The idea is that they say "dead" as long as the ball holder does not have a dribble. It's communication, and it also keeps the team engaged.

That said, we don't see it much around here. That may be because oxygen is at a premium here, though.

I saw it with some of the better girls programs in Iowa. Of course, I also saw some of the lesser programs just be annoying with it; not really understanding the purpose.

I've can't recall seeing a boys team do it.

You say it multiple times to make sure everyone on the team has heard the status of the ball. I really can't believe this to be taunting in any way. Do we think someone on Team B is gonna deck Team A because they told each other that a player can't dribble the ball? When in Rome I suppose but this really baffles me. :confused:

+1 on all counts.

Wow
 

I often hear players say "dead, dead, dead" when the opponent has picked up the dribble at high levels of boys and girls ball. And when I coached we would teach players to do this.

As others have said, it is simple communication with teamates and how to defend accordingly. You repeat it to make sure everyone hears you and to let them know the ball is still "dead."

How this could be interpreted as taunting is beyond me. And IMO it's short-sighted interpretations like this that help give officiating a bad rep in some people's eyes.

"dead, dead, dead" is NOT taunting in my book...."na, na, na, na, na, naaahhhh - you can't dribble anymore; you can't dribble anymore! hey everybody look - it's Mr. 'I can't dribble anymore'..." now THAT is taunting.

IF a partner of mine called a T for "taunting" or "unsportsmanlike behavior" in this situation, you can be sure that I will be conducting some serious taunting of said official in the locker room after the game...:)

Now that's funny.

Yep. You don't want to be 'that guy'.

And Jeffpea "tries" to taunt me often, but I would not want to be on the end of this barrage of comments if I ever called this one. :D

Peace

It is possible to be taunting in this situation. It depends on how the word(s) is used towards another opponent.

A1 repeatedly yells "ball, ball, ball” at B1 who does not have the ball. I can understand A1 being warned and if the unsporting act continues, receiving a player technical foul.

What is the purpose of yelling at the opponent? Is this in the spirit of the game? Are the words used inappropriately?

This action by team A could cause retaliation by players on team B, leading to possible flagrant acts and fights.

NFHS Rule 10-2-6c

It is rare but I have seen similar actions by teams or a player, to use gestures or words to intimidate an opponent.

Verbal and physical tactics are very difficult to detect. E.g., A1 slightly tugs at B1’s jersey during a shot attempt and B1 misses the shot. Is this a foul or a no call or hold your whistle if shot goes in?

The players are getting real good at staying under the radar preventing from being seen or showing that you as a ref should not make a “ticky tack” call on players using 2 fingers slightly tugging an opponents jersey.

OOO imo.

I say this to myself so I can remember that the dribble has been used up. I have terrible memory sometimes. ;)

Just don't say it too loudly.

I was always under the impression that here in America the clapping of hands was meant to show appreciation and support for actions. NO ONE seems to stop and consider that maybe the defender is just applauding the effort of the offensive player and is joyful that said effort has resulted in a positive outcome? I mean how hard is that to understand?? This isn't Europe or S. America where a whistle is a BAD thing but a good thing here. Geez people!:D

I've said it before and I'll say it again. THIS IS NOT GOLF! Noise and distractions are part of the game. If players can't handle it, they might consider switching sports.

Yelling in an "unsporting" manner would, IMO, be VERY unusual.

Don't go looking for trouble, you just might find it.

OK I don't say it, I think it loudly in my brain. :)