Maybe these should be the NF rule changes for next year?
 

Why didn't I think of this before? In order to eliminate (or greatly reduce) the incorrect rules comments from coaches, let's just change the rules so they now reflect all the wrong interpretations from those coaches. i.e.:

A defender reaching in front of a dribbler without making contact is now a reaching foul.

Any player reaching over the back of another player without making contact is now an over the back foul.

A three seconds in the lane violation will be called regardless of whether or not the team has lost team control, such as on a shot.

A player gaining control of the ball while on the floor and having their momentum of doing so cause them to slide will be called a traveling.

A defender on a throw-in must stay three feet back from the line regardless of how much space the inbounder has behind him.

An over and back violation will be called any time it just "looks like it" except when the defensive team tips the ball in the frontcourt prior to the offensive team tipping the ball in the frontcourt before the ball goes into the backcourt. In that case, no violation.

Officials will now "call it both ways" and there will be an equal number of fouls called on each team every quarter.

Any others you guys would like to add?

The following are not rhetorical questions.

Why do coaches/players/fans/broadcasters have such poor knowledge of the rules?
Would it help the game overall if non-officials understood the rules better?
How would one go about doing that?
Who should be responsible?

(either tilting at windmills or lighting candles in darkness)

Whenever a coach uses proper terminology such as, He displaced my player, we should award them by calling said displacment.
There should also be a new "get him off" rule. Not sure of the application yet.
Then the "You are killing me" rule. When uttered, the nearest official should oblige.:p

How about - any time an AC is NOT off the bench with the HC complaining about something - it is a technical foul :D

The defender will also required to be "set" when taking a charge.

When the player says, "I didn't mean to," after fouling a player, the foul will no longer be charged to said player.

When a coach, player or spectator asks, "Are you watching the same game," officials will now be allowed to go to the officials room, turn on the TV and watch a different game.

Defenders are now allowed to assault the ball handler because they, "touched the ball first."

I can do this!
 

Assistant Coaches shall be allowed to speak on behalf of the head coach and stand/walk in the Coaches Box. Anything said by an Assistant Coach shall be listened to intently by officials.

Officials shall pay more attention to Coaches. Anytime a Coach makes a statement or asks a question, an official shall stop the game and listen to what the Coach has to say.

TV monitors and replay shall be used at every game down to 6th grade Rec Level. Any call, regardless of its importance, shall be reviewed by officials if a Coach challenges the call. There is no limit to the number of challenges a Coach/team may have per game.

Jump balls will be used to begin every quarter (for Billy Mac).

A New OW Rule (Oregon/Washington Only) - Any game that ends with one team ahead by two or fewer points at the end of regulation will be declared a tie and will have a mandatory Overtime period (for Mark).

Just a few thoughts. :p

I would like to see the "You're joking right?" rule applied. If a coach decided to implement this rule, the official in question should stop play and tell the coach his best joke. This should happen, or the official will call a technical foul on him/herself. Said technical will then seat belt the official at the division line, and they must call the rest of the game from there.

This rule also applies to the "You're kidding me?" rule, or some adaptation to the verbage.

Of course, the "You're making that up" rule is different.

Dead man walking.

"Call it at both ends" induces a foul by the equivalent player on the other team.

Or almost, even. "HE WAS GOING FOR THE BALL!"

I think this should be extended to FL and MN.

Hey, you started it! ;)

I'll vote for this one!!:rolleyes:

Mechanics: Nearest official grabs the microphone, and polls the fans on method of execution they desire to see! :p

I think the fans should be more involved. Hand out random whistles to people in the stands and allow them to blow the whistle as they see fit.

I officiate games with a former county Sheriff who used to come straight from work with his firearm with him. Anytime there was a problem with fan/players, I always walked out with him. :D

Oh, dear, the inner Quaker is shocked, shocked I tell you! But the inner referee is thrilled. "Yes", she shouts, "YES!!"

I like that one too! Also the one about stopping the game, and telling the favorite joke. That would be fun!

But Juulie, I've been doing it for years. You know that. :)

Hmm, maybe that's why the players and coaches never let your games go into OT - no one wants to hear any more of your jokes? Could be! :p

I know YOU do that, but I want it to be ME that gets to tell one next time.

Let's not forget "He can box out, can't he?"
 

As long as a player is "boxing out" their opponent, they are allowed to push the opponent anywhere across the floor.

An extra point is awarded if they get their opponent beyond the division line before the rebound is secured!!

And I Don't Even Live On Elm Street ...
 

Thanks grunewar. Now I'm sure to have a nightmare tonight.

You could tell the one I told you that one game. :D

And One
 

We came up with this one at a Regional Intramural Tournament...If a player is fouled in the act of shooting, the player or teammates proclaim "and one" during the shot and it does not go in...the fouled player will only shoot one free throw because that's all his team was asking for...one shot.:eek:

Every time
 

"That's a travel!", "Traveling", et al. are chirped from the bench, one of the team members needs to pack their bags and leave the visual confines of the gym.

"Over The Back" is chirped, a team player is required to give an opposing player a piggyback ride for 30 seconds. Each repeat offense would add a 30 second increment.

I like it, but then the kids will start shouting and 2, and 3, and so on. Where will it end.:rolleyes:

How come nobody has suggested the written exam to be taken at halftime by any fan, coach or player who has questioned a call? Grades would be announced over the PA system as test takers stand at halfcourt to be acknowledged before the 2nd half begins. If there is time, signs can be handed out for test takers to wear that states the grade achieved on the test. For those getting above 50%, a red lanyard will be awarded.

Oops. Wrong thread.

If I pass the test, do I get to have a whistle too????

Sure, c'mon down. All are welcome! Your on your own with the shirt though! :rolleyes:

And the official nearest the benches get to pick the biggest behemoth of a kid to ride the back of the smallest pipsqueak of a kid. I like this already! :D

I guess so. Do you want a brass one with a pea?

Nope, coaches are given a PITA exemption.

I got my fox 40 and a shirt ready to go..used to officiate. I am ready to go

I guess a biscuit is out of the question then.

This one is mandatory
 

OK - here's one that should be adopted at the NF, NCAA-M, NCAA-W and all rec levels. It's the most important rule change yet.

Following the game, the home team must provide a pizza and salad buffet free of charge to the officials. Coaches, players and spectators are not allowed in the room, and neither are official's wives. Following the buffet, Bambi will give free massages to all the officials. Tips are optional.

I like your logic Padgett! :D

Parenthetical remarks (however relevant) are (usually) unnecessary.
 

You forgot adult beverages. We actually get an ice cold can of beer after games at one of the private schools that our local board services. Really. I'm dead serious. I swear.

I've worked men's league games at a club where after the games they roll out a keg onto the floor.

Did they start with polka songs on the PA system?

Puns are for children, not groan readers.
 

"Roll out the barrel, we'll have a barrel of fun
Roll out the barrel, we've got the blues on the run
Zing boom tararrel, ring out a song of good cheer
Now's the time to roll the barrel, for the gang's all here"