Just in case anybody's interested. Nothing real new in it, just nice to see positive coverage of officiating.

http://espn.go.com/page2/s/rosen/030320.html

Great article, Chuck!! It appears that you read ESPN's web site more than I do. Do you know how I might go about getting permission to reprint this?

<big>Officiating.com four part interview with Ed Rush:</big>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://basketball.officiating.com/x/article/1487">NBA Supervisor of Officials Ed Rush — Part I</a></li>
<li><a href="http://basketball.officiating.com/x/article/1488">NBA Supervisor of Officials Ed Rush — Part II</a></li>
<li><a href="http://basketball.officiating.com/x/article/1489">NBA Supervisor of Officials Ed Rush — Part III</a></li>
<li><a href="http://basketball.officiating.com/x/article/1490">NBA Supervisor of Officials Ed Rush — Part IV</a></li>
</ul>

Great read. Thanks Chuck.

Z

(A quote from Rush): Overall, the videos prove that NBA officials are correct ninety-three percent of the time. So if somebody is around ninety percent, then he's not up to par.

How many of the other professional sports' officials would be able to admit such a claim.

I would have to say that NBA officials have the most difficult job. All professional sports are a business and are entertainment. The powers that be want 1) their stars on the floor and 2) those stars to be able to entertain. Those stars cannot entertain if traveling was called the way it was years ago. And those stars cannot stay on the floor if fouls were called the way they were years ago. This doesn't put the officials in an admirable position. My hats off to them.

No idea, Juulie, sorry. Maybe email the author via the web site? See if he has an email link on the story page, or maybe on a bio page.

Chuck

I'm a big fan of the NBA and I don't understand how the game is taken as pure entertainment. I do understand the business aspect, but really believe its about b-ball. Micheal Jordan never looked liked he was entertaining in his championship runs. Shaq doesn't look like he is entertaining either. They have NO SMILES until they WIN!!!

It's entertainment to the extent that the rules have been changed, and in some cases disregarded, so that "great" plays aren't called fouls or violations. Traveling could be called on about an dirve to the basket or low post move. Swinging on the rim is pretty well accepted. A player really has to swing and pull up to get a T. Also, although I don't believe it's as widespread as some do, stars are given preferential treament to an extent.

Just my thoughts.

Read the latest article from ESPN Mag about the Bulls' Jason Williams and you'll understand what they really care about. Unless they're on one of the elite teams, it's just a job.

You are Right!
 

I would consider it a JOB more than entertainment. When people say entertainment, the OUTCOME is predicted. I don't see that in the NBA. Example: Shaq, " Hey Tim Duncan we did a good job tonight. Next time we will let you guys win". Tim Duncan " Nah don't worry about it, the crowd Loved it , thats all that matters".

Maybe she's figured this out already but she'll need to go to Disney for permission...there's a link to click on the bottom of the page with the legal fine print.

Maybe it's just me, but if I got only 93% of my calls right, I'd be downright embarrassed. Everybody boots one every now and then, but 7 out of every 100? And these guys are supposed to be the best in the world? Please.

...of course, no one is videotaping 100% of your calls, from 3 different angles, and studying them on a daily basis. Are they?

Dan -- thanks for this reference. I never would have gotten it if you hadn't pointed it out. It took some wading, but I did find a way to request it. Now, we'll see if it's granted!