Short And Sweet Reminders ???

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by refguy

Last to touch, first to touch.

This recent post by refguy gave me an idea for a new list, similar to the Most Misunderstood Basketball Rules list, but rather than an extensive list designed to explain often confusing rules to coaches, players, and fans, this list would be geared mostly toward toward officials, at all experience levels, a list of very short little statements that help us to remember interpretations of various rules.

For example:
Must have something in and nothing out (returning inbounds).
Last to touch, first to touch (backcourt).
Must sit a tick, don’t have to play a tick (substitution).
Pass, shoot, or request a timeout (player with ball on floor).
Fumble, dribble, fumble (legal).
White, black, beige, color similar to jersey (headbands, wristbands).
When the ball is dead, we must be alive (timeout mechanics).
Pass and crash (lead and trail responsibility)
Answer questions, not statements (communication with coaches)

What are some of the others that we've seen here on the Forum? You know, those short, to the point statements, that help us to officiate the game, that we've often kidded about being copyrighted.

[BillyMac]

"You are where you were until you get where you're going." © 2009 OHBBREF

"There's a difference between being tripped, and tripping." © 2008 zebra44

I've almost got a list. I would love to give credit to anyone who posted the statements in the first post of this thread. Anybody want to get extra credit?

[Mark Padgett]

These aren't necessarily short, but helpful:


THE 10 RULES OF BASKETBALL OFFICIATING

Number 10 - "When you're on the court - always look sharp. That doesn't include the top of your head."

Number 9 - "There's only 2 (sometimes 3) people in the entire gym who don't care who wins - you and your partner(s)."

Number 8 - "Remember - it's just a game. But you get paid anyway. What a deal!"

Number 7 - "Never swallow your whistle - it's there to be blown and besides, it tastes really, really bad."

Number 6 - "Parents know as much about the rules as they do about raising children."

Number 5 - "When in doubt - don't be."

Number 4 - "Always bring your English-Gibberish dictionary to the game so you can understand the coaches."

Number 3 - "Coaches have a shorter leash than a puppy."

Number 2 - "NO OVERTIMES!!!"

and (drum roll please) Number 1 - "Tuck your whistle in your shirt before you take a leak.” This applies to both males and females.

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by Mark Padgett

There're only two people in the entire gym who don't care who wins.
When in doubt, don't be.

I like these. The other eight, in my opinion, are short, but not necessarily helpful.

[Indianaref]

This old man, he played one;
He played knick-knack on my thumb.
With a knick-knack, paddy whack,
Give a dog a bone;

[AKOFL]

Bounce when you can, hand when you must. (Throw-in)

[Mark Padgett]

Originally Posted by AKOFL

Bounce when you can, hand when you must. (Throw-in)

Hey - that's Bambi's slogan.

[refguy]

Originally Posted by BillyMac

This recent post by refguy gave me an idea for a new list, similar to the Most Misunderstood Basketball Rules list, but rather than an extensive list designed to explain often confusing rules to coaches, players, and fans, this list would be geared mostly toward toward officials, at all experience levels, a list of very short little statements that help us to remember interpretations of various rules.

For example:
Must have something in and nothing out (returning inbounds).
Last to touch, first to touch (backcourt).
Must sit a tick, don’t have to play a tick (substitution).
Pass, shoot, or request a timeout Or start a dribble and get up.(player with ball on floor).
Fumble, dribble, fumble (legal).
White, black, beige, color similar to predominant color of jersey (headbands, wristbands).
When the ball is dead, we must be alive (timeout mechanics).
Pass and crash (lead and trail responsibility)
Answer questions, not statements (communication with coaches)

What are some of the others that we've seen here on the Forum? You know, those short, to the point statements, that help us to officiate the game, that we've often kidded about being copyrighted.

Seeing red.

[refguy]

"What are some of the others that we've seen here on the Forum? You know, those short, to the point statements, that help us to officiate the game, that we've often kidded about being copyrighted."

