Rndballref
20 Years Experience
Chicago, IL
Male, 60
For twenty years I officiated high school, AAU and park district basketball games, retiring recently. For a few officiating is the focus of their occupation, while for most working as an umpire or basketball referee is an avocation. I started ref'ing to earn beer money during college, but it became a great way to stay connected to the best sports game in the universe. As a spinoff, I wrote a sports-thriller novel loosely based on my referee experiences titled, Advantage Disadvantage
Some officials carry a small gauge, but most referees hold the ball head-high (about 5 3/4 feet high) and let it drop. It should bounce up to the official's elbow when the upper arm is held parallel to the floor. Higher bounce than the elbow means over-inflated, bouncing under the elbow means it needs more inflation. The referee usually checks the game ball after making sure the book contains at least the number of players who are warming up (and the starters are designated), around 10 minutes before gametime. Try it sometime when you are on a wooden floor. Note, if the game is being played on an indoor soft rubberized floor (as in underclass games in the fieldhouse), the ball will need more air than on a wooden floor.
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The rules states that a player cannot be in the paint for 3 or more seconds, so technically when you get to three it is a violation. HOWEVER, as I have stated before I rarely called 3 seconds. 1) I tried to talk players out, and 2) it is the perfect advantage disadvantage call. That is I only called it when it made a difference tp the play - for example a player getting an offensive rebound after camping out.
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There is no provision in NFHS rules for a running clock. Club or AAU traveling rules may allow for a running clock.
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I can honestly say I have never noticed that.
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It is entirely referee's judgement. Look for lower leg flexing or ankle rotation.
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from the NFHS rulebook, " A player is in control of the ball when he/she is holding or dribbling a live ball inbounds". There are a few exceptions such as a jumper on a jump ball obtaining the ball before it touches the floor or a non-jumper.
Notice it does not exclude jumping in the air nor does it require 2 hands on the ball.
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I agree that it is unfair to the lower levels that they get new refs learning the craft or old burned out refs just collecting a check, sub-par coaches who are just learning to coach, and parents who are learning to appropriately advocate and cheer for their kids.
I have always said this: we should pair varsity-capable refs with young, new refs to work and learn the craft in freshman games. Assignment chairman would say that the purpose of summer camps where refs work high school summer leagues is to train new refs and sift out untrainable officials. So if you think the officiating is spotty during lower level season play just wait until your kid plays in summer leagues officiated by training camp referees. Good luck and know that the quality of the players, coaches, officials and parents will improve as your daughter progresses.
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