UConn vs Marquette Fiasco (Letter to John Adams and Coordinators)
 

Yes, this is my first post, but I am a frequent reader of the forum. This fact should not diminish the contents or opinion within my letter as free speech is a right.

Many of you will disagree with my letter, but I stand by the fact that misapplication of the rules is UNACCEPTABLE and these guys should be held accountable regardless of who they are...for IF they are not disciplined, then NONE of us should be disciplined if we ever misapply a rule.

So what if I don't attach my name to this letter...that would be a death sentence.

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Letter to John Adams and Selected Coordinators of Officials:

I am certain by now that all of you are aware of the travesty that occurred in the UConn at Marquette game on January 1, 2013. If you aren’t, let me briefly remind you of the events: The officials, Karl Hess, Michael Stephens, and Mike Stuart lined the players up for the jump ball heading in the wrong direction to start the overtime period. This was not the players’ fault! It was not realized by the officials until AFTER a goaltending call was made by Stuart, who was in the lead, opposite position on the floor. The officials conferred and not only disallowed the goaltending call (saying it wasn’t a try), but used the alternating possession arrow to give the ball to Marquette at their baseline for a throw-in. Error, compounding by another error, followed by a third error!!

I watched this game in utter frustration because each of these officials have worked the Final Four and are supposed to be three of the best not only in the Big East, but the country as well. I find it hard to believe that the THIRD article in Rule 5 was not known by these officials. It is apparent to me that these officials are refereeing on reputation and not ability. It is also apparent to me that when you see the number of games these officials work (bbstate.com), there is more arrogance demonstrated by these “Big Time” officials than there is concentration and knowledge of the rules.

This was a travesty for ALL basketball officiating! Even though this fiasco happened in a Big East game, I am curious as to what excuse the coordinators will arrive at to defend these officials who also work in the SEC, ACC, Big 12, A-10, C-USA, and other conferences. Quite frankly, there is NO EXCUSE for this to happen in ANY game at ANY level. Officials who referee jr. high girls know how to line players up correctly to start an overtime period and more importantly, jr. high officials know this rule. Judgment is judgment, but knowledge of the rules is paramount. I am certain that each of these officials will be on TV later this weekend in another "BIG Time" game in a BCS conference.


Additionally, disallowing the basket may have cost UConn the game; had this basket been scored as it should have been, UConn would have only been down one versus three and would have had an opportunity to win the game versus attempting to tie the game.

It is unacceptable that officials at such a high level cannot adjudicate rules properly…and I am certain that each one will in fact return to the NCAA tourney, not because of their ability, but because of their reputation! But now their reputations should be that they do not know the rules of the game no matter how “Big Time” they think they are!!

Where is the accountablity? If this had happened with young officials, they would all probably be fired.

I think your use of the word "travesty" is a little much.

Also, yes you did attach your name to it. When you posted the letter under your screen name, which appears to be your real name, you attached your name to it.

Oh well...travesty is a matter of opinion too. Maybe Devon is NOT my real name. Hmmm. Again, the CONTENT is what should be considered...not my name.

Veiled Mask of Protected Obscurity
 

I don't use my real name. I don't think.

Yup, they screwed up. They screwed up a basic rule. They tried to fix it by "doing the right thing", and compounded it. I personally don't see that as a travesty for all basketball officiating. I would have no problem with them having to give back a game or two in the Big East. But I can't imagine that this is a fireable offense.

I don't know anything about what motivated you to write this open letter, but I find this sentence curious:

How exactly is any arrogance apparent in this situation? How exactly can you see arrogance in any official's schedule? That truly perplexes me. It makes absolutely no sense at all. You probably don't anything about any of them personally. I know one of them personally and have been observed by another one at camp. If they are arrogant, it's certainly not "apparent" when you talk to them in person; so I have no idea how it can be apparent from looking at a list of games.

Agreed that they messed up. Agreed they should be disciplined -- and I think they will be.

