60 Seconds on Officiating

Going by the Book

It would seem to be a fair statement to say that every official with at least a few games under his or her belt has experienced the chill of being called to the table during a dead ball by the time keeper or the person handling the score book.

As you make the walk to the table you can see the table crew has that "it's not my fault" expression on their faces.

"Take a deep breath and relax"

We at Ref 60 emphasize our fervent belief that rule competency breeds calmness and confidence in chaos. So if you digest this "60 Second" serving on the correct way to administer problems related to the score book, you will not be unduly stressed about what you may be presented with when you get to the table.

Just remember when dealing with the official score book:

• You would assess an Administrative Technical Foul
  
  • to add a name and number to the team member list.
  • to change the number of a player who is in the game or attempting to enter the game

Avoid being sidetracked by any explanation regarding "why" the player is not listed in the official book.

• You would  NOT assess an Administrative Technical Foul
  
  • if a player sitting on the bench is not listed in the official book
  • and there is no attempt to enter the game by the reserve player.
  • Therefore, no technical foul.

Administrative Technical Fouls are:

• Charged to the team.
• Count towards the bonus.
• NOT charged to the player or indirectly to the coach.

So, if the scorer informs you that new player A-6 attempting to enter the game is not listed in the book, Team A would be charged with an Administrative Technical foul.

However, if A-6 were to somehow enter and leave the game before the bookkeeping error is discovered, there would be no penalty. The infraction must be penalized when it occurs. 

Therefore, if the coach of Team A asks the table to enter A-7's number into the book during a timeout, the Administrative Technical Foul would be charged when the official scorekeeper enters A-7 into the book and notifies one of the officials.

Let's back up and review a couple of pre-game scenarios:

• If before the game, but after the 10-minute mark, Team A's coach enters a player or players into the book, ONE Administrative Technical Foul is assessed. The game would begin with Team B attempting two free throws and inbound the ball at the division line.

• As an aside, once the game is underway and the scorer states that No. 10 was the designated starter for Team A, but No. 20 started in his/her place, there is no Administrative Technical Foul.  This infraction must be noticed before the ball becomes alive to start the game.

While Administrative Technical Fouls have been greatly condensed to eliminate the parade of free throws for multiple bookkeeping mistakes, it is important to note the distinction between what happens in the pre-game BEFORE and AFTER the 10-minute mark.

• A team's failure to provide its roster and starting lineup at least 10-minutes BEFORE the tip-off results in ONE Administrative Technical foul being charged to the offending team.

• Any changes made AFTER the 10-minute mark would also be a maximum of ONE Technical foul charged to the offending team.

Knowing how to correctly administer any bookkeeping errors will make for a stress-free stroll to the scorer's table in all of your future games.

NFHS Reference:  3-2-2b   10-1-1-2a,b,c
Special thanks to Vince Iandoli, IAABO Camden- NJ Board #34 Interpreter for his assistance.    

 
   
 
 
 

Closely Guarded Secrets

One of the most challenging concepts to master as a newer official is that of diligent monitoring (and visible counting) of a closely guarded situation.  Years ago the situation was even more complicated with a mid-court / fore-court area ... but since the 28 foot lines were ostensibly removed this created one big front court making it easier to follow guarded opponents during play.

Here are some keys to remember when INITIATING a closely guarded situation...

• The ball must be in the front court.
• There must be player-control.
• The opponent (defender) must be within six (6) feet.
• The offensive player can either be holding or dribbling the ball.
• Six feet is measured from the forward foot of the defender to the forward foot of the offensive player.

What should the OFFICIAL look for ...

• Make sure ALL of the above keys are present.
• Initiate a visible count (with arm/hand) when the situation exists.
• Once the offensive player gets head/shoulders past the defensive player, the count shall stop.
• If the defensive player backs away (more than six feet) the count shall stop.
• If the offensive player is holding the ball (while closely guarded) then begins a dribble ... a new count should be started.  If the offensive player picks up that same dribble and holds the ball (again, while closely guarded) ... another new count would be started.
• If the offensive player is dribbling the ball (while closely guarded) then picks up the dribble ... a new count should be started.
• At anytime during this sequence of closely guarded events the count reaches five (5) seconds (holding, dribbling, or holding again) ... this should be ruled a violation on the offensive player.
• Signal to stop the clock with an open hand (violation) and use the approved signal for the 5 Second Violation - point direction and spot the ball closest to the violation.
• There is a relatively new signal for "Not Closely Guarded" situations which is recommended to be used for "emphasis only."  Ref 60 recommends using this to visualize to coaches/fans that the two players are NOT within the six feet closely guarded restrictions or they were at one time, but the situation has changed.
• Since there is no player control during an interrupted dribble, there is no closely guarded situation or count.
  
