How should I handle??

[brettm]

I officiate during the season and have spent the past few years coaching AAU summer ball (Keep your comments about AAU coaches to yourself!).

As an official, I can't help but be amazed at the number of guys wearing the stripes (note...I refuse to call them officials!) that do not comprehend the rules, understand mechanics, or bother with keeping in their areas.

A couple of things I have had happen...

1. After assessing a technical to the opposing bench, an official proceeded to give the other team the ball after the free throws. I calmly called him over and informed him that we should get the ball after the technical. He asked me where in the world did I get that from. I told him the NFHS rulebook. He told me that he follows the NCAA rules and had never heard of the NFHS. Hmm?

2. With my team down by 4 and about 3:00 to go in a running clock game, an opposing player fouled out of the game. He loudly tells the other coach that he has 1 minute to replace the player (the clock is still running). I inform him that he only has 30 seconds. The official tells me I should spend more time coaching and less time reffing and we wouldn't be losing. I immediately call a TO to stop the clock. He tells me I can't call it until the player has been replaced...all the while the clock is ticking.

3. After the 3rd time the T calls a shooting foul in the paint, I say something to him about calling his area. I was told that "there ain't no action out there". Really?

4. My favorite...it has become commonplace that players are allowed to catch the ball with both feet planted and take a step, pick up their back foot and then shoot. I know of 3 officials, when questioned, refer to it as "continuation"? I have tried to find this explained in the NFHS books, but haven't had any luck.

Any suggestions about what can be done here? How do you tell an official that he really should read the rulebooks once in a while? When it comes to summer ball, I want my kids to learn how to play by the rules. It is really difficult to teach them when the people in charge of enforcing the rules don't know them.