But:
1) It's not Adams' job to do this - -he doesn't control the conference assignments.
2) Your "travesty" and "arrogance" comments seem over the top (as others have mentioned).
3) While "free speech" is a right, it's not applicable here.
4) BCS Conference is a football term and has nothing to do with basketball.
5) The play itself is no different from any other missed call that happens with just under 5 minutes to go in a game (or for that matter at any other time) -- it affects the game, but it doesn't cost a team the game.

Care to elaborate on this?

Perhaps the players assumed it was like the beginning of the game, since that is also when there is a jump ball. The officials did check the directions. That's a bad error at that level, imho.

I am wondering if the OP might, just might be from Connecticut or affiliated with UConn. The letter reeks of bias and will likely be given as much weight if and when it is read by anyone on the receiving end.

I think you're on to something...

It's a bit early for the fanboys to be coming out of the woodwork.

Or did I miss January and February entirely?

It was the first play of OT, so UCONN should have gone up 2. Everyone makes mistakes...I feel that the OP is rather embittered about the entire situation. Why aren't we more supportive of fellow officials instead of writing a letter to Adams (trying to get them in trouble).

Before "we" flog the officials for "taking 2 points away from" and "possibly losing the game for" UConn, maybe we should evaluate every single one of Calhoun's in game mistakes and all of his player's mistakes - you know, stuff like subbing incorrectly, leaving a player in too long, not calling a timeout when really needed, missed layups, shooting the ball too early in the play clock, taking a bad foul.

Wait, none of those things directly affect the outcome of the game.

Only officials can do that. LOL.

Calhoun Who ???
 

Jim Calhoun is in his Lazy Boy recliner, not subbing, and not requesting timeouts. He retired back in the fall. Kevin Ollie is now the head coach, originally he got a one year "tryout" contract, but now he has signed a long term contract. There's certainly a lot less swearing from the bench with Ollie coaching.

Again, some of you are more concerned about me and my intentions without regard to the CONTENT of the letter. My affiliation or intent is not the issue here. Supportive of the officials you suggest? Misapplication of rules by three FF officials is UNACCEPTABLE! How can you be supportive of that?

Instead of coming at me, I have yet to read one response that justifies their actions. Where's the accountability? You never know if this ONE game costs Uconn its place in the BE tourney or selection committee seeding...one never knows the IMPACT of our mistakes as officials.

Yes I beleive some work too much; how can they concentrate and maintain their intensity night in and night out? It is too hard.

It was not a simple error...as in judgement. It was a MISSED APPLIED RULE by 3 guys who are supposed to be the best. Karl Hess can't tell me anything at a future camp since he can't even line players up correctly and doesn't know the third article of rule 5. Has he even read the rule book? But hey, ALL of them are equally at fault. It was a TRAVESTY...ask UConn if THEY feel that way.

Regarding death sentence: most everyone on here does not use his/her real name because you really cannot say what you want without fear of retailiation in some form or fashion. Period.

Stupid players, don't even know which direction they are supposed to go. Coaches didn't catch it either. Take the scholarships away from the players and fire all the coaches.

Funny, but I don't think Jim Calhoun made a single mistake during the game yesterday...

DLH ~

This is part of the arrogance I referred to as well. It is NOT our job to evaluate what a coach does or does not. We are guardians of the game and despite everything, we MUST know the rules of the game...or not officiate the game!

Even though they went the wrong way, is it the players' and coaches' fault that the goaltending call did not count and that the officials went to the AP arrow in error too?

I figure we should line them up and shoot them. Would that satisfy you?

It was a single basket in a 6-point game. Boo freaking hoo.

Certainly Not A Connecticuter ...
 

Well, we probably know for sure that DevonMoore is not from the Constitution State, nor is he, or she, a true University of Connecticut fan.

Jim Calhoun hasn't been coaching the University of Connecticut mens team since September, 2012. Due to academic issues, like the players not going to classes, and players leaving school early for the NBA while in poor academic standing, the UCONN men are not eligible for the NCAA tournament. They may have one appeal left, but I'm 99% sure that they will not be eligible for the Big East (or whatever is left of the Big East) tournament at the end of this season.

Because not all of 'us' are officials.

Agreed
 

Like always... I agree with bob.