  
  (See this November Article on Interrupted Dribble)
  

Some recommended techniques ...

• Alternate between two hands when counting ... start with one hand while the offensive player is holding the ball and when the dribble starts, initiate a new count with the other hand, to emphasize a new count has started. 
• If a third new count is needed for the play ... alternate hands again, to show this new (and final) count.
• Be ready for a time-out from the bench area as you reach deep into your closely guarded counts as teams try to avoid a five second violation.  Remember, the off-official can recognize the coach requesting a time out and grant it, while you are continuing the count.
• If you start a visible count in your primary coverage area, and the player dribbles out of your area, stay with the count until the player picks up the dribble.  At this time, the new official with primary coverage should initiate a new count.  Widen your field of vision make sure you attend to your primary area along with the continued count on this dribbler. 
• There is no requirement for the defender to be the same person. This means closely guarded counts continue while defenders switch on and off the offensive player provided at least one of the defenders maintained the closely guarded situation.

Here's a few tips to visualize how far six feet actually is:

• The distance from the foul line to the outer edge of the "top of the key / restraining semi-circle" is six feet.
• If two average size opponents were to reach out and shake hands, most likely they would be within six feet.
• Maybe just go get a tape measure!

As you progress up the ladder, remember closely guarded situations are an important part of the game, as coaches teach better defense ... it's incumbent we rule on this consistently.

NFHS Reference:  4-10 and 9-10-1

Cupid's AP Arrow

Happy Valentine's Day from everyone at 60 Seconds on Officiating!

The practice of using the Alternating Possession (AP) Arrow was introduced to eliminate most jump ball situations in an effort to speed up the game, and truth be told, because too often they were poorly administered.

So if the change was made to make our officiating lives a bit easier, let's take a "60 Second" look at a few  scenarios to make sure every AP situation goes as smoothly as the rule-makers intended.

First, make sure the AP arrow is set correctly right from the opening jump. This will require you or your partner to sneak a peek at the table to check that the arrow is set toward the basket of the team not in possession of the opening tap.

We have mentioned in previous "60 Second" issues about gauging the competency of your table crew.

If you have a veteran staff that you recognize from previous assignments, then you can be assured of few surprises. But if someone tells you they are "just filling in," or "this is my first time," you will need to be more diligent in double-checking the arrow, fouls, etc.

Many evaluators frown on such conspicuous reminders as switching a rubber band or whistle from your wrist or pocket, respectively, after each AP change.  But however you choose to remember, it is ultimately your crew's responsibility to know what the table is telling you, is in fact correct.

Staying with the notion of getting out of the starting gate cleanly, remember that:

• Any pre-game technical foul by a team (Team A), will give Team B an opening game throw-in, and Team A will gain  the arrow for the first alternating possession situation.
• Any opening game tap violation by a team (Team A), will give Team B a throw-in, and Team A will gain the arrow for the first alternating possession situation.
• The direction of the arrow is turned after the AP throw-in ends.

An AP throw-in ends when the ball is legally touched inbounds , or when the throw-in team commits a violation.  A violation would cause the throw-in team to lose both the ball and the arrow.

However, if either team commits a foul during an AP throw-in, it does not cause the throw-in team to lose the AP arrow.  Administer the foul and leave the arrow as it was.

Remember ...

• The referee will administer the AP throw-in to start the 2nd and 4th periods, and will be certain to switch (if necessary) the AP arrow at halftime as part of his/her intermission duties so that the correct team will be given the ball to start the 3rd quarter.
• For schools utilizing a scoreboard type arrow indicator, you will not need to switch the arrow.  If a table-side directional device is used, remember to turn the arrow, since the teams will be changing baskets to start the 2nd half.
• All AP throw-ins will be administered at the closest spot to the location of the ball at the time the whistle was blown.

The change from the in-game jump ball administration, to the AP arrow procedure was done to improve the overall game, and hopefully these "60 Second" tips will allow you to correctly administer all alternating possession situations that arise in any of your future games.

NFHS Reference 4-3-1 through 4-3-3 and 6-4-1         

Chop that Clock

 After time has been out, re-starting the clock can be narrowed down to several key situations whereas one of the on-court officials should "chop the clock" or signal time-in.

Keep in mind these situations and PRECISELY when this signal should be used to insure proper communication and coordination between officials and table crew.

