An interesting statement on three seconds, I look forward to your opinions

[CoaachJF]

Turned on my local cable access channel this morning when I woke up and they had a show on about basketball officials. They had three guys on there one has 25 years experience and is a double AA official, another guy and the last guy was just going the lower to levels of Varsity (S+M) but hoping to move up. Anyhow the hosts were asking them questions about calling the game and what are the biggest misconceptions about the game of basketball. The offical with 25 years experience talked about three seconds, and his view of three seconds is that he doesnt care if a player is in there for 15 secs, unless the ball is passed into that player, he will never call it, because there is no advantage. Just wondering if you call the game the same way. He also mentioned about not officaliting tbe rule book, you officiate the game and make calls based on that particular game not on the rule book. I look forward to hearing your responses. Also I enjoyed the post where a coach brought in an official to talk to his players and parents, I would like to do that for next year, any suggestions on how to get in touch with an official to set this up, thanks your for your knowledge and responses.

[som44]

Wow I would definately call three seconds--player could be gaining an advantage for a rebound etc. Also why do you think we have a rule book? I try to call games based upon the rules.

[oatmealqueen]

I see another 6 pages of responses dealing with rules vs game sitch's.

[refjef40]

I only have seven years ex. and I'm just doing boys var. but I hope that vet was just putting on for T.V.Of course in college ball you have to use advantage/ disadvantage but you can't ignore the rules.They even call three seconds on Shaq sometimes!The D1 officials that I have talked to say there is no subsitute for knowing and enforcing the rules fairly.They also say every game is different but they don't throw out the rulebook.I can understand giving a guy who's moving a extra second or two in the key to get or shot off but he is making a mockery of the game if they can camp in the key.Just my humble opinion and I assume he was just going overboard to make a point I hope!

[BktBallRef]

Unfortunatley, there probably are officials who feel thgis way. Personally, I usually try to talk'em out in the 1st quarter or maybe make a call early to let them know we're watching. If a kid sits in the posts for 3 or 4 seconds and then gets the ball, I whistle it. If he's in there for several seconds, a shot goes up, and he gets the rebound, I'll get him the nest time down for sure. I think most officials follow this or a similiar philosophy.

The fact is that most coaches do not want the rule called as written. You may not believe me but that does have an influence. They can complain and put pressure on assignors, who in turn, ask officials to back off of it or other rules. That, unfortunately, is the way things work.

It would be great if every set of officials that walk on any floor called the game the way the last crew did. But that isn't going to happen. Coaches "learn" officials, their tendencies and what they call and they adjust.

[Adam]

A player camped in the lane does provide an advantage, even if he doesn't get the ball. Not only does he get a rebounding edge, as has been noted, but it also forces the defense to defend him differently.

Adam

[cmckenna]

Originally posted by CoaachJF
another guy and the last guy was just going the lower to levels of Varsity (S+M)

I just want to know what schools have a Varsity S+M team...

[JRutledge]

The older the kids become, the less and less this becomes and issue. Call the obvious, not the obscure.

Peace

[canuckrefguy]

Originally posted by cmckenna

I just want to know what schools have a Varsity S+M team...

I've heard of a "well-rounded education" but that's ridiculous!

[Mike Burns]

Originally posted by cmckenna

I just want to know what schools have a Varsity S+M team...

Spaniards and Mexicans?

It's an old Steve Martin thing.

[Mike Burns]

If I call three seconds, you can be sure that I have given the player every opportunity to clear the lane. Talking to them, waiting for them to run off of, or set, a screen etc. If a player has been in the lane for four or five seconds and then receives a pass in the post, then yes I will call the violation.

It is not a call I go looking for, but when a player gains an advantage by being in the lane for 15 sec I think this needs to be called.