IT’SIT’S OOFFICIALFFICIAL FOR MEMBERS OF THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF SPORTS OFFICIALS

JANUARY 2011 Strategic Development Committee Charts NASO Course he most successful associations on the first SDC to make sure we SDC MEMBERS not only look at what they are didn’t lose sight of where we’ve been T • Patty Viverito, chair, commissioner of doing for their membership in the while were trying to get where we’re Missouri Valley Football Conference, present, but also try to look forward trying to go. current NASO board member and chart a course for future growth “Then, we included a group of • , coordinator of officials for and development of the group. people who are more the present. the Midwest Football Officials Alliance, NASO is no different, and to that They are current board members and former NFL referee, current NASO end, it reconvened the Strategic people who have a great look at board treasurer Development Committee (SDC) to what’s going on now within NASO • Ronnie Carter, retired executive examine the association’s current and our industry. Then we looked at director, Tennessee Secondary School status and future goals. what the missing piece was, and we Athletic Association, former NASO The committee (see sidebar) decided that was technology, so we board member includes NASO board members, added someone who could solve that. • Dave Dodge, retired college experts from other industries who We populated the group with people official, president and CEO have a tie to officiating and a member who no matter which direction we of Palmetto Hospital Trust, former NASO board member of the NASO staff. They met for the decided to go, we would have a view first time in person in October in of the past and a view of the future • Ron Foxcroft, chairman and founder, with the tech expertise that we would Fox 40 International, former college Racine, Wis., one day in advance of and international men’s basketball the NASO board meeting (see need to get there.” official, current NASO board special “Ambitious NASO Board Promotes Over the past year, the committee adviser Growth” below). has conducted surveys of Referee • Jamie Hoefgen, high school football “The first thing that was extremely subscribers, NASO members and also official, vice president for information helpful when this group was two focus groups of attendees at the technology of DCI Marketing constituted, we looked to populate it NASO Summit in . • Bill Kennedy, NBA referee, current with three different groups of “When we started this process, we NASO board member people,” said Patty Viverito, the decided we wanted our decisions to • Barry Mano, NASO founder and commissioner of the Missouri Valley be data driven,” Viverito said. “The president Football Conference and a current results from the surveys and focus • Kathy Strahm, former national NASO board member, who serves as groups, particularly the focus groups, coordinator for NCAA softball umpires, the SDC chair. “We had some past made me realize that we couldn’t go current NASO board member board members and people who were See “SDC” p. N3 Ambitious NASO Board Promotes Growth

hanks to a combination of the air when the NASO board of Committee Charts NASO Course” Toutreach and support by many directors met on Oct. 14 in Racine, above). The board also addressed a associations and individual sports Wis. The Strategic Development number of agenda items, including officials, NASO experienced a steady Committee (SDC) met a day earlier, the 2011 budget and group growth in 2010, which has the then presented the board with memberships. association’s board of directors feeling initiatives and goals that it feels Most encouraging is the fact that as good as ever about NASO’s future. NASO can accomplish in 2011 and NASO is prepared and dedicated to That excitement was certainly in beyond (see “Strategic Development See “Board” p. N5

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF SPORTS OFFICIALS N1 IT’S OFFICIAL

Who’s Responsible for What?

