"Spirit of the Rules"

[Raymond]

Originally Posted by asdf

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.

From the 2009 - 2011 NFHS Basketball Officials Manual -- Page 7
1.1.4 Rules Knowledge: Good officiating is partially dependent on a thorough
knowledge of the basketball rules and of all related materials that are published
each year. Most of the decisions on the floor must be made so quickly that they
come by reflex. The only way the proper reflexes can be perfected is through continual
study of all possible situations so that fundamentals and correct interpretations
are always clearly in mind. For such study, the following aids are helpful:
rules book, case book, simplified and illustrated rules, handbook, preseason
guides, Part I and II examinations, officiating mechanics exam, interpretations,
PowerPoints, video, discussion at state-sponsored and local meetings, and periodic
releases by the state association office.

Originally Posted by Snaqwells

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.

An official who has 3 sons who also officiate.

And he is also an official who is properly interpreting the rule in question; it's his veteran colleague who using this "spirit of the rule" justification to set aside the rule.