Definite knowledge refers to knowing how much time is left on the clock. For example, if a coach requests a time out with two seconds left on the clock, but the scoreboard operator lags on stopping the clock, a good official should glance at the clock when he/she grants the timeout (or any official for that matter). If the official has definite knowledge of how much time is left on the clock, we can reset the clock and go from there. If know definite knowledge exists, then we can't put any time on the clock.

Check out 5-10

True about the angle.

When I do say anything, it's low key where only those at the table hear it, no one else. However, again, this is something I am working on NOT DOING.

Perhaps if the Table crew had an association like the officials, there'd be more professionalism.

Some of the times, I'm not saying anything but someone else does :(

Sure...it doesn't change the point though. If the best position to officiate was from the stands or from the benches, then we'd go ahead and place them there.

I find most of your posts confusing and not worth reading like this one. This should not be something you are working on stopping...for God's sake just shut up at the table and if someone else says something sack up and tell them as part of the table personnel that is unprofessional and if they continue they will be removed.

In other words, I'm getting myself into the habit of not saying anything. I do slip up periodically, but I cuss myself out for doing it.

I've been mentioning to the others that do say something, leave it up to the officials as that's not our call.

Unfortunately, I don't have many options when it comes to the other table personnel as most of the time the person doing scorebook is the only person trained available.

I have long contended that the best place to call a game is the seat next to the HC. Back when I was an assistant coach, I never missed a call from that spot.


(In the last 8 years as an official, I believe I have become much less of an idiot, but the guys who now occupy that seat would argue that, I'm sure.)

It's amazing how many perfect games have been called from the bench :D

And if I ever hear anyone at the table say that, they're done for the game. Keep your comments to yourself. Use the voices in your head if you like, but not your out loud voice.

You couldn't see it because you're the one out of position on your fat azz behind the table.

Here's a piece of advice, take it or leave it.

Instead of saying "should have been a travel but...." Try assuming the ref saw something you didn't; like maybe the player didn't have control or something. If the officials are amenable to your questions afterwards, feel free to ask. If you're lucky, they'll remember the play.

It's cause of what you're stating is one of the reasons why I am posting & asking some of the questions. I'm trying to get a better comprehension/understanding of what it takes to be an official, so that I can be a better part of the table crew & spectator (for times, I'm not doing anything).

Yes, the best position to call a foul/violation is from the floor right in front of the play.

It's also cause of your statement, that I'm training myself not to make statements at the table, or as a spectator.

Remember my post earlier about "discouraging others who do so"?

Before you beat this poor boy to death, it appears to me that he has a pretty good grasp of the rules and is trying to learn. It never fails to amaze me that the officials on this forum never seem to admit that a lot of mistakes in judgment are made in every single game, and that the lower the level of game, the chances are that there are tons of blatant mistakes made. Evaluators, albeit they are trained, sit in the stands and make judgments on officials' performance. Those who have been critiqued for 30 minutes after a game by an evaluator and on tapes/videos by the supervisor understand that. Anyone can see and understand a bad call and it happens, and when you make the correct, but unpopular call, you should have a high enough self-esteem and thick enough skin to understand that if you are a good official, that does not happen often, and when it does, you should have a good laugh about it.

I have never, ever had an evaluator or assignor criticize my judgement on a call. they too recognize that my angle may see something that they don't. What they are looking for are my mechanics and rules applications as well as my comportment on the floor. An evaluator that tells me the travel I missed in the 2q when I felt that there was no control, loses any chance of saying anything to me with credibility.

The evaluations I refer to are those where every whistle is given a plus, zero, or minus, and non-calls that should have had whistles are noted. Combined with films, that is how you improve judgment. No credibility? You won;t be getting called to return next year. Like I said, you have to have a thick skin and true confidence.