• To start the game (or overtime period) with a JUMP BALL, the clock shall be started when the tossed ball is LEGALLY TOUCHED.
  • The table side official should be responsible for "chopping" the clock.
  • Make sure to be out of the visual line of sight for the timer, so they can also see the jumpers.
  • If a violation occurs prior to the ball being legally touched, no time should have moved from the clock, and with definite knowledge should be reset to 8:00 minutes (4:00 minutes overtime).
  • As the ball is being legally touched, the nearer official (U1) will bring their hand down to signal time-in and "chop" the clock.
• During a FREE THROW which is NOT-SUCCESSFUL, the clock shall be started when the missed free throw touches (or is touched) by a PLAYER ON THE COURT.
  • The trail official (2 person crew) or center official (3 person crew) is responsible for "chopping" the clock on the final free throw.
  • A good mechanic is to utilize the arm closest to the division line for counting and chopping, as to minimize distraction for the free-thrower.
  • A "tiny-count" with the wrist followed by lifting the arm on the free throw release, while waiting for the proper time to "chop" is recommended.
  • It is very conceivable the missed free throw could rebound to the floor and bounce around for a given time, without the clock being "chopped in."  Patience is key here, to wait until the ball is touched by a player on the court.
  • Violations will cause the ball to become dead prior to the clock starting.

• During a FREE THROW which is SUCCESSFUL, the clock shall be started after the impending THROW-IN.

• The trail official (2 person crew) or center official (3 person crew) was responsible for "chopping" the clock if the free throw was missed.
• Same mechanics as above ... but once the final free throw is successful, the outside official will drop their arm, at the same time as the lead official (new trail) raises their arm and starts the 5 second inbound count. Coordinate the dropping of this arm (from outside) as the official under the basket, raises theirs.  This helps to insure the clock is held.
• The lead official (now the new trail) will have responsibility for "chopping" the clock for the inbounds play.  Remember the offense team has the ability to run the endline here.


• During a THROW-IN the clock shall be started when the ball TOUCHES (or is touched) by a player on the court, AFTER it is RELEASED by the thrower.
  
  
  • The official administering the throw-in (in most instances) shall be responsible for counting and "chopping" the clock.
  • It's key to remember the 5 second count will stop when the in-bounder releases the ball (inbounds) but hold the "chop" until the ball is touched by a player on the court.
  • It's typical a team might roll the ball from the endline toward the division line, to delay starting the clock and moving up court with the clock stopped.  The trail official should move along with the ball ready for it to be touched and signal for proper starting of the clock.
  • Three person crew mechanics (NCAA) permit the trail official to "chop" the clock when the lead official is administering a sideline throw-in.  This is a good point to discuss during your pregame preparation if you plan to use this at the high school level.

NFHS rules recognize that sometimes officials may neglect to signal time-in ("chop") but that does not mean the clock should remain stopped.  The timer is authorized to start the clock at the appropriate time (per the rules) unless the official specifically signals them, "not to start" the clock.

Chopping the clock is a key mechanic to insure proper communication between floor officials and table crew.  Make sure your "chops" are right on time!

NFHS Reference 5-9-1 through 5-9-4

Preparing for the Final Moments

“A clay pot sitting in the sun will always be a clay pot. It has to go through the white heat of the furnace to become porcelain.”

Now I’m quite confident the noted philosopher credited with this remark about dealing with adversity was not referring to basketball officials.

However, the final minutes of a fiercely contested game in a jam-packed gym can feel hotter than any cauldron, so today’s “60 Seconds” issue will offer some cool, soothing tips to mentally call on to help keep you and your partner(s) out of the fire as the game heats up.

Timeouts – Use this opportunity for more than catching your breath…

• Last things first: remember which team will inbound the ball, and where.  If it’s an end-line throw-in, can he/she run, or is it a spot throw-in?
  
• Use this break in the action to quickly discuss with your partner(s) any coverage issues and to consider where the offensive team may try to attack.
  
• Head off any late substitutions hiccups, with a “first horn” warning that includes the phrase “no more subs.”
  
• And do not inbound the ball without making sure you have only 10 players set to resume play.

Play The Game – Granted, you are there to officiate only what transpires in the game, but do not officiate it in a vacuum. Stay mentally into the possible strategies of both teams.

If a team needs to foul in order to get close to, or into the bonus, give them what they want.  Contact that perhaps wasn’t a foul up to this point, now should be, if that is the defensive team’s intention.