My suggestion to Mr Moore is to stick to writing letters to Penthouse.

In probably one fourth of my overtime games I have to redirect the jumpers and restate the which basket is whose. Frankly, I put this as no bigger a deal than shooting fts on a TC foul (MN/MSU). Sure, it's a mistake, but not really a huge deal.

And anyone who claims it cost (or could have cost) a team the game when it's the first play of OT is (at most) still more fan than official.

I'm not yet convinced you're a fanboy or a troll. Or at least, you have good intentions...

But isn't it a fact that free speech only applies to non-private forums?

Also, why in your first post do you feel the need to assert this?

1. The point that everybody is trying to make here is that mistakes are made. It happens every game. Some mistakes (such as this one) are very high profile, but they happen to all of us. Was this unfortunate? Yes. Was it the sole reason that UCONN lost the game? No. Should we all (including these three) know the rules better? Absolutely. You won't find anybody defending these three guys because what happened was indefensible and we all know it.

2. You're not getting the reaction that you want because despite to the fact that you infer that you might referee some level of basketball somewhere in the world and claim to be a long time reader of this forum, you're posting as a fanboy with your fanboy hat and your UCONN gear on. Your post reeks of fanboy-dom as others have pointed out and you're being treated like any other fanboy that starts posting this time of year.

3. This is not a place to come and cry about the officiating of any particular game. This is a place for objective rules discussion and there is currently another very good thread on the topic. This thread is your attempt to stir up a mob mentality lynching and you're (not surprisingly) getting anybody riled up. Go post on a fanboy site.

4. If you're writing a letter, I hope you're sending it to the Big East commissioner, not John Adams. As has been pointed out he has absolutely zero control over who works regular season games and has no ability to deal out the punishment to officials who do screw up (which is what you seem to so desperately seek).

TL;DR - go post on a fanboy site if you want a sympathetic ear.

The reason you need to post under an alias is that you and everyone else on this board have no right to question or challenge the competence of the 3 officials on last night's game. Yes, they made an indefensible mistake, but hopefully, we can all learn from this and apply to our games in the future. Calling for a fellow officials punishment (and thinking you are right in writing to John Adams and conference coordinators) is an act of insanity. If you don't believe me, feel free to email it to John Adams. He usually responds to all emails he receives.

Not a Fanboy
 

LOL...I did email adams and hyland and clougherty and shaw (FYI): jwasports1, user2117, etc.

I am not a fanboy, and it matters not the reaction you all send my way. Each of you are anonymous as well, so what difference does it matter...just as you pay no attention to my post.

But yes, I opted to post today because I am sick and tired of BIG TIME officials f%%4ing stuff up and continue to get games with no penalty at all...living off reputation versus ability. Their arrogance is demonstrated on the floor by their mannerisms.

Again, you all focus on me...but I did not misapply the rule, because I KNOW the rule.

So continue to throw darts at me for voicing my opinion...but I have yet to hear ONE person defend their actions and provide a reasonable excuse. Guess what, there is NOT an excuse! Yeah...they will be on TV again this weekend and work the NCAA tourney, but do not know the freakin rules!

I guess it is WHO you know and not WHAT you know...

Why would you expect anyone to defend their actions? They made a mistake and almost every post in response to your silly letter acknowledges that. What exactly are you looking for?

Just curious if you're a disgruntled D1-radar official that may have missed his chance?

Yep...you got me!

Another post focusing on me.

If JR was here, he'd say

"Lah me"

There is no defense for what they did. However, if you are an official, your self-interests are apparent by your cheerleading effort to "throw the book" at officials Stuart, Stephens and Hess. Officiating is a business that is not fair. Some guys get a ton of assignments and have the rope to make mistakes where for a guy just breaking in, it could be a career ender. It is not fair and never will be as long as there is one person holding all (or most of) the power in each conference.

Let's turn this discussion into a learning opportunity, yay?
 

Let's say I had my way and all HC's and AC's had to pass a thorough rules test in order to coach at the college level. Does this situation fall in the correctable error category? And if so, until what time could the officials correct it, if requested by the B HC? (And for those who don't know one of the two rule sets, the applicable rules read identical for this scenario.)

