Overtime and Timeouts!

[CMHCoachNRef]

Originally Posted by BktBallRef

Agreed. We passionately, and fun lovingly , argue gray areas but a lot of this stuff is a no-brainer if you just read the rules.

Not to be picky here, but one must READ the rules, COMPREHEND the rules, COMPREHEND the rules interpretations, AND REMEMBER the rules and the rules interpretations....

Nearly all officials and some coaches READ the rules ONCE (usually during their first class). Most officials read parts of the Case Book at least once. Many officials (and a few coaches) comprehend 95% of the rules and most of the interpretations. Very few comprehend AND REMEMBER all rules and rules interpretations.

Time-out counts and re-jumps should be REMEMBERED by all. Unfortunately, far too many officials only READ the rules ONE TIME in their lives -- twice at the most (preparing for their Class 2 to Class 1 upgrade would be the other).

In the Buckeye State, officials only take a rules exam TWICE in their lives -- once to get their Class 2 and once to get their Class 1. This year alone, I have seen things including free throws for a team control foul (boys varsity large school division) and an official calling a 5-second violation on a throw-in because the ball was not touched in bounds within five seconds (boys JV large school division).

Fitness of officials in basketball (and soccer) is a big issue. But, that one is hard to fix. Rules knowledge can be done by anyone -- IF they are willing to put forth the effort to READ, COMPREHEND and REMEMBER.

NOTE: High School-aged officials receive a Class 3 license and would, technically, be required to take two additional tests (to upgrade to a Class 2 and then to upgrade to a Class 1).