Suggested Mechanic Change
 

Based on a play that occurred in a local high school game, there may be a better way to make sure this kind of mistake doesn't happen. Here is a link to the play:

YouTube - Last second shot denied by refs; fchs vs henry clay 2010

(you can also see the play from another angle at www.ckysports.com)

Observations:

1. Trail has responsibility for and does make the ruling on the last second shot.
2. Trail was also the longest distance away from the shot.
3. "C" no doubt had the best look; however, did not come to Trail after the signal.
4. Three person crew did not get together after the shot becaue "C" and "L" did not have absolute knowledge to share with "T".

Possible Suggestion:

I think last second shot coverage is an area that could be changed so that the official responsible for the shot is the official responsible for the primary out of which the shot is attempted. In this case, the shot would have been "C"'s all the way and would have eliminated the need for Trail to look through five players to the opposite block. Curious to see what you think about this coverage responsiblity...thanks.

If C and T didn't have absolute knowledge, then how would changing this responsibility help?

T has the responsibility and has to have better clock awareness. The ball was up on the board when the light went on / horn went off, so even if he didn't see the hands, he should've been able to put it together. I don't see why changing the mechanic should be the goal instead of better awareness by the person responsible.

If you can't tell, I think putting it in the hands of the primary official is a horrible idea. The responsibility could change multiple times in the last few seconds and also what happens if the shot is taken from a gray area?

I think it is infinitely better if the call belongs to one official or the other. This eliminates, the whole "I thought he had it," scenario. That being said, whoever has the primary responsibility is free to ask for help if needed. Looks like that was the case here. I think the guy relaxed on the missed shot and was totally surprised by the second attempt. From where I'm sitting, this was good and was not even close.

There is no question that it was good.

I was able to pause the video at a time when the backboard lights were not on, but the ball was high in the air on the putback attempt. (:31 seconds on the video clip)

The ball is level with the top of the square when the lights come on.

Nv,

Is a last second shot determined by horn or by the lights on a backboard? I don't do HS anymore so please let me know if this has changed. Thanks.

One of the rule changes this year was allowing the light to be used this year, and I believe we use that when available.

Rule 5-6-2...Each quarter or extra period ends when the signal illuminates or sounds indicating time has expired, as in 1-14.

Rule 1-14 Red/LED Light, Audible Signal
A red light behind each backboard or an LED light on each backboard is permitted to signal that time has expired for a quarter or extra period. In facilities without a red light behind or an LED light on each backboard, the audible timer's signal shall indicate that time has expired.

Okay, thanks for clarifying.

Yeah, it was a rule change this season. When there are lights on the backboard they take priority for indicating the expiration of time.

So in this particular video clip the officials should have been looking for the illumination of the red lights.


COMMENTS ON THE 2009-10 RULES REVISIONS

RED/LED LIGHT PERMITTED TO END QUARTER/EXTRA PERIOD (1-14; 5-
6-2): When a red light behind the backboard or an LED light on the backboard is
present, it is permitted to signal the expiration of time in the quarter or extra period. If
no red/LED light is present, the audible timer’s signal will continue to signal the
expiration of time. The change permits equipment currently found in some facilities to
be utilized rather than ignored. All other end-of-period rules remain intact. During their
pregame responsibilities, game officials should determine if red/LED lights are present
in order to adjudicate end-of-period situations properly.

Call has to belong to one official or the other- Some mechanics like opposite trail... some mechanics like trail (with it going to C under certain time frame... NBA)

In this play both C and L should have helped out. L should have been close to play and can see light on the board--- C looking back sees ball and light..

Whoops! on this call

This is something I did a poor job pre-gaming for this season. Need to remember next season to find out each game if there is a red light or not so we are properly prepared.

I am just shocked to see my Alma mater's basketball court this early in the morning. It's been years since I've seen the floor! Thanks for sharing. I'm interested to see if the college stat guys were there and what they thought. I'm sure that craziness ensued.

-Josh

BTW, the mechanic should absolutely not change.

-Josh

It only mattered in the final game that I officiated. No other venue had the lights.

I suspect that is true for 99% of the places that HS games are played throughout the country.

Absolutely agree.

FYI, I talked with the EKU statistician this morning. He said it was something else to be there. Everyone was just in shock that the basketball was waved off.

11th Region Boys Basketball Tournament - Franklin County Flyers vs. Henry Clay Blue Devils | CKYSports Videos | iHigh.com

You will have to scroll through to the end

-Josh