Officiating a blowout (boys MS)

[mick]

Originally Posted by Eckley

As a first year official, I've come to hear various theories from veteran officials I've worked with as how to officiate a game that is a blowout. Many officials will begin to let some calls go in the name of finishing the game quickly. The local "mercy rule," i.e. running clock, starts when one team leads by 40 in the 3rd quarter or 30 in the 4th quarter. If a team is up by 15 or 20 at the start of the 4th and it's clear the losing team will not and cannot come back from the deficit, should one's officiating change? I've tried as hard as I can to officiate the same no matter what the score is, but I know that many of my partners do not share my point of view.

"..,Officiate the same no matter what the score is...."

That's what I attempt to do.

[mbyron]

Originally Posted by mick

"..,Officiate the same no matter what the score is...."

That's what I attempt to do.

Do you add: "and no matter what what the foul count is"?

[refguy]

What about a blowout at the NCAA D 1, 2 or 3 levels?
How do you deal with partners that start officiating the score and aren't happy when you don't follow suit?

[mick]

Originally Posted by mick

"..,Officiate the same no matter what the score is...."

That's what I attempt to do.

Originally Posted by mbyron

Do you add: "and no matter what what the foul count is"?

Lord Byron,
I dunno what you mean.
Usually, I only care about Foul#7 and Foul #10.
A lopsided foul count is bothersome, but I still think it's important to call the fouls and violations equally [within the rules], to the abilities of the better team.

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by mick

Lord Byron,
I dunno what you mean.
Usually, I only care about Foul#7 and Foul #10.
A lopsided foul count is bothersome, but I still think it's important to call the fouls and violations equally [within the rules], to the abilities of the better team.

I especially agree with a middle school basketball game.

Peace

[ODJ]

Make the calls that need to be made. But, if winning A can continue a drive to the basket and score while being bumped; play on. If losing B can't; foul.

If A is still pressing? Breathe hard on B and it's a foul. (Unless we're in the bonus!!)

[JRutledge]

I would not even go that far unless maybe the team is still pressing or trying to run up the score. But a losing team needs to learn how to play without me giving them breaks. Kids at this age just play, they are not trying to take it out on anyone. The coach might, but he or she is the last person I am concerned with in the equation.

[CoachCER]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

But a losing team needs to learn how to play without me giving them breaks.

As a coach who has been on the wrong side of those lopsided scores a few times, that attitude is greatly appreciated. If they are allowed to get away with something in a game, it becomes harder to convince them (and their parents) about what needs to change, and where they need to improve.