Beginner questions

[bob jenkins]

All of us went through all of that.

1. Use the benches. Or, announce the colour and then see which way the players move and point that way.

2. When the shot goes up (and you are not responsible for the shooter), find the most competitive matchup in you area and watch how both players move. Look fro displacement, then waith to see if the displacemnt affects who gets the rebound.

3. 3-seconds is one of the rules that is applied with a bit of judgment. If it's happened earlier in the game and not been called, then you don't wnt to call it late. But if it's the first time it's happened, then get it (I called it for the first time with < 1 min in a game last night). Also, look to get it early -- you don'[t need to wait for your partner to get it.

4. Yes, it takes time. Focus on the hip of the offensive player -- you will be able to see the foot move and you will see any contact that happens up higher. When a player stops, say "right foot" to identify the pivot.

5. By rule, you are correct. In practice, the "act of shooting" can last a bit longer. Maybe think of it that "if the shooter is CLEARLY back on the floor" then it's not a shooting foul.

[Freddy]

Originally Posted by bob jenkins

...announce the colour...

Bob, I didn't know you spoke Australian!

SplitInfinitive,
To eagerly embark on the road to progressively becoming a confident and competent official, you've already started to correctly take the proper step -- joining in to avidly learn from the questions and responses which many are diligent to periodically contribute to this discussion board. Bob's advice is solid and you can look forward to other responses which intend to adequately assist you in your pursuit.
Let me be the first to sincerely welcome you to officiating!

[Rooster]

Originally Posted by Freddy

SplitInfinitive,
To eagerly embark on the road to progressively becoming a ...

Did you split these infinitives to make him (or her) feel more welcome?

Sometimes I too have trouble with making an OOB call and pointing in the correct direction with the correct hand. A few years ago I asked the same question on this forum and got the best advice about this situation yet. Say the color, sloooow down, take your time, let the players "tell" you what direction to point. Another thing that I've added: If we're moving left to right, for example, I'll pretend (like anyone's watching...) to adjust my shirt on my left shoulder and say the color of the defensive team in my head. That way I remember to use my left hand if it's the defensive team's ball. I dunno, I think the tactile, combined with the verbal in my head helps. Now if could just get those other voices to stop...