Madison prep writer not a fan of 3-person crews

[26 Year Gap]

Why did this guy need someone else to help him cover the game?

[Rich]

I work this conference and did a pretty big game that was played right before this -- one of the two teams in this game was involved.

I look at that picture and think -- well, I would've held my whistle and seen if the player could play through that contact. It's obvious the contact was momentary and it didn't change the fact that the player scored the bucket. Doesn't mean I wouldn't have called a foul, either -- if the contact forced the player to change the shot, I would've likely called a foul and scored the bucket -- but the picture tells me little. The shooter could've simply blown through the contact and scored.

Yes, these players are physical. This is one of the top conferences in the state and the coaches and fans (and this writer) would be the first person to complain if we had a whistle every time down the floor. It's a balancing act, frankly, and people like this writer have no idea how hard it is to apply the Tower Philosophy in games like this. Sometimes we miss, sure, but call it a lapse in judgment, then -- it's not like we're out of position or we miss a call because we're waiting for someone else to make it.

I worked this conference 2-person. He doesn't really want to go back to that, he just doesn't know it.

[Nevadaref]

Rich,
You certainly know far more about what is expected in that particular conference than I do. However, I would not be waiting with the whistle if I observed what is shown in the picture. To me that kind of contact on the arm of a shooter is a foul at any level at any time. If the player is strong enough to power through it and score anyway, then good for him and he will be getting an opportunity for a three-point play.

Some of that physical play will clean up if the officials demand it by calling such contact. Either the players will adjust and stop making such contact or they will find themselves sitting on the benches next to their coaches.

Remember, they will do what you permit.

JMO.

[Rich]

Originally Posted by Nevadaref

Rich,
You certainly know far more about what is expected in that particular conference than I do. However, I would not be waiting with the whistle if I observed what is shown in the picture. To me that kind of contact on the arm of a shooter is a foul at any level at any time. If the player is strong enough to power through it and score anyway, then good for him and he will be getting an opportunity for a three-point play.

Some of that physical play will clean up if the officials demand it by calling such contact. Either the players will adjust and stop making such contact or they will find themselves sitting on the benches next to their coaches.

Remember, they will do what you permit.

JMO.

You know, there's the official word, and then, there's reality. Again, it's hard to tell how long that contact was for given the quality of high speed photography.

Like I said in my previous post, if contact changes the shot in ANY way, I'm calling a foul. If it forces more effort, forces the kid to alter the angle, timing, etc., sure. I am guessing this would qualify, but I only have one still shot to go by.

I had a Tuesday night game in the conference that week and I personally had four "and one" situations.

Using one still photograph to make sweeping generalizations and an entire column, though? Shoot, the guy just might have missed the call.

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by RichMSN

Using one still photograph to make sweeping generalizations and an entire column, though? Shoot, the guy just might have missed the call.

Or better yet, the reporter was either lying or did not if a foul was called on this particular play or not. You cannot trust small town reporters just because they claim something to be true. There is a reason they are small town reporters and if they had any ability or knowledge, they probably would be covering something else.

Peace

[Adam]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

Or better yet, the reporter was either lying or did not if a foul was called on this particular play or not. You cannot trust small town reporters just because they claim something to be true. There is a reason they are small town reporters and if they had any ability or knowledge, they probably would be covering something else.

Peace

Are you saying small towns aren't as important....

[Rich]

Originally Posted by Snaqwells

Are you saying small towns aren't as important....

You can tell that Rut is from Chicago (or a place like that) when a city of 250K people (and a metro area of 500K people) is considered a "small town."

[GoodwillRef]

I used to work in the league the writer is talking about in the Madison, WI Metro area but quit because of the assigner. This conference (Big Eight) has lost most of its good officials since the new assigner took over 3 years ago. The problem is not the 3 person system it is that the assigner has guys working varsity games that struggle with freshman games. If you put bad/inexperienced officials in a system they don't know very well they are going to struggle and it hurts everyone.

[Rich]

Originally Posted by GoodwillRef

I used to work in the league the writer is talking about in the Madison, WI Metro area but quit because of the assigner. This conference (Big Eight) has lost most of its good officials since the new assigner took over 3 years ago. The problem is not the 3 person system it is that the assigner has guys working varsity games that struggle with freshman games. If you put bad/inexperienced officials in a system they don't know very well they are going to struggle and it hurts everyone.

Do I resemble this remark?

(The rest of my comment is being sent via private message.)

[Texas Aggie]

I'm puzzled by his ability to pinpoint EXACTLY when the play in question occurred -- unless it was clear it was at the end of the game. As stated, there is no way to know for sure what the fan was reacting to and its doubtful that she could react fast enough (not to mention all knowing enough) in that pic to know 1) it was a foul and 2) the officials weren't going to call that foul at any time.

[mcarr]

Originally Posted by GoodwillRef

I used to work in the league the writer is talking about in the Madison, WI Metro area but quit because of the assigner. This conference (Big Eight) has lost most of its good officials since the new assigner took over 3 years ago. The problem is not the 3 person system it is that the assigner has guys working varsity games that struggle with freshman games. If you put bad/inexperienced officials in a system they don't know very well they are going to struggle and it hurts everyone.

I am in total agreement.

[Rich]

Originally Posted by mcarr

I am in total agreement.

And I couldn't possibly argue, either.

But again, it's not the 3-person officiating that's the root cause of this.