Good Sportsmanship

[grunewar]

Originally Posted by AllPurposeGamer

I've seen said commercial. Like others have said, it's a totally unrealistic setting. The call wouldn't be changed. The only way I could see this working is if for some reason, the player said he caused it to go out of bounds immediately when the play is over. The only way I could see this is if the player raised his hand immediately. Even this, I wouldn't believe it right way.

I originally posted this story 9 Mar 09

Today, 0830 I am doing the first of my two "All-Star" Games. B7/8. Yep, this is the only 7 and 8 yr old game I do all year......and, it's a solo act.

Pretty good game really. Of course, at this age as long as you know a foul, travel, and a jump ball, you can pretty much call the game!

Anyhow, late in the third quarter I'm at the foul line extended, and the ball is shot from my side, misses everything is pin-balled around on the other side of the court and I am horribly screened. Ball goes out of bounds. I thought (I know, I know) it was off blue, but honest couldn't see well, and announce it as such. White ball.

As I am about to put the ball in play, a little boy 23W comes over to me and says in a very soft voice, "Mr. Official, the ball was off me, it should be blue ball." Me -

I announce to the gym, "Ladies and gentlemen, this young man said the ball was off him. Blue ball."

And don't ya know the parents and fans applauded the little boy's honesty. Really a great moment and great way to end the yr.

[rsl]

In high school ball - never would happen and if it did I would have a hard time changing my call.

But, I do a church league where this kind of behavior is encouraged. I actually saw a coach discipline a player for blocking a shot of a handicapped opponent. There are leagues where this kind of sportsmanship is not uncommon.

But, even in these leagues poor sportmanship abounds as well...

[whistleone]

Sounds to me like it would be a good time for a 5 second violation on the throw in.