School or Business Logo on Court
 

Try this question on:
Question: A school may have a logo for a local business on the court within the playing surface provided it doesn't distract from the visibility of the required court markings.

Observation: On page 9 of the 2012 Rules Book, Section 3 Art.3, is states.....if the floor has a logo in the center of the court, that logo should not distract from the visibility of the center line or center circle.

NOW...I though this would mean a school logo, but could it also mean a "business logo"?:confused:

Why do they put such silly questions on the test? I couldn't find a reference to that and that is probably one of the ones I missed. I don't think that not knowing the answer to THAT will ever effect how I call the game.

Agreed!

Even if the center circle is messed up.....what am I going to do at game night?

Hence why I started this thread: http://forum.officiating.com/basketb...exam-time.html

Thought we'd get more discussion.

My exam was weird....

I would still like to know what others are thinking around this question. Stupid, sure, but that's the NFHS's doing. So, what is your interpretation of "logo can be either a business or school on the court"?

Yes it can.

No it can't.

Now what? I'm more interested if someone can find an actual reference in either the rule book, case book, or manual.

Agreed. Rediculous. Couldn't find anything anywhere on it. I think that is the one question I got wrong. Grrrrr.....

If you are working on a floor that doesnt have an outline (thru the ctr) or something through the logo at mid court, defining where the mid court line is, you should try to get game management to atleast put some athletic tape through the ctr. to assist in defining where it's at. Sure its not great but if you don't then no doubt one of your crew will inevitibly have a close play right at the line where you really can't call the back court violation because you don't have definate knowledge if the O is over it or not.

I would rather guess at the midcourt line than have a line of tape across the floor.

Misty Water Colored Memories ...
 

I'm sure that you meant to say "the division line". Midcourt lines (hash marks) disappeared many years ago, although a few gymnasiums, here in my little corner of Connecticut, still have them.

It also strikes me as odd that they would specify a "local" business, would a national business be any different? also I looked in the case book, nothing there either.

Hash marks. Good. Old gyms, bad
 

I get a warm and fuzzy feeling when I enter a gym with the hash marks

Unfortunately, it is nearly universally true that the gym floor was laid down in the 50s, and therefore my knees soon develop a feeling I would not describe as warm or fuzzy. I would describe the feeling in said knees receiving a two-man pounding on such an ancient court as much like that felt by persons behind in their payments to certain individuals fond of driving about in Lincoln Town Cars.

Probably Legal
 

1) We know we can't change the logo on the floor, so that's not the point of the question concerning a business logo.

2) We know we can't forfeit the game, so that's not the point of the question.

3) The question does not deal with tape and hash marks, so that is off the question.

4) But, knowing the rules, even stupid things such as this, allows us to answer any questions from the opposing team (as that is where the logo concern would come from) as well as any visiting Administrator or fan.

Since Rule 1-3-3 does not make a differentiation between a school or business, but simply states "Logo" I would have to say the answer to the question is True...meaning a business can have a logo that is not distracting.

Honestly, the rule just says logo. While you, or I, or dang near everyone, would likely assume that to mean School Logo ... it doesn't. A business logo seems to be allowed per the way the rule is written.

That said... it's entirely conceivable that one of us would work a game at a sponsored location - so perhaps business logo is not as absurd as at first glance.

I guess if A) it was distracting or B) they really mean business logo's are illegal and we come across a business logo ... there's really nothing we can, would, or even should do regarding playing the game. We would, I suppose, report such a thing to whoever is in charge in your area - and let them deal with it.

It has to be legal. At the Minnesota State Tournament they have logos for Wells Fargo and MSHSL on the floor.