There actually have been some copyrighted - called S.A.V.R.'s for Short Answer Verbal Responses published in the CBOA Membership Handbook. They were submitted by the Foothill Citrus Association.

[refguy]

Here is a great Foundation for any official - we call it the Official's Creed:

Self Knowledge: Officials know the game, not only rulebook knowledge, where they pride themselves on the “one-rule, one-interpretation” principle, but also on the court practical knowledge.

Court Presence: Officials have a keen eye. They control the action on the court by their demeanor.

Composure and Poise: Officials don’t panic. They have discipline and remain in control under adverse conditions.

Ability to Adjust: Officials have the ability to adjust their game. Officials are aware of their own mistakes and can adjust to team patterns and unusual situations.

Ability to Lift Game: Officials have the ability to come back when not at their best. Whether a poor call or a series of missed calls, officials accomplish what it takes to get the game successfully completed. Officials rise to the occasion, and as the pitcher who is brought into the game in the last inning is referred to as “the closer,” the official is referred to as “the finisher.”

Tempo: Official always lets the players create the game tempo within the spirit and intent of the rules. An official knows when to stop the game to make it better, and not to interfere.

Ability to Learn: Officials attend interpretation meetings, attend camps and clinics, and learn from previous games. They think about what errors they may have made and apply appropriate rules, principles, or mechanics to ensure the same mistakes do not replicate.

Drive to Improve: Officials are never satisfied. They always want to improve and get better.

Knowledge and Proper Application of the Rules
The development of this quality is one of the prime functions of IAABO—one rule, one interpretation. A letter-perfect knowledge of the rules is essential, but in itself, does not guarantee good officiating. The official must know the relationship of one rule to another. Further, it is important to have a background for the rules, to understand the reason for a rule; if the official interpretation of the rule in its application in play situations is clear.

Mechanics of Officiating
Have a thorough knowledge of the Manual. Up-to-date techniques and procedures are fully explained in the Manual. Proper mechanics and floor coverage is imperative to be a good official.

Appearance and Physical Condition
Unless an official is in excellent physical condition, reaction time and the ability to keep up with the high level of play will be less than satisfactory. Credibility with coaches and the fans is also negatively affected. The official uniform should be clean and well kept.

Cooperation
The ability to team with your fellow officials is absolutely essential. Each must have trust and confidence in the other; there must exist the greatest harmony. Each should welcome the support of the other, with neither attempting to dominate the game. Remember a team of officials officiates the contest. Occasionally, personalities clash, temperaments, mannerisms, tactics seem to conflict rather than to blend. When these differences become evident, and seem fundamentally difficult to resolve, then those officials should not work in the same contest. Each may be an excellent official in his/her own right.

Reaction Time
One either has it or one does not. A little practice, and one reaches the maximum of their potential in this all-important quality. Additional practice does not seem to change the results materially. A person who does not possess above average reaction time has little chance of becoming a top-level official. Split second decisions must be made. The tempo of the game is such that unless the official can react quickly enough to make a decision at the moment of its occurrence, subsequent play is often confusing and leads to rough play. In addition, he is often surprised to find that he has developed a habit contrary to the rules. By alert
officiating, with respect to reaction time, the official is making a player immediately aware of mistakes and thus helping to correct them. By acting on player behavior the official diffuses a potentially volatile situation.

Intestinal Fortitude
No explanation is needed here; courage, guts, strength, character, call it by any name; the ability to identify something happened and the courage to blow your whistle.