I'd close the thread as a worthless expenditure of hot air, but quite frankly I'm really entertained by it.

BTW, I loved John Adams's response. He gave the OP more attention than he was due, IMO.

Yeah, you always close threads that do not meet your standards or liking and then block people simply because their opinion is not of yours...glad you find it entertaining.

Adams' response was typical just as I thought it would be. I was surprised he even replied. At least he READ what I had to say...OUT!

Do you really think he read your letter? That is an automated response if ever there was one. And perfect!

The learning point here, other than the obvious mis direction on OT jump ball is that when the ball became dead one official immediately recognized what had happened an the ball should have been given back to the team in control as the goaltending is an inadvertent whistle. Or am I missing something?

Did Someone Say Old School Three Times ???
 

Even thought I got my share of "Lah me"'s from Jurassic Referee, I really learned a lot from him, and I really miss him.

On the other hand, is Old School trying to make a comeback with a new username?

What would you expect someone in his position to say to a complaint about an albeit blown call(s)? Have you ever been an assignor/supervisor at any level? I do it for a living - although not at anywhere near the level of stature of Adams - and to give detailed responses that are admissions of guilt or apologies or include details of the reprimands that will be befalling the employees/contractors is not at all productive in my opinion - especially to anonymous complainants. And to reiterate what others have said - he's not even their supervisor.

Copy Art Hyland the Coordinator of Men's Basketball Officials for the Big East Conference on your e-mail to John Adams.......I'm sure he'd appreciate your insights regarding his officials.

Really, you've got to lighten up. Do actually think that these three officials haven't already heard from Hyland about this? The coordinator gets a DVD of every conference game, the officials each get one upon the completion of the game.

You mentioned in an earlier post...."Karl Hess can't teach me anything at a future camp....."
If you've attended or are thinking about attending an NCAA 'observation' camp, to get into or move up in college basketball officiating, you might want to rethink your career advancement strategy.

We have never permanently banned a user with the exception of spammers, who get the immediate permanent ban hammer.

All posters who have received any kind of time out since we took admin/mod duties are currently able to post.

You haven't gotten personal with anyone, which is why you are really of no danger of being placed in a time out. Yet. But threads have to serve some purpose -- you being entertaining won't last long, so I applaud the poster who tried turning this into a learning experience for others here.

Maybe we can move in that direction.

What you don't seem to understand is we did read your letter, and the substantive points were addressed.
1. It was a mistake. (we agree.).
2. It was a travesty. (we disagree)
3. They should be disciplined. (they probably will)
4. Newer officials would be fired (doubtful).

Whether they're disciplined by the Big East will have little bearing on whether they're on tv this weekend. Probably even zero bearing.

You do realize that a condescending form letter does NOT mean Adams even read your dissertation, right?

If you watch the video, I contend Stephens and Stuart knew something was wrong. Stephens initially takes a step backwards and Stuart is on the floor looking like he's going to kill the play, in my opinion.

Either way, what should of happened is count the bucket and go in the right direction. 5-1-3

I've checked the IP address and it is not an IP address that has been used before on the board. I know that can be spoofed and perhaps he's posted while having a different IP address, but I have limited information.

We could play a game to guess where he's posting from -- I do have that information. :D

And I read through the entire thing, as well. I think he's preaching to the choir a bit here. We watch such a thing, wince, and think -- I will make doubly sure that doesn't happen in our games this season.

Officials screw up the rules under pressure. It happens. I watched a bowl game where the crew allowed a quarterback to gain yards after his helmet came off. Same crew had trouble remembering where to put the ball on a kickoff out of bounds (they eventually got it right).

Doesn't mean they are bad officials -- it means they made mistakes.

The trail/tosser knew something was up. Seemed obvious to me -- he just didn't quite know how to handle it or was processing it when the play was finally killed.

I'm Just A Sweet Transvestite From Transexual, Transylvania ...
 

Many Forum members remain anonymous, but not all, including a few that have posted in this thread. I used to post under my real name, and my real affiliation, but was told by my local IAABO board secretary to cease, and desist. I follow the rules, so I now post anonymously.

