I am not so sure that what my state does is so different from the "norm." You assume that every state follows the NF to the letter on many things. If I have learned anything from this board I have learned that a lot of areas do things contrary to the NF Mechanics. If that was not the case then we would only see black and white shirts (from NF members) and always see consistent mechanics. At this point we do not see that consistently.

I have said that it looks stupid to have the lead call a closely guarded play in the area. For one the player likely is not going to be in that area very long. Also the player likely did not start in that area either. And I would not like to see a Lead be so focused on the ball when other things are going on there. If you disagree that is OK, but to just blindly say that is the way it should be done is ridiculous. There are a lot of things the NF does that everyone does not agree with. This was not the case until Mary Struckoff tried to implement the NCAA-W philosophy into the high school game. That might work in that game but does not work as well in my opinion at the high school level when the rules are not the same.

Peace

No, I assume either the majority of states (26) or the majority of officials use the NF to the letter on this particular issue. I certainly could be wrong, but that's really not my point here.
He asked the question in the context of a test, which I assume is based on NFHS mechanics.

You are assuming a lot. He did not say what test he was taking and who was administering that test.

Peace

What About...
 

The defense is in a 2-3 zone and the ball is dumped into the low post area below the Free Throw line extended, clearly in the Lead's primary. The defense traps and the Lead isn't going to begin a closely guarded count? I respect your opinion, but really all the arguments one makes against the Lead not having a closely guarded count can be made for the C and T. The C and T can get straight lined just as easy. They can move to get an angle, but so can Lead. If the C and T continue their count, they may miss something else going on in their area just like the Lead. Really all the arguments against the Lead having this call can be made against the C and T. When the C and T begin a closely guarded count and the play moves out of their area they keep the count and the other officials should extend their coverage area to help out on this play so they don't miss something. The same should be true for the L.

The lead cannot move off the line or to a position to see the play if the ball goes away from them. The C and T can and will if they know their movement. The Lead is pretty much in a fixed position. Also in your play when you say there is a trap in the post, the T or C is looking at that play. In some cases the C is the only person looking at the ball in that case. We are talking about a 5 second count, not all plays that come to that area. The lead's primary role is post play and post players. They have the smallest area for a reason. Then all of a sudden to call one violation you want them to look away to call something. Sorry, not buying how that puts the crew in a better position.

So you are telling me, that if a player gets a ball in the post and decides to dribble out to the division line, you want to have the lead try to figure out if the defender is within 6 feet if that player goes to the division line. Yeah, that makes sense.

You can make any argument you like, but that does not mean it makes sense. The C or T can move in any direction several feet to get an angle on just about any play. And it is very common for the C or the T to make all kinds of foul and violation calls in the lane or in the Lead's primary. Why, because the Lead has a lot of players in front of them again. And when the ball goes near the basket, the C and T are usually looking there as their players go there as well. If the Lead calls something above the three point line, someone is going to wonder why. I think that very thing took place in the NCAA Tournament and it was seen as the wrong call and that official did not advance because of that one call. Now you want a guy 15 to 20 feet away calling a violation that they cannot move to keep an angle on?

We are just going to have to disagree on this and that is fine with me. And the reason it is not taught that way at the NCAA Men's level and in our state and many other jurisdictions. The Lead's role is to deal with post play primarily. Not to worry about where the ball goes all over the court and have them making calls with the ball in those situations. T and C are there to cover the peremiter and plays near the division line. Why do you think the Lead does not have 3 point responsibility in the NF mechanics? They clearly do not want you looking there.

Peace

Yep, and your intitial response assumed his organization was
1. Doing it your way
and
2. Had codified that mechanic

I actually did not assume anything. I just answered the question. If he wanted to know what his organization does specifically, then he should ask someone in his organization. You do not come to a national/international forum to ask a question that may or may not apply to where you live and expect only an answer to that organization.

Peace