Confidence
Factors which reflect the confidence of the official and which gain the confidence of the players, coaches, and spectators are many. Probably most effective is court presence. Movement which denotes certainty, sometimes to a degree of cockiness, transmits the aura of confidence and control. Decisive action, not hasty, but with no element of hesitation is highly desirable. Leave no question of doubt, portray possessiveness and certainty to win acceptance. Never be apologetic or hesitant as an official. A resonant, strong voice, properly pitched, carrying conviction, displaying firmness, can do much to breed confidence. A baritone quality is best, a high-pitched voice is poorest. The use of the voice supplemented by pantomime for the purpose of clarity is
desirable. Few officials have mastered the acting stage of their art. Most have not developed the techniques of using their voices and motions effectively. Officials tend to be too timid in this phase. They are definite in conveying decisions to players and spectators. As a result they sometimes display mannerisms and mechanics that create distrust and oftentimes disbelief by players and coaches. On the other hand, it must be emphasized that dramatics carried to the extreme are definitely frowned upon. Such tactics take attention from the game and players, and focus it upon the official. This must not be so. The happy medium must be made. The whistle can do much to give a feeling of certainty. A sharp, staccato, single sound can make it talk. Develop your own style, but always do so within the framework of the accepted signals and mechanics.

Poise
Players and coaches are under considerable tension; consequently, any actions which will produce calmness and emotional control should be employed. The better official will inject sufficient pauses and quieting maneuvers to create a steadying effect upon the contestants. He/she will do this throughout the game, and particularly toward the end. There are many play situations in which the official’s quiet influence can be a saving grace. The official may employ varied tactics to relieve the tension. They are actions which are seldom noticed and yet are tremendously effective. For example, the difference between the official who in effect says, “Unfortunately,
you’ve made a mistake that has placed your opponent at a disadvantage, and I have no alternative but to penalize you according to the rules,” as compared to the official who, with a show of belligerency, says, in effect, “There, I caught you that time.” It seems that the best officials are those who remain human and approachable. Usually they are accepted even when they are wrong. At least, everyone is more charitable toward them when there is a disagreement. Oft-times the presentation of a brusque exterior is a cloak behind which to hide inferior ability. The oft-quoted expression, “A soft answer turneth away wrath,” applies here. When handling the ball out-of-bounds, the official can restore poise by even unhurried action rather than hasty impatient motion. Likewise, hesitation on the free throw, to permit adjustments at the lines and to give clear, complete information on the
number of shots, tend to ease the situation considerably. A pause before announcing a decision, after blowing the whistle to stop play, is effective; and coupled with a steady voice, is doubly so. As has been stated, the subtleness of tactics of this kind hides the intent, but nevertheless produces the desired results.

Consistency
The greatest virtue which an official can possess is consistency. He/she may have an incorrect interpretation of a rule; he/she may practice techniques contrary to those to which a team is accustomed; judgment on some play situations may be in conflict with the commonly accepted interpretations - but with it all, if the official’s practice and decision are exactly the same under the same or similar circumstances, players can readily adjust their play to fit the official. They may be surprised and confused momentarily, but when they discover that the official is unwavering in procedures, they can reorganize and continue with confidence. Probably the greatest inconsistencies occur in judgments on charging and blocking. The official should give this play much thought and attention, and learn to call it consistently. Have the courage to withhold a whistle despite contact if no advantage has been gained. If a highly technical call is made and then a flagrant act is passed on the players are placed in a position where they cannot establish a flow. Some officials may never be able to attain a high degree of consistency and they should be eliminated, just as incapable players are gradually cut from the squad. However, much can be done to point the way.

Judgment—Based on Rules
If basic principles are established which will be a guide for determining the legality of play and the responsibility for acts committed, the foundation upon which to and sound judgment will be built up through experience in handling contests. Practice will clear the cobwebs in this all-important phase of the art.

[just another ref]

Accidental isn't always incidental.

[Amesman]

Over the back isn't, ON the back is (a foul)

Great idea, Billy

[Mrcrash3]

I am sure about the arrow coach, don't worry you'll get the next two out of three jump balls

[tjchamp]

Last to touch, first to touch isn't as true as it used to be. The defense can touch it last in the front court, but if offense is in the backcourt and first to touch before the ball hits the floor, offense caused the ball to obtain backcourt status, and it is an OB violation.

[just another ref]

Originally Posted by tjchamp

Last to touch, first to touch isn't as true as it used to be. The defense can touch it last in the front court, but if offense is in the backcourt and first to touch before the ball hits the floor, offense caused the ball to obtain backcourt status, and it is an OB violation.

Depends on who you ask.