Actually, in my opinion, I would appreciate it if the Mods removed that part of his e-mail or "X" it out -- Adam, Rich...

DevonMoore,

Yes this crew screwed up. I would hope that no one feels worse about it than they do as I doubt there was any intent to favor one team over the other. Maybe 1, 2, or all 3 of these officials were beginning to exude a sense of arrogance on the court that goes beyond what it should have. Guess what, if that is true, they've been kicked in the pants... This is an embarrassing situation that I know I would give anything to not be associated with, and I believe that is true for these guys as well.

We're all human, mistakes big and small, will unfortunately occur. And like many other parts of society, name does outweigh ability at times. That's just the reality of it. They will be penalized, although probably not enough for your liking. I guarantee that none of these 3 officials will ever let a situation like this ever happen again in their games as long as they officiate....;)

I have a different take on this. Obviously, taking the points off the board was, by rule, incorrect.

At what point, however, is that incorrect removal of points from the board correctable?

I've deleted some things from this thread, including the email response from Adams.

I didn't see that he gave permission for his private email communication to be copied to this board, so I got rid of all of it.

I've lost touch with that program....insert the youngster Ollie in there.

Perhaps that ehances my point! :D

Since "everyone" was going the opposite way, the play stands. Award UConn 2 points for the GT, take the ball to the opposite end and let the other team inbound the ball running the baseline.

If play had been stopped before the "try" then take the ball to the same spot at the opposite end and let UConn inbound it.

It's not a CE. It's a rules error.

I don't "support" mistakes, big boy. But, I DO support hard working officials that happen to make mistakes here and there. Mistakes happen all the time. It's the nature of the business. Get over it, coach, and move on. There is a ton of basketball left to be played.

Similar to JRut's recent postulations in a different thread, I propose that one creates another. Am I the only one that sees a CE situation in there somewhere?

There are 5 CEs. Which is this?

Erroneously canceling a score. Lead official calls and signals goaltending. Then crew erroneously cancels the awarded score.

Do you really think the 3 officials on that game don't know how to line players up to begin an OT period? Get real. It was not a mistake made out of ignorance. It was just a mistake, plain and simple.

I'll bet you a ice cold Pepsi that none of these officials have ever made that mistake at the collegiate level prior to that game nor will they do it in any game from here on out.

Why? Because they actually do "know the rule".

Are you that obtuse/naive, devonmoore?

I'm pretty sure that's not the rule DevonMoore is referring to. He's referring to the rule that the goaltended shot should stand, not be wiped off.

He's right about that. That's an unfortunate error. However, one error isn't going to get guys fired who have huge bodies of work like these three do. We should all hope that entire bodies of work aren't eliminated by a mistake or we're one mistake away from losing our current gigs.

Why, thank you, Rich. I prefer a slow clap.

Fire all Big East Officials!!!
 

Of course I kid with the headline, but it was a bad day for the Big East on the football field as well! Giving Michigan a first down when the ball was clearly short! Where is the outrage? Those officials must be fired, raked over the coals, and then tarred and feathered!!!! :D I didn't see anything in the football forum on this. Happy New Year to all.

Ah -- I thought you were (only) talking about "going the wrong way."

The GT part is an interesting issue.

Yeah, I am in agreement with most on this issue. The officials made a mistake...or two, but their body of work is way too large for this to impact them in a big way. This is not a Junior High game, these guys operate on a high level in pressure situations frequently. I think they should be allowed to make a mistake or two...

I don't know about the other two, but I have met Karl Hess and he is a good dude from what I know. If the OP has different opinions about any of the officials, I hope it is based on something substantial and not just comparing their schedule to their mistake. Most "Big Time" officials would rather be carted off the court than lose the big $$$. That being the case, I'm not sure how or why they big-timed this play.

Sending the email in the tone the OP sent it wasn't the smartest thing to do. Even though he said he sent it to Art Hyland also, sending it to John Adams makes it likely Mr. Hyland would get it also since they work so closely together. I didn't see this thread before the email reply was posted, but I think John Adams deserves some credit for communicating so much with officials.