While the defense is intentionally trying to stop the clock, they might commit a foul while attempting to steal the ball. Again, give them what they want.

Be alert for an aggressive foul.  When the hard foul occurs, blow your whistle, signal to stop the clock and quickly replay the scenario in your mind, then confidently decide if you are going to rule this an intentional foul.

Anticipate a timeout if the player with the ball gets trapped; or is unable to complete a throw-in; or after a made basket by either team.  The ‘off’ official should attempt to steal a glance in the direction of the bench, especially if the noise level is high.  

Throw-Ins – What happened?

Be alert for an anxious defense that may reach through the plane.  Be prepared to rule if he/she:

• Breaks the plane – a warning
• Touches the ball – a technical       
• Touches the player – an intentional foul

Disqualifications – Avoid Conflict

There will no doubt be some attrition of players in a hard-fought contest, so if you call the 5th foul on a player, let your partner handle the notification of the player and coach.

And finally, no timeout is to be granted until the substitution for the disqualified player is made.

So just as a team’s field goals, free throws and turnovers are more magnified in the closing minutes of a close game; so too are an official’s rulings. But if you are mindful of these “60 second” tips, you will no doubt come through the fire a more polished, and more highly regarded official!  

Corrections in Overtime

What happens if you start an overtime (extra-period) and after you have played a minute or two ...  and the official scorer calls your attention to a free-throw that wasn't counted for the home team, back in the 4th period?

This "non-counted" point would have previously caused the game to end without the need for an overtime period?

Unfortunately, once the ball becomes LIVE in the EXTRA PERIOD you must play the entire overtime, even though a correction (going back to the 4th quarter) is made.

• If the referee can recognize in the score book where the point was not properly cited, then it should be credited properly in the overtime period.
• If the referee does not have definite knowledge or cannot find where the scoring error occurred, then no point is awarded.
• Either way, the overtime period continues toward normal completion.

If for some reason the TIMER created a mistake... and the wrong amount of time was placed on the clock to start the overtime.  Follow these guidelines:

If you started the overtime period with MORE than FOUR MINUTES

• and you catch it PRIOR to the clock reaching four minutes ..
• set the clock to four minutes and resume play.

If you started the overtime period with MORE than FOUR MINUTES ...

• and you discover the mistake AFTER the clock reaches four minutes, or less...
• leave the clock alone, no correction is made, and resume play.

If you started the period with LESS than FOUR MINUTES ...

• Add the appropriate amount of time to reflect the proper four minute overtime period and resume play.

Some good mechanics to exercise prior to the start of overtime are ...

• Ask the two score keepers to compare books and make sure they are both on the same page with running scores and team totals.
• Remind scorers and coaches, they are awarded an additional 60-second time out for each overtime period and any unused time-outs carry over.
• Glance at the score board before tossing the ball and verify the proper amount of time is placed on the clock.
• Make sure the teams are lined-up properly for the jump ball and facing the same basket they were in the 2nd half.
  
  In all cases, the overtime period shall continue to completion, after the corrections have been rectified.

NFHS Reference  (5-7-4, 2-5-5, 2-11-11)

Sanctity of the Official's Locker Room

In previous "60 Second" issues we have covered the proper rulings for many scenarios involving the boundary lines on a basketball court.

Today we would like to offer some food for thought on another set of boundaries; that being the area designated as the dressing room for official's as we ready ourselves to work an assignment.

Is this space really the place for a pre-game social call or a halftime pop-in visit by well-intended fellow officials?? Are these confines the appropriate spot for an officiating crews' friends and family to gather immediately after the game??         

We at Ref 60 appreciate the sensitivity of finding the balance between enjoying the company of your colleagues, and doing what is necessary to "prepare-correct-and assess" for every assignment in your pre-game, halftime and post-game rituals.

The goal of this issue is to help take the onus off of the referees who are preparing to take the floor, by raising the level of awareness within our own officiating community of the importance of avoiding distractions and focusing on the task at hand. 

PRE-GAME

If you're coming to watch a game, chances are your arrival time is after the working officials have already begun their pre-game stretching and conference, so a pop-in visit to offer your best wishes is discouraged.

If you are a new official and would like to observe a respected veteran's pre-game; by all means ask if you can sit in. However this is not the time or place for questions.  Make mental notes to follow up sometime after the game with any questions. 

HALFTIME

While there can be a healthy discussion on the true impact of peer visitors prior to the game; the locker room at intermission should be the exclusive domain of the working officials.

You have a very limited time to discuss any first half issues and second-half strategies, and you want to be able to maximize these few minutes with an open exchange with your partner(s). This is a conversation that would likely be stifled with an unneeded guest.

