3 Seconds

[bainsey]

Originally Posted by Adam

While there may be no advantage component in the rule, I don't know of anyone that wants 3 seconds called strictly by the rule. You should, however, be talking the players out of the lane...

IF you're told to do so by your local leadership.

Here, the instruction is, "Don't be a good three-second official. Be a GREAT three-second official." We do not talk kids out of the lane, ever. And as a result, the kids move.

For me, if I reach three on a kid in the lane without the ball, and he makes an obvious effort to get out of the lane (or "bucket," as some still call it here), I'll hold my whistle. If he gets out, fine. If he stays put or gets the ball, tweet.

It's just another violation, no big deal. And, like anything else, when they know you enforce it, it works. Last night, JV-B, a total of zero 3-second rulings from my partner and me. (Some sure couldn't keep their arms down then they moved, though.)

[Rich]

Originally Posted by bainsey

"Don't be a good three-second official. Be a GREAT three-second official."

I prefer my quote:

"Don't make three-seconds your best call."

[rpirtle]

I use the same technique some have mentioned...I talk to the players first. I won't blow 3-seconds unless they've been warned 1st...whether it was immediately before I blew or on a previous trip. It's just my opinion...but it's such a "game interrupter" when a partner blows 3-seconds with no warning (usually away from the ball).