Disconcertion From The Bench

[stripes]

This is not golf.

Noise is part of the game.

I would be VERY JUDICIOUS in calling disconcertion on bench personnel.

Every time this topic comes up, the first thought that crosses my mind is "why would an official look for trouble?" IMO, calling disconcertion is looking for trouble that is not there.

Flame on...

[Adam]

Originally Posted by stripes

This is not golf.

Noise is part of the game.

I would be VERY JUDICIOUS in calling disconcertion on bench personnel.

Every time this topic comes up, the first thought that crosses my mind is "why would an official look for trouble?" IMO, calling disconcertion is looking for trouble that is not there.

Flame on...

No flames. I agree. In order for me to even address it, it's going to have to be an obviously concerted effort; such as a chant or stomp.

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by stripes

I would be VERY JUDICIOUS in calling disconcertion on bench personnel.

Originally Posted by Adam

In order for me to even address it, it's going to have to be an obviously concerted effort; such as a chant or stomp.

For me, once in thirty-two seasons, and that was in a boys high school recreation game. How's that for judicious? If I were to call this in a high school varsity game, it would probably involve some type of warning before I go to the "nuclear" option, although, if I ever came across it, the entire bench yelling "Miss. Miss. Miss ... ", at the top of their lungs would probably not get that warning, just the arm, and fist, parallel to the floor. Some might probably call this unsporting, but that's another story, for another time. Goodnight moon.

[Rob1968]

Originally Posted by Adam

No flames. I agree. In order for me to even address it, it's going to have to be an obviously concerted effort; such as a chant or stomp.

GV game, a few years ago: 1st half - during 1st of 2 FT's - bench players: "stomp, stomp, clap, clap, "Miss it! Miss it!" and repeated . . .
Delayed violation signal, and shooter made the 1st shot. We then informed the coach that the choreographed actions would not be tolerated, and could be considered unsporting. She asked if they couldn't say anything during the shots.
We replied that the issue was the choreography, and as long as the verbiage and comments were not out-of-line, they could feel free to express themselves. She and her players seemed to understand, and we had no further incidents.

[stripes]

Originally Posted by Rob1968

GV game, a few years ago: 1st half - during 1st of 2 FT's - bench players: "stomp, stomp, clap, clap, "Miss it! Miss it!" and repeated . . .
Delayed violation signal, and shooter made the 1st shot. We then informed the coach that the choreographed actions would not be tolerated, and could be considered unsporting. She asked if they couldn't say anything during the shots.
We replied that the issue was the choreography, and as long as the verbiage and comments were not out-of-line, they could feel free to express themselves. She and her players seemed to understand, and we had no further incidents.

For me this is an example of something I would not even bother addressing. I said it before, this is not golf...noise and distractions are part of the game...even from the bench. Don't look for trouble.

[Adam]

Originally Posted by stripes

For me this is an example of something I would not even bother addressing. I said it before, this is not golf...noise and distractions are part of the game...even from the bench. Don't look for trouble.

I'd have no problem addressing that situation.

1. It's bush league garbage. The coach should be embarassed to be doing it.
2. It's rare, so telling him to knock it off is easy.

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by Rob1968

GV game, a few years ago: 1st half - during 1st of 2 FT's - bench players: "stomp, stomp, clap, clap, "Miss it! Miss it!" and repeated . . . Delayed violation signal, and shooter made the 1st shot. We then informed the coach that the choreographed actions would not be tolerated, and could be considered unsporting.

Originally Posted by stripes

For me this is an example of something I would not even bother addressing ... noise and distractions are part of the game...even from the bench.

Wrong. It's unsporting, it's not part of the game of basketball, and it has to be addressed in some manner, maybe just a warning, maybe a disconcertion violation, or maybe the "nuclear" option of an unsporting technical foul. An official cannot ignore this type of behavior.

[stripes]

Originally Posted by BillyMac

Wrong. It's unsporting, it's not part of the game of basketball, and it has to be addressed in some manner, maybe just a warning, maybe a disconcertion violation, or maybe the "nuclear" option of an unsporting technical foul. An official cannot ignore this type of behavior.

Totally disagree. Noise and distractions are part of the game. If you want to open that can of worms...be my guest. I see nothing wrong with what the bench personnel were described as doing. IMO, a FT shooter should be able tune out the things described and that makes them, once again, IMO, something to ignore.

[Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.]

Originally Posted by stripes

Totally disagree. Noise and distractions are part of the game. If you want to open that can of worms...be my guest. I see nothing wrong with what the bench personnel were described as doing. IMO, a FT shooter should be able tune out the things described and that makes them, once again, IMO, something to ignore.

STRIPES: I AM GOING TO STOP THIS NONSENSE NOW!! THE BEHAVIOR BY BENCH PERSONNEL DESCRIBED IN A POST ABOVE IS ABSOLUTELY PROHIBITED BY RULE: IT IS UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT AND IF YOU DO NOT HAVE THE INTESTINAL FORTITUDE TO ENFORCE IT THEN GET THE HELL OUT OF THE BASKETBALL OFFICIATING PROFESSION! THERE IS NO DEFENSE THAT YOU CAN GIVE FOR FAILURE TO PENALIZE BENCH PERSONNEL FOR THIS TYPE OF CONDUCT! I CANNOT BELIEVE THAT YOU WOULD TAKE THE POSITION THAT THIS TYPE OF CONDUCT IS ALLOWED BY THE RULES!

MTD, Sr.

[Adam]

Originally Posted by stripes

Totally disagree. Noise and distractions are part of the game. If you want to open that can of worms...be my guest. I see nothing wrong with what the bench personnel were described as doing. IMO, a FT shooter should be able tune out the things described and that makes them, once again, IMO, something to ignore.

Noise and distractions? Yes. Concerted chanting and stomping from the bench? Nope. Fans get to do all sorts of things coaches and players can't. This is no exception.

[Rufus]

Originally Posted by stripes

This is not golf.

Noise is part of the game.

If you're talking about the crowd making noise I'm in complete agreement. Players, either on the court or on the bench, are not part of the crowd however (i.e., they didn't pay admission to get into the gym).

That being said, I agree that they would have to do something pretty outrageous to get me thinking about calling disconcertion.

[mtn335]

What about band/cheerleaders? They're in that in-between-place of not being members of the crowd, but not being participants.

I had a situation season before last where an idiot drummer in the band kept absently playing rudiments on the floor or on his snare drum while the ball was live. I've been to this school many times and have a good relationship with the AD and table personnel, so I quietly asked that the band folks be reminded about the rule.

It mostly stopped, but at one point (intentionally or otherwise) in the second half, this kid hit his drum right as a visiting player was starting her free-throw motion. Her head visibly jerked toward the sound, and the free throw missed badly.

I awarded a replacement. Covered by rule? Uh, questionable. Fair? Well, I thought so...