While we are firing the 3 officials from this game why are we not giving any love to the football officials in the Mich/ sc state game on the first down measurement ruling.

Probably because this is the basketball forum. ;)

Because devon moore isn't a SC fan???

That was certainly one of the most bizarre things I think I've seen in sports officiating. He even looked at it again after Spurrier suggested he do so and he still indicated first down. Not sure why the challenge didn't overturn it either. The spot was so clearly short of the marker.

It was a TRAVESTY!!!!
 

I agree with you Devon, They are more concerned with attacking you than addressing the real problem. But that it what officials do. They never make a mistake it is always someone elses fault.

I tried to stay out of this, but I cannot any longer. If you want to write a letter to John Adams, why are you posting this here? It is not like any of us are going to do anything about this. It was stupid on so many levels to post this here. It does not help your career and it certainly does not change the situation. If he did not want anyone to say anything to him, then do not post this garbage here. Grow a pair for sure. We always discuss, debate or dissect plays by officials and point out what they do wrong. We had a team control foul called and the officials in a Big Ten game allowed FTs to be shot. That is basic stuff and I would not think of writing a letter to the supervisor or John Adams to complain and certain if I did would not post it here. Actually what happen in this play was more likely to happen to all of us than what happened in the Big Ten game I referenced.

Go somewhere that really cares about this crap. Otherwise this is just crap.

Peace

Really? I've seen two high school games in the past three weeks where the officials have mistakenly granted a 1-1 on what should have been team control fouls. (Loose balls without a possession change, and the "offense" fouls trying to get the loose ball).

We're really not like that . . .
 

No, that's not typically what officials do. What's typical usually takes two routes:

#1) Opinion is posted. Responses on one side and then the other are given. The tide shifts one way, then the other, then usually settles on a reliable, trustworthy conclusion. Awaiting the end of this process often yields a valuable reward, though not always in agreement with the original poster.
#2) Opinion is posted. Response differing from the opinion of the poster is given. Original poster reacts instantly. Sensing the blood in the water, other responders pile on. Poster reacts again and again and again, wondering how and why anyone can possibly differ from his originally expressed opinion. Original poster stomps away, mad at the world and everyone on the forum.

Seems as though that one route was chosen, with the predictable outcome foreseeable. And so you have it.

Since the rule has been implemented, I have never seen a single time where FTs were shot inappropriately. And really not a single time since the rule was clarified to the throw-in, I still have yet to see this situation. Usually someone talks to someone and prevents this even if it is on a loose ball. And what does all of this prove? I only can speak for what I have seen. And I am a gym rat for sure.

Peace

I think this usually happens with newbees to this site. Most veterans to this site and forum have rather reasonable discussion and debate over plays and situations. I guess this guy thought everyone was going to side with him and that did not happen he tried to make it about him.

Peace

It's times like this that I swear Teddy Roosevelt wrote "the man in the arena" for officials.

"It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat."

This thread was doomed from the get-go.

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l5...ps8d8c915f.gif

I miss how Jurassic would handle these threads.

Devon,

if you knew anything about officiating you would know your complaint should be with the Big East suprevisor, not John Adams.

So it makes it impossible to take your FANBOY letter seriously. And why should Adams read an anonymous letter?

This has really gotten 6 pages?

Forgive me for being so blunt, but you're an idiot.

Did you not see official after official on this thread saying that this crew made a mistake?

Are the officials not human? Are they not entitled to make a mistake (even a big one) from time to time?

Edited to add: I wasted 5 minutes looking at the 53 posts you've made since you joined this board. At least 50 of them are ripping officials, umpires, etc.

In other words, you are a troll, sir.

The Corner Into Which You Are Now Boxed
 

I am an official. I blew a call on a 7-5-7 OOB pass play last Friday. It was my fault. Mine and mine alone.

Care to dispute that?

A Jim Rome fanboy at that.

Amen :(

There would be a dearth of 'attaboys' if mick were here as well.

