The Official Forum - "Spirit of the Rules"

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I've been tossing around the concept "rules are an agreement."

In other words, the basketball-playing world (or any other sport, for that matter) has agreed that these are the rules. We've made an agreement, and I plan on sticking to it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snaqwells (Post 677692)

Read the OP again. His point was....
forget it.
Bottom line, he's actually an official who is well aware of the purpose and intent of the rules. His point was entirely facetious. :rolleyes:

....and how do you know my response wasn't facetious as well ?? :rolleyes:

Quote:

Originally Posted by asdf (Post 677784)

....and how do you know my response wasn't facetious as well ?? :rolleyes:

You make a good point. If it was, I apologize.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark Padgett (Post 677758)

So the Tower Philosophy does not apply to female officials or female players?

I didn't see a reference to "hot moms" in there either.

Just saying.....

Quote:

Originally Posted by asdf (Post 677674)

To answer your questions...

1) It's not an official NFHS publication, but this philosophy is noted in virtually every NFHS Officials Manual published.

2) Not only are these publications available to highly experienced officials, they are also available to woefully inexperienced coaches.

3) You can obtain a copy directly from the NFHS or your state association. Personally, I would suggest you consult your Athletic Director, so as to alert him to your ignorance of such a philosophy.

Thats seems a little Harsh!

Quote:

Originally Posted by asdf (Post 677674)

Would you blindly endorse the following invocation of "The Spirit of the Rules"?...The discussion hinged on 9-8-1 (10 second count in backcourt) which has been treated here many times

<link rel="File-List" href="file:///T:%5Ctemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><style>  </style> "You clearly missed my reasoning. I know what the rule states, but the spirit of the rule is how I will govern it. Should the count start once the ball has backcourt status? Strict interpretation says 'YES'. The spirit of the rule tells you to allow a touch before the count starts. Am I wrong -- probably, but I have never started any count until the ball is touched.

There are many rules that we administer based on the spirit and not it's literal meaning. How many hand-checks do you see called? How many 3 sec violations do you see called? How many technical fouls do you see for flopping in a block/charge scenario? If we are giving leniency to the defense on some rules, why not give the offense the same?

If you wish to officiate strictly by the book, that is your choice, but it MAY lead to poor crew dynamics if all of you aren't on the same sheet of music."

For the record, you're more likely to lead to poor crew dynamics by saying, "I know what the rule says but I know better."

"if all of you aren't on the same sheet of music"

I've often wondered what his pregame sounds like as the crew decides when "spirit" is gonna supercede "by the book"!!!
I'm nominating this guy as the poster child for this year's #1 POE

Quote:

Originally Posted by justacoach (Post 677878)

Here is a copy of Lee, Lifeson's and Peart's pregame:

Begin the day with a friendly voice,
A companion unobtrusive
Plays the song that's so elusive
And the magic music makes your morning mood.

Off on your way, hit the open road,
There is magic at your fingers
For the Spirit ever lingers,
Undemanding contact in your happy solitude.

Chorus
Invisible airwaves crackle with life
Bright antennae bristle with the energy
Emotional feedback on timeless wavelength
Bearing a gift beyond price, almost free

All this machinery making modern music
Can still be open-hearted.
Not so coldly charted
It's really just a question of your honesty, yeah,
Your honesty.
One likes to believe in the freedom of music,
But glittering prizes and endless compromises
Shatter the illusion of integrity.

Chorus

For the words of the profits were written on the studio wall,
Concert hall
And echoes with the sounds of salesmen, of salesmen, of salesmen!

Quote:

Originally Posted by justacoach (Post 677875)

As stated prior, my original response was as facetious as your original post. ( should have put it in blue ;) )

However, to answer your question....

While I do not blindly endorse this philosophy, there are times when spirit and intent supercedes the written rule in a given situation.

Quote:

Originally Posted by asdf (Post 677892)

While I do not blindly endorse this philosophy, there are times when spirit and intent supercedes the written rule in a given situation.

Example(s) please.

Quote:

Originally Posted by snaqwells (Post 677877)

for the record, you're more likely to lead to poor crew dynamics by saying, "i know what the rule says but i know better."

Final minute of 1st period. Score 14-14

A12 in control of the basketball just inside the center jump circle.

Team B, satisfied with their position after 7 minutes, settles into a 2-3 zone, allowing A12 to hold the ball.

Head Coach from A instructs A12 to "hold the ball until 8 seconds on the clock, then run Tennessee special."

A33, sets up on the left block right next to B25. Both understand this is a "free breather" and are both waiting for the clock to get to 8. In fact, both players are standing next to each other with hands on hips, talking to each other about how good a first period it has been.

Who's calling a 3 second violation here ? (9-7-2)

Not me.............

Quote:

Originally Posted by justacoach (Post 677875)

"You clearly missed my reasoning. I know what the rule states, but the spirit of the rule is how I will govern it. Should the count start once the ball has backcourt status? Strict interpretation says 'YES'. The spirit of the rule tells you to allow a touch before the count starts. Am I wrong -- probably, but I have never started any count until the ball is touched.

The "spirit of the rule" as defined by the guy who's making up his very own rule.

Oh my....

Just...oh my....

Quote:

Originally Posted by asdf (Post 677903)

Prime example of "right call, wrong time."