POSTGAME

If you would like to stop in the locker room to extend congratulations to the crew for a well officiated game, please allow a few minutes for the officials to decompress and share their postgame thoughts with each other.

Especially if it was a game with some drama and/or controversy. The officials will no doubt appreciate the privacy extended to them.

In that vein, please be mindful of your comments to the crew, and frame them in a manner that is supportive and helpful.

So remember, no matter the size, condition or its location, the official's locker room is our buffer zone from the biases and criticisms of the players, coaches and fans. Let's be sure we respect the boundary lines of this sports sanctuary, and give our fellow officials the privacy they need to prepare, correct and assess for each game.

They will appreciate being spared the awkwardness of having to ask for something they are entitled to.

-- As always we we welcome your thoughts by clicking the COMMENTS link below.

Stepping in Early

During a FREE THROW the restrictions for all players apply until the ball touches the ring or backboard or until the free throw ends.  It's very important as a crew to be consistent when dealing with lane violations ... to catch them early and penalize them when as they occur.

60 Seconds on Officiating offers some key elements to consider when a player STEPS in EARLY and commits a free-throw Violation.

• If the free-throwing team violates, it causes the ball to becomes dead when the violation occurs.
• If the opponent (of the free-throwing team) violates, it does not cause the ball to be dead, but rather ...
  • If the try is successful, the goal counts and the violation is ignored.
  • If the try is unsuccessful
    • the ball becomes dead immediately when the free throw ends (delay signal)
    • a substitute free-throw is will be attempted by same free-thrower
• If there is a SIMULTANEOUS violation (by both teams)
  • Ball becomes dead
  • No points can be scored
  • Administer any remaining free-throws
  • or if no throws remaining, resume play using the A-P arrow
• If there is a violation by the opponent (of the free-thrower) FOLLOWED by a violation by the free-thrower or a teammate then:
  
  • If both offenders were in marked lane spaces, then ...
    • Ignore the SECOND violation
  • If the second violation is by the free-thrower or
  • If the second violation is by a teammate NOT in a marked space
    • Penalize BOTH violations - use the A-P arrow.

A good technique is to mentally prepare which team will cause a DELAY DEAD BALL SIGNAL ... prior to the free-throw attempt.  For example think ... "Blue will cause a dead ball - White will be my delay" before the attempt is made.  Rehearse which team will cause a quick whistle versus a delay dead ball signal.

As officials, our goal here is to not allow players to enter the lane early to gain an unfair advantage over their opponents.  By keeping a keen eye on your area of responsibility during a free-throw will minimize the likelihood of this occurring.  There are more scenarios to consider here, like disconcertion and faking ... as they will be addressed in a future segment of "60 Seconds"so stay tuned.

Reference NFHS Rule 9.1    

Some Technical Advice

As always, issuing a TECHNICAL FOUL can be a stressful situation.  Just remember a few of these KEY ELEMENTS when administering a "T" in one of your upcoming high school contests.

• Each single technical foul carries the penalty of two free throws and the offended team receiving the ball at the division line.
• Administer technical fouls in the order they occur.
• Double technical fouls result in no free throws awarded and resume play at the point of interruption.
• ALL technical fouls (except indirect) count toward the TEAM FOUL COUNT as it relates to the bonus situation. (If an indirect technical is also given to the head coach, only one team foul goes against the bonus)
• Players and bench personnel are disqualified after two technical fouls are received by any individual.
• Technicals charged to a player (including team members, substitutes, or bench personnel) also count toward their 5 personal fouls for that game.
• Coaches are disqualified after two direct technical fouls or a combination of three indirect / direct technicals.
• Head coaches receive an indirect technical foul when another player, assistant, or bench personnel are given a "T" for one of the following:
  • Dunk or grasp basket during warm-ups.
  • Act unsportsmanlike as an assistant coach, bench personnel or as a player after being disqualified.
  • Enter the court without permission.
  • Removes their jersey/pants while in the visual confines of the playing area
  • Leaves the bench during a fight/possible fight
• Any single flagrant technical foul results in the ejection of a player, coach or bench personnel.

So remember to stay calm, talk as a crew to properly administer penalties, and make sure you shoot the free throws at the proper end of the floor.  Communicate clearly with the table so they record everything properly in the official score book.  Prepare any game reports (disqualification forms) and file these properly with your local or state association, as required.

Reference:  Click to Download the NFHS 2008-09 Technical Foul Penalty Summary Chart

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