Pre Tip Off question

[Scuba_ref]

It's Middle School. I'm not sure the last time I checked a MS book. I'm happy to see someone sitting there ready to go. My main concern is do they know how to operate the game clock and do they know when to reset the shot clock - seeing as the table crew themselves are MSers.

[bob jenkins]

You need to figure out how strictly this is handled in your area.

Also, remember that the requirement is only to give the information to the scorer by 10 minutes -- it doesn't need to be in the book. So, if the roster and starters were the same as in the previous game, you *could* make a case that the information was provided by just putting the book on the table.

[dbogcpa]

Thanks for the replies. I wasn't to concerned that it wasn't ready at 10:00, I just wanted to get the game going. I just didn't like them getting pissy with me because I thought the book should be ready 3:00 before tipoff and the HC asking for the T

[ODog]

Originally Posted by dbogcpa

I wasn't to concerned that it wasn't ready at 10:00, I just wanted to get the game going.

I mean this in all seriousness: At that level, if you want to get the game going, just put the numbers in the book yourself.

It's good practice for the AAU assembly line of games anyway

[Raymond]

Originally Posted by ODog

I mean this in all seriousness: At that level, if you want to get the game going, just put the numbers in the book yourself.

It's good practice for the AAU assembly line of games anyway

Seriously, you have to put numbers in the book for AAU?

[ODog]

Originally Posted by BadNewsRef

Seriously, you have to put numbers in the book for AAU?

On occasion, sure. A lot of tournaments require each team to supply someone for the table (book/clock), and that is often hard enough ... never mind how long it takes or how little the anointed individuals know about their unwanted duties.

When the train must keep moving, sometimes you need to grease the wheels.

[PG_Ref]

Reading some of these responses has been quite interesting. In these parts, we don't lower the expectations for M.S. games. The expectations are the same as they are for H.S. games. I guess "when in Rome ...".

[johnny d]

Originally Posted by ODog

On occasion, sure. A lot of tournaments require each team to supply someone for the table (book/clock), and that is often hard enough ... never mind how long it takes or how little the anointed individuals know about their unwanted duties.

When the train must keep moving, sometimes you need to grease the wheels.

In an aau game, I could not care less whether there are names and numbers in the book. In fact, I don't really care if there is someone there doing the book. As long as there is somebody there to push the start button on the clock, the table is good enough. We would never delay the start of the game for a book keeping issue in an aau game. Whoever decides to do the book can put the numbers in on the fly.

[MD Longhorn]

I would suggest first that you lower your table and pre-game protocol expectations for middle school games. That said - I agree with the first post - ALWAYS accept the invitation by a coach to give them a T. There was no need for that attitude toward you at the get-go.

[Refk]

My table expectations for MS games is low...........so if everything is ready to go at 3 minutes it's a bonus. I agree, if the coach wants the T then I'm more than happy to oblige.

[Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.]

The previous post have given good information about how to hand your situation. But you had one other weapon in your bag of tricks: Declare the Visitor's Scorebook the Official Scorebook.

MTD, Sr.

[Jim Henry]

Originally Posted by Scuba_ref

It's Middle School. I'm not sure the last time I checked a MS book. I'm happy to see someone sitting there ready to go. My main concern is do they know how to operate the game clock and do they know when to reset the shot clock - seeing as the table crew themselves are MSers.

I have been doing MS games for 13 years. Yeah call me crazy. Also do Jr High and some JV. I agree with Scuba ref. I’m just glad there are two bookkeepers and a competent person at the clock at the MS games. Never check the book. I do though always enforced the rules to the surprise of some in the gym. I feel we have to teach the rules to the kids, coaches and parents. Many times when a violation happens I calmly tell the player what they did wrong. Sometimes I direct my comments to the coach too. They don’t have a problem with this. I did though have a bookkeeper say to me, “I know of no ref that would have made that call." What happened is the girl bringing down the ball stopped dribbling in the backcourt, tied her shoe and then proceeded to dribble again. Tweet. Double dribble. I think she learned her lesson.

[SCalScoreKeeper]

I work volleyball for our local board and handle our school's basketball books.In volleyball we are expected to show up at least 30 minutes prior to first serve.I show up an hour early for my matches.We run the risk of losing assignments if we show up later than 30 minutes multiple times.In basketball we play all 4 levels (JV girls,JV boys,Var girls,Var boys) on the same day 3,430,600,and 730.I am at school for home games at 2pm.On the rare instance I work Jr High games I feel like it is my job to show the next generation how it is done at the varsity level.I hold the students to the same expectations that I keep for myself when handling games at any level.One of my favorite sayings is "The most important game on the court is the game in front of you."If its MS or JV that means giving it the same effort as varsity.