Rec league rule dilemma

[bainsey]

Originally Posted by Mark Padgett

The reason we kept the old rule is that each year, we add some new HS kids to our referee roster and we feel it's difficult for them to take their attention away from the game on the floor to recognize a TO request from the bench (and have to verify it's coming from a HC, especially since the HC is seated).

I see this as a learning opportunity for the zebra colts.

Simply put, you can teach the officials how to recognize a legitimate time-out request (dead ball or player control). Granted, they should be looking for this when a player requests time out, so adding the head coach to the mix only seems right to me.

The more who learn the rules, the better it is for all of us.

[Adam]

Personally, I like the idea of allowing it at the higher levels, where your officials are slightly more experienced. You may have to bend to salvage anything; and focus your argument on how it's not a good idea for young officials to have to take their eyes off the play.

Or, if you do lose; explain to them the rule and how it's clear that the officials must verifiy identity and opportunity before granting a TO, and any coach who complains about not getting a TO in such a circumstance will get a T. Then instruct your officials accordingly.

The problem is, it's the very situations where a coach can't get his players' attention that our attention needs to be on the playes.