And I Just Started to Like the Guy
 

The sheer entertainment value of this thread made my usual 12 hour work day seem like 4 hours! Thank you, Devon! :)
Please post again next Sunday through Tuesday. That's when I'm back on shift again. Anytime after 4:30am is okay.

Wrong answer.

All officials, including yours truly, makes mistakes.

It's called "the human factor".

Move on, coach.

1. If you have such little regard for us, why did you give us such prime red meat?

2. If we blocked people for being idiots, TonyT would be long gone.

3. We disagree with each other (not always in a civil manner) too much to block people due to their opinions. Arrogance and hubris, however....

BTW, what was John's response? Not asking for the word for word version, but what did he basically say?

Peace

Devon

I've got some comments and they are interjected after each part. And I've also included a running total of how correct, relevant, or valid your points are.

***************

Letter to John Adams and Selected Coordinators of Officials:

***Should only go to the Big East coordinator of officials as he's the only one who has supervisory responsibility for Big East games.

So you're 0-1 so far

I am certain by now that all of you are aware of the travesty that occurred in the UConn at Marquette game on January 1, 2013.

***I'm sure he would know about it too. So you're now 1-2.

If you aren’t, let me briefly remind you of the events: The officials, Karl Hess, Michael Stephens, and Mike Stuart lined the players up for the jump ball heading in the wrong direction to start the overtime period. This was not the players’ fault! It was not realized by the officials until AFTER a goaltending call was made by Stuart, who was in the lead, opposite position on the floor. The officials conferred and not only disallowed the goaltending call (saying it wasn’t a try), but used the alternating possession arrow to give the ball to Marquette at their baseline for a throw-in. Error, compounding by another error, followed by a third error!!

***If you're certain he knew then there is no point in reiterating everything. Don't waste his time. 1-3.

I watched this game in utter frustration because each of these officials have worked the Final Four and are supposed to be three of the best not only in the Big East, but the country as well. I find it hard to believe that the THIRD article in Rule 5 was not known by these officials. It is apparent to me that these officials are refereeing on reputation and not ability. It is also apparent to me that when you see the number of games these officials work (bbstate.com), there is more arrogance demonstrated by these “Big Time” officials than there is concentration and knowledge of the rules.

***All conjecture, hearsay, and opinion as to why it happened. Counts for nothing. The only thing that matters is the real reason why they missed it. To get that answer you'd have to ask the three officials. Which you have not done. 1-4

This was a travesty...

***While a bit melodramatic here I'll give you this one since it was handled poorly. 2-5.


for ALL basketball officiating!

***Please. 2-6.

Even though this fiasco happened in a Big East game, I am curious as to what excuse the coordinators will arrive at to defend these officials who also work in the SEC, ACC, Big 12, A-10, C-USA, and other conferences.

***There will be no excuses. There will be a reason why they messed up as there always is. But citing a reason should not be perceived as an excuse that would somehow relieve them of responsibility in the matter. 2-7.

Quite frankly, there is NO EXCUSE for this to happen in ANY game at ANY level.

***Man. I guess you're giving them the old what-for. Even use capital letters. But correct so you're now 3-8. But you know what? The supervisor already knows this so again you're wasting his time. So I'm taking it away from you. 2-8.

Officials who referee jr. high girls know how to line players up correctly to start an overtime period and more importantly, jr. high officials know this rule. Judgment is judgment, but knowledge of the rules is paramount.

***It wasn't that they didn't know the rule. They didn't catch it at the start of the overtime period. They blew it. They just didn't remind themselves to check to see if the teams were lined up correctly. So on this you go to 3-10.


I am certain that each of these officials will be on TV later this weekend in another "BIG Time" game in a BCS conference.

***Maybe you will. But we'll wait and see. But no one can be "certain" of anything. So, sorry. 3-11.


Additionally, disallowing the basket may have cost UConn the game; had this basket been scored as it should have been, UConn would have only been down one versus three and would have had an opportunity to win the game versus attempting to tie the game.

***All conjecture and has no place in a letter concerning the correct adjudication of a rule. The only thing that matters is if a rule was applied properly or not. Several different scenarios could have resulted none of which will ever be known. 3-12.

