that has mentioned this to them. I'm curious what some of you more "senior" folks think?

I would have done exactly the same thing. I think you were right to mention it to the AD, play the game anyways, and write a report to the state. Did you mention it to the visiting coach in the pre-game metting?

[mbyron]

I'd be surprised if you were the first official to say something, but I suppose it depends on your area. Some idiot decided to save $25 by not marking those lines, but Click and Clack are correct: "the stingy man pays the most!"

[OHBBREF]

I worked in a Gym last year that did not have the lines of the 12 ft circle just the free throw line marked however the floor was painted a different color in that area so that the outside edge of that color served as the line.

[kwv001]

Originally Posted by JugglingReferee

Did you mention it to the visiting coach in the pre-game metting?

No, unfortunately. Quite honestly, I didn't notice it until we were about 3 minutes into the game and had our first shooting foul.

[grunewar]

Originally Posted by mbyron

I'd be surprised if you were the first official to say something, but I suppose it depends on your area. Some idiot decided to save $25 by not marking those lines, but Click and Clack are correct: "the stingy man pays the most!"

Wow! An obscure reference to Tom & Ray Magliozzi (The Tappet Brothers). I used to listen to them all the time when I was stationed in Europe in the 80s. Way to go mbyron!

[Raymond]

Originally Posted by kwv001

.. Granted in reality 99.99% of all free throws are taken directly at the line so it's not really an issue, but none the less I believe it is a requirement by rule.

I actually called a violation this past summer in an AAU game when the free throw shooter wouldn't get inside the circle before receiving the ball from the lead. I told her she needed to step inside the circle and she wouldn't listen. She got the ball with one foot completely out of the circle and I whistled the violation.

[Indianaref]

Originally Posted by BadNewsRef

I actually called a violation this past summer in an AAU game when the free throw shooter wouldn't get inside the circle before receiving the ball from the lead. I told her she needed to step inside the circle and she wouldn't listen. She got the ball with one foot completely out of the circle and I whistled the violation.

She now knows.

I work a HS gym that has a division line that is 4" wide. Is it worth telling anybody about?

[Rich]

Interesting, although I think that circle could be eliminated and the rule changed or dropped.

I have a school 15 minutes from me with no center circle, just a big M in the middle of the division line.

[Mark Padgett]

Tell the AD to get out some masking tape, get down on his knees and put the semi-circle on. If he won't do it, tell him the game is canceled due to the gym floor being inadequate. If he gives you any grief, stuff the tape down his throat so he chokes. Also take everyone's cell phone so no one can call 911 to save him. Then stand over him and laugh in his face as he slowly expires. Then drive really fast to Canada.

Or, you could just play the game. Nowhere near as much fun, though.

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by Indianaref

I work a HS gym that has a division line that is 4" wide.

Volleyball ???

[Indianaref]

Originally Posted by BillyMac

Volleyball ???

I am not a volleyball guy, is that the reason?

[shishstripes]

Originally Posted by BillyMac

Volleyball ???

Volleyball has 2" line just like basketball should be.

The architect that designed our gym here was pretty dim. They specifically told the contractor not to touch the center logo. I brought up the shadow lines to make notion of where the center line is, but no they listened to the architect, so we have to put floor tape down and ruin the wax finish.

Also they put the score boards at mid-court on each side rather than on the ends to the side of each backboard? Last second shots are near impossible to keep an eye on the time and last second shot, rely way too much on the horn..

Originally Posted by shishstripes

Volleyball has 2" line just like basketball should be.

The architect that designed our gym here was pretty dim. They specifically told the contractor not to touch the center logo. I brought up the shadow lines to make notion of where the center line is, but no they listened to the architect, so we have to put floor tape down and ruin the wax finish.

Also they put the score boards at mid-court on each side rather than on the ends to the side of each backboard? Last second shots are near impossible to keep an eye on the time and last second shot, rely way too much on the horn..

Apparently the architect had awards in his mind than the rules of basketball. There is a note somewhere in the rule book, or maybe on the court diagram, where there is an agency or something other that architects can contact for specifics in making sure their designs will be within the rules and all.

[Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.]

Originally Posted by grunewar

Wow! An obscure reference to Tom & Ray Magliozzi (The Tappet Brothers). I used to listen to them all the time when I was stationed in Europe in the 80s. Way to go mbyron!

Gruenwar:

They are great. I try to listen to them every Saturday morning.

MTD, Sr.