If I could change one rule, it would be....

[Rich]

Originally Posted by BktBallRef

I don't mind the two lines.

It's the extra ten feet I hate!

Really? I *love* the extra space. I actually feel like I get into a better run on a college court.

Where I feel like my legs weigh a ton is when the game is slow and I have to do a half-run / half-walk up and down to maintain good spacing. On a fast up-and-down I usually feel like working another game afterwards.

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by Snaqwells

What's with "sic'?

Typo. It should have been, "sick". He must really know you well.

[Back In The Saddle]

Originally Posted by bainsey

I saw that Karloff mechanic more than once at the UMaine/Boston U. game yesterday. To say such mechanics are discouraged by our organization would be an understatement. (When in Rome, I guess.)

Anyway, if you really want to get down to linguistics, Snaq, there are reasons why those two examples wouldn't work. "Umpire" is more of a semantics thing, I suppose, but it's more than about simply making a change to reflect common usage. That common usage would have to be literally accurate, as well.

The NFHS actually did change their volleyball officials' designations a couple years ago, from referee and umpire to R1 and R2. But, in that case, it actually made sense. More widely used rules sets have long called them R1 and R2. The two officials have distinct responsibilities and the R1 has clear authority to overrule all other officials. The distinction is widely acknowledged in common usage, with the two officials often being called the "up official" and "down official".

But, in basketball there is only one common usage, and that's "Ref". The distinction between referee and umpire is minor and of no consequence to anyone except officials and assignors. The current designations are traditional and are consistent between rules sets.

It just ain't broke...