It is unacceptable that officials at such a high level cannot adjudicate rules properly

***Good point. I'm sure all the officials on this board will take it as a revelation. 4-13

and I am certain that each one will in fact return to the NCAA tourney, not because of their ability, but because of their reputation!

***Again with the certainty. 4-14. And even if they do go back they will be there with a bunch of other guys who all made mistakes this year.

But now their reputations should be that they do not know the rules of the game no matter how “Big Time” they think they are!!

***Nope. Their reputation should be that of good officials that screwed up a situation. Not unlike myself and about several hundred other officials. 4-15.

Where is the accountablity?

***We'll wait and see what happens. To ask this question before any appreciable time has passed since it happened is nonsensical. If anything will happen to them you have to give the supervisor some time to figure out exactly what to do or not do. 4-16.


If this had happened with young officials, they would all probably be fired.

***Again conjecture. But it's a certainty that if young officials were fired for making mistakes concerning rules, there would be no officials anywhere to work games. 4-17.

***So you were 4-17 on your points made. That's 23%. That tells me that you need to go back to work on your game. Maybe critique junior high officials. That's a good place to start over again. So stop writing letters to college supervisors. You're not ready yet.

"Thanks for being a fan of college basketball."

I'm now sorry I missed the response letter.

Just reading this made me laugh...that's about all the response that Devon Fanboy deserves.

That is classic.

Peace

Yeah, it was the functional equivalent of, "Thanks for your interest in working for our company, insert name here, but we have gone in another direction."

From my understanding, their argument of "disallowing" the goaltending score was that when they "discovered" that the teams were going in the wrong direction (thanks to them), that their argument (or claim) is that by rule, you cannot have a shot attempt at the wrong basket, so when they blew it dead for a violation, the basket (or score in this case), doesn't count.

They would've been right had they not put them in the wrong direction to start, so anything that happened. . .counts.

This was just the icing on the cake on a game that was littered (seriously), with phantom calls galore. . .

Just my $.02 cents worth. . .

One more piece of spare change to add to my $.02 cents worth. . .

I'm not piling on by any means. Like the majority has said in here, all us stripes have kicked calls, misapplied rules, etc etc. . .and the microcosm of it all is that especially with media now, how even the most microscopic thing can be blown up -- unfortunately for this experienced crew, it was a very obvious thing that did and the carnage just spread from there. . .

I recently had a game where it was a 1-pt game and a team was shooting the 2nd FT of a 1-1, she misses, it hits the rim and while the ball was in the air, the clock started early and we missed it going down 0.4 seconds.

Now, not saying the other team down 1 would've scored, but who knows? We kicked that rule because we didn't catch, but such is the fact of human nature, and error, in all of us. . .

Ok, back to my very distant lounge chair where I just usually read material in here and enjoy, but regardless of how this thread caught fire as if by an arsonist, good stuff, nonetheless. . .

I am reminded of Dennis Moore, for some reason.

Knowledge alone does not get the job done. You can KNOW what you are supposed to do when the car you are driving starts sliding on slick roads. Whether you DO that or not in the heat of the moment is another story.

Nope. It's what you DO.

Will post more later when I'm on a computer instead of just my phone.

I also will use this as a caution to everyone about anonymity — someone once said on this forum that you're not nearly as anonymous as you think. :)

I'm 100% sure the OP could have included his name in his email as I'm 100% sure Mr. Adams never read it. I'm sure his disdain for fanboys is just as strong as ours.

TRANSLATION: "Go to h***" :D

http://content.internetvideoarchive..../004285_28.jpg

"Well...there it is."

LOL...thanks for coming. And to all a good night! I've enjoyed yall bashing me too.

Peace! :-)

With complete seriousness I ask you....what did you expect?

You came to an Officials forum and bashed officials.

And then you are surprised when people bash you back.

Not very intelligent...

And many people have said that the officials messed up. We all get that. The rest of us view it as an opportunity to learn from someone else's mistake. You view it as a travesty. Some want to get better at this craft, while others just want to gripe. You have made it clear which you are.