Closely Guarded Count by the Lead

[Nevadaref]

Originally Posted by CMHCoachNRef

JRut,
I basically agree with your statements. But, let's say an entry pass has just been made into the post who is on the low block. If there are eight players on the ball side, doesn't this put two sets of eyes on the two players on the block and zero on the other six?

My main varsity crew follows your mechanic EXCEPT when the ball is literally in the low post (the situation I described). In this case -- and only in this case -- the Lead takes the count.

I am not a fan of the Lead having a closely-guarded count. In fact, I have attended several camps at which the instruction has been for the Lead to abstain from this count. The reason is exactly as Rut has stated--the Lead's main responsibility is to watch for contact with the post players. However, I agree with your thought that the Lead should have this count when the ball is in the control of a post player.

It appears that the NFHS also agrees with this opinion.

From page 5 of the 2007-09 NFHS Officials Manual under the previous heading "2007-09 Mechanics Points of Emphasis":

0.1.5 Lead Count (Crew of Three): When the ball drops below the free-throw line extended on the Lead's side of the court, the Lead's main responsibility is to watch the post players on the low block. When the ball is moved into the low block and a new closely-guarded count should begin, the Lead signals the count. Too often, the Trail official begins a new count when the Lead official is still responsible. Change hands when necessary if the ball is dribbled and then picked up. If the ball is passed back outside the three-point arc, the Trail will then assume responsibility for any new count that begins.