It's that time again - almost
 

With the season almost over, I guess it's time to start thinking about our annual "rule changes we'd like to see" thread. I'll start.

1) coaches must remain in the parking lot
2) cute moms must dress appropriately (based on my definition) http://www.runemasterstudios.com/gra...mages/woot.gif

3) parents (except cute moms) must remain in the parking lot
4) any player arguing with an official will be dealt with harshly http://www.runemasterstudios.com/gra...es/nutkick.gif

I think that's a good start. http://www.runemasterstudios.com/gra...es/2thumbs.gif

After one season, I definitely agree with those who don't want coaches to be able to request time out.

Simplify the backcourt rule. I've heard several candidates on this forum.

Basically, the whole team control plus last to touch plus first to touch is
too complicated for howler monkeys and parents.

Remove 4.19.8 C from the book and let the situation work itself out.

Shootouts instead of Overtime

They already have this rule in Alaska.

http://assets.nydailynews.com/img/20...alin-rifle.jpg

Cute moms need to quit bringing their husbands to the games.

All schools must have the rules for "3 in the key" taped to the doors and included in the programs.

- Assistant coaches are required to wear a large scarlet A on their shirt and a name badge reading "Mr (or Mrs) Irrelevant".
- Only a player on the floor may request a time out, and must say please and thank you. (OK maybe I'm kidding on the please and thank you part)
- The game begins with an alternating possession throw in by the team with the best looking moms as determined by the referee. Overtime begins with whoever has the arrow at the end of regulation time.
- Overtime period is two minutes. If the game is still tied the coaches arm wrestle at center court. (I'm open to the best looking moms wrestling as well)
- The coaching box should be bound by an electric pet fence and the HC must wear the collar. Step out of the box - get a charge. The charge increases in frequency for each violation of the boundry. (Pitino would be unconscious by the end of the first half, unless he apologizes for another indiscretion)
- Every coach and player should participate once per year in the Special Olympics basketball tournament as a volunteer scorer or clock operator to understand the spirit of competition, the joy of simple accompishment and to learn just how silly they often sound when they complain about the trivial.
- The statement "He (or she) has done that all year and no one called it ..." is a technical foul.

Why even flip a coin? Give the visiting team the ball to start the game, set the arrow accordingly. Use the arrow for any extra periods.

The jump is completely unnecessary and many times rewards a team for having a taller center.

I used to think this also. I wouldn't even give them the time of day before a game (just talk to the head coach) or during a game. Then I read the article in Referee Magazine last month about how they can help your game. It made some very good points about assistant coaches and their role in game management.

I always talk to the assistants -- I let them know whose ball it is, will answer good questions during timeouts, will work with them as best I can. I *will not* tolerate sniping or comments during a live ball -- the mild stuff I ignore from a head coach. That's the main difference for me.

Last week, metro league game, 6G girls, HC and AC are both standing and shouting (conliciting) instructions to players. AC frequently travels to the end line to shout defensive instructions. During dead ball I approach their bench and request that they both come over. I ask (nicely) which one of you is HC? They answer "We both are HC's, we do everything together, we pick the team together, we make up the plays together, we talk to the parents together, we drive to the game together ...". I compliment them on their willingness to do so but explain that, during the game, only one can be HC. They then look at each other and give me the "well we've done this all year" speech. I don't buy it. They then can't decide which one is the HC. I point to one of them, tell him he's just been named head coach for the day, you may use the coaches box, and tell the other to sit down. I'm walking away and their wives are sitting close by laughing and one says to me "maybe you can get him to make a decision, I can't".

Not much of a reward, you have to admit, and it's a fine bit of tradition to keep in the game. Also, what would the media say instead of "tip off at 7:30"? :D

It's just a method for putting the ball in play. It's why I roll my eyes when clinicians say it's "so crucial" to have a great jump ball and sets the tone for the game. Know the rules surrounding it, sure. Make sure you're alert for quick action after, sure. Get a call if the ball shoots out of bounds, sure.

Worry about it being the perfect toss? Puh-lease. Call it back if the toss is in the next county, but rejumping a marginally bad toss looks worse than playing on.

Others may have different opinions, but frankly, it's just a silly little nod to tradition and that's about it.