TO:                  IAABO Interpreters

FROM:            Peter Webb, IAABO Coordinator of Interpreters

Rules Enforcement

As we trust our partner(s) on the court, trust the rules of the game. There is more within the rules than most of us can see. Officials need to be aware that personal interpretations of the rules have a negative impact on the game. The rules are written to provide a balance between offense and defense, minimize risks to participants, promote the sound tradition of the game and promote fair play. Individual philosophies and deviations from the rules as written negatively impact the basic fundamentals and tenants of the rules.

Hair-Control Devices and Headbands

Players may wear rubber bands, scrunchies, pre wrap and narrow, multi-colored elastic bands to hold their hair back (3.5.3d). These items are not considered headbands (3.5.3a) and therefore do not fall under the new headband rule. These items do not have to be the same color as the uniform or white, they can be of any color, they do not have to be a single color and they are not subject to the logo restrictions in 3.6.

Further, a ribbon worn in addition to a hair-control device is considered to be a head decoration, and is prohibited (3.5.3e). If a ribbon is being worn as a hair-control device, it would be permitted provided it is not judged to be dangerous or inappropriate by the Referee (3.5.1).

Correcting Time

5.10.1  The exact time observed (definite information) by the official may be placed on the clock when a timer’s mistake has occurred.

It is not the intent for officials to become “clock watchers” and put one second back on the clock throughout the game. The intent was, with new clocks and tenths of a second available and observable, that near the end of a quarter and time of the essence corrections of a timing mistake could take place. During other parts of the game it certainly is possible to correct a timing mistake of one second or more, but it is not as crucial and is more difficult to observe without tenths of a second. In summary, officials may now correct any timing error provided there is definite knowledge (5.10.1). The rules change was not made to upset or change the game, it was made to help the game.

There is a game to officiate. The officials’ primary responsibility is to deal with the pivot foot, continuous motion, stay with the shooter, etc. It is not a primary responsibility of officials to watch the clock. There is a designated official timer whose duty/responsibility is to know the rules regarding timing and operate the clock.

Concussions

First, the extensive action plan, signs and symptoms within the Rules Clinic Notes were primarily intended for the school administrators and coaches. The purpose of sharing those notes with officials was solely to make officials aware. It is not the role of the official to determine concussions. Neither is it expected that officials do so. Officials should do as they always have done, when they have a concern about a player (observe a player dazed, staggering, stunned, etc.) direct that player to the bench.

Unsporting  Foul

4.19.14  --  An unsporting foul is a non-contact technical foul which consists of unfair, unethical, dishonorable conduct or any behavior not in accordance with the spirit of fair play.

Unsporting conduct includes, but is limited to, acts or conduct such as:

1. Disrespectfully addressing or contacting an official or gesturing in such a manner as to indicate resentment.

b.   Using profane or inappropriate language or obscene gestures.

c.    Baiting or taunting an opponent.

d .  Purposely obstructing an opponent’s vision by waving or placing hand(s) near her/his eyes.

e.   Climbing on or lifting a teammate to secure greater height.

f.    Faking being fouled (flopping), knowingly attempting a free throw or accepting a foul to which the player was not entitled.

g.   Use of tobacco or smokeless tobacco.

h.   Removing the jersey and/or pants/skirt within the visual confines of the playing area.

All inappropriate acts are to be penalized with a technical foul.

Time Out (5.12.5) vs Interval of Time (10.5.3)

Time outs and Intervals of Time are not alike and shall not be treated alike.

During 60 second and 30 second time outs all bench personal may be off the bench, must remain in the bench area and may participate in the time out. During a 30 second time out players shall remain standing.

During the interval of time (30 seconds to replace or remove a disqualified player, injured player or player directed to leave the game) only the Head Coach and the four players may be involved. Players must remain on the court. All bench personnel must remain seated.

There is a warning signal/horn (60 second at 45 seconds & 30 second at 20 seconds) prior to the end of a time out. Substitution is not permitted after the warning signal/horn.

There is a warning signal/horn at the 20 second mark of the 30 second interval of time. The signal is just that, a warning that time is running out. The substitution is not required until the end of the interval of time. The interval of time, regardless of when the substitution is made, ends when the substitution is made.

Team Control Signal Sequence

At the Site of the Foul:              Foul Signal (raised fist, “birddog” optional)

                                                Drop arm with foul signal

                                                Extend arm/thrust arm forward (punch) with closed fist

                                                Give preliminary type of foul signal

                                                Indicate the throw-in spot

At the Reporting Area:              Stop

                                                Inform scorer of team color

                                                Inform scorer of the player’s number verbally & with one hand

                                    Extend arm/thrust arm forward (punch) with closed fist 

Team Control Foul Situations

A-1 is driving toward the basket and passes off then “crashes” into B-1. Team B is in the bonus. No free throw awarded. Team control foul.

A-1 passes to A-2, B-1 deflects the ball. B-1 is in pursuit of the ball when A-2 holds B-1. Team B is in the bonus. No free throw awarded. Team control foul.

A-1 is at the free throw line for the second of two free throws. Before the ball is in flight, A-2 holds B-1. Team B is in the bonus. No free throw awarded. Team control foul.

A-1 try for goal is in flight. A-2 pushes B-2, the try is unsuccessful. Team B is in the bonus. There is no team control. Award B-2 a one and one free throw.

Thrower-in A-1 passes the ball toward A-2. A-3 holds B-3 on the play. Team B is in the bonus. There is no team control. Award B-3 a one and one free throw. 

A-1 is at the free throw line for the second of two free throws. A-1 releases the try and the ball strikes the ring. A-2 pushes B-2. Team B is in the bonus. There is no team control. Award B-2 a one and one free throw.