o you subscribe to the philosophy Carollo shared headline-making Don’t be the official who says, Dthat “the buck stops here”? Or do examples of individuals who faced “Sorry, Coach. Yeah, he might have you “pass the buck” as quickly as you crisis and were forced to respond: gotten hit, but it wasn’t my call. It was can? Are you a team player when it • Mark McGwire, former star of the side judge’s call, not taking comes to questions or do you let your the St. Louis Cardinals, faced steroid responsibility.” That’s the wrong fellow officials and coworkers deal allegations. answer to the coach on the sideline. with the scrutiny on their own? • Alan Greenspan, an economist “It’s ‘we’ in officiating — it’s we Bill Carollo, Midwest Football who served as chairman of the U.S. with the team,” Carollo said. “When Officials Alliance coordinator and Federal Reserve from 1987-2006, was something happens, you don’t point former NFL referee, delved into what confronted by the financial crisis. fingers.” is meant by shared responsibility in • Tony Hayward, former CEO of Many don’t have the guts to put his address to kick off the 2010 Sports British Petroleum, faced the recent oil their job, their reputation on the line Officiating Summit sessions. In his crisis in the Gulf. and make a decision, but officials and speech, “Who’s Responsible for • NFL referee ’s blown officiating leaders have to do it. What?” Carollo highlighted good and call during a September 2008 San Accept responsibility and move bad examples in case studies, which Diego Chargers- game forward. Joyce is a perfect example of focused on accepting responsibility. garnered extreme media attention. someone who admitted his mistake He asked officials and officiating • MLB umpire Jim Joyce made an and thrived in the aftermath. His leaders to determine what category incorrect call at first base that cost reputation preceded him in a good they fall into. Detroit Tigers’ pitcher Armando way though. He took on responsibility Galarraga a perfect game. his whole career. It wasn’t just when Some of those individuals disaster hit and he missed the responded better than others. Carollo “perfect-game” call. asked Summit attendees how they Hochuli is another good example. Editor: Julie Sternberg Sports Editor: Jeffrey Stern would handle those situations. How Two years ago, he made a high-profile Graphic Designer: Ross Bray would you handle them? error in the Denver-San Diego game. Contributors: Al Baer, Jerry Grunska, Bill Topp, Responsibility before Carollo said that led to 25,000 e-mails, Carl P.Schwartz, Alan Goldberger, Matt Moore, consequences. Officials and officiating hate mail, phone calls. , George Demetriou,Todd Korth, Ken Koester, Jay leaders have to step up to make tough then-NFL vice president of officiating, Miner,Tim Sloan, Patrick Rosenow, Don Collins decisions in real-time. Regardless of helped him through it. NASO BOARD OF DIRECTORS the decisions you make, you should “That’s teamwork,” Carollo said. Rick Wulkow, Boone, Iowa, Chair be ready to shoulder the responsibility “That’s shared responsibility. Mike Kathy Strahm, Burlington,Vt.,Vice Chair for them. Take responsibility, even Pereira stepped up. He was the first Barry Mano, Racine,Wis., President before you find out what might result. one that called. … When I called Ed, Don Collins, San Francisco, Secretary Bill Carollo, Shorewood,Wis.,Treasurer “We talk about the last play of the he said, ‘Mike was good; he helped Ron Foxcroft, Hamilton, Ontario, Special Adviser game, bring it to my side of the field, I me through it.’” Hochuli ended up Patty Broderick, Indianapolis want DPI, pass interference, the last handling it well. He admitted he Bill Kennedy, Phoenix play of the game,” Carollo said. “Have made a mistake and moved on. Mike Port, Southborough, Mass. Steve Shaw, Shoal Creek, Ala. some guts. That’s how we learn.” Shared responsibility. Do you Ralph Swearngin,Thomaston, Ga. Administrators and state leaders demonstrate shared responsibility in Jeff Triplette, Oxford, Miss. embrace the responsibility of everything you do? Carollo suggests Patty Viverito, St. Louis assigning and training officials. The the majority — about 80 percent — NASO MISSION STATEMENT decisions they make help shape how shirk responsibility in tough times. The mission of NASO is to: games are managed by officials. They say, “It’s not my call, Coach. It’s • Serve members by providing benefits and services. “Responsibility is easy to talk the side judge’s call. Not my • Improve officiating performance through educational programs. about and act when something responsibility.” About 15 percent, once • Advocate opportunities for officials and engage happens, when you’re forced to take they’re caught and everyone knows in programs to recruit and retain officials. • Create alliances with organizations that benefit on the challenge and make a decision they are wrong, admit it later. And from healthy officiating programs. what to do,” Carollo said. “But then there are the five percent who • Enhance the image of officials. responsibility is all the time. It isn’t accept responsibility all of the time. © 2010 NASO/Referee Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved. just when we have a problem.” They follow the example of Joyce and It’s Official is published by the National Association of Sports Officials and Referee Enterprises, Inc. Put your reputation on the line. Hochuli. They accept responsibility Hayward tried to shift blame for the and make the tough decisions. oil crisis. That cost him his reputation Follow the minority. You’ll be a Find NASO on Facebook and job.

N2 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FROM THE CHAIR RICK WULKOW NASO is for You, the Official ASO’s other avocation or profession when it contribute to something that has merit Nmission comes to leadership. We need role and is good for all officials. If the is to serve as a models. We need individuals who will leaders come, others will follow as leading source step up and lead the way. they set their goals and aspirations of of officiating Surveys have indicated that the someday being in the position that information, highest percentage of our members others have attained. Your support of programs and are high school officials. Most of us NASO will broaden the information, services. started at that level. We had goals to services and programs NASO can NASO is move up through the officiating ranks offer to the industry. I applaud the committed to: to the college and/or professional college conference football officiating • Serve level. I can remember watching Jerry staffs that have joined en masse — Big members by providing benefits and Markbreit, Jim Tunney, , Ten, SEC, Missouri Valley and Mid- services. Jim Bain, Dave Dodge, Marcy Weston American. They have demonstrated • Improve officiating performance and Ed Rush, just to name a few, as I great support and commitment. There through education programs and started officiating and progressed in is strength in numbers. We want to training materials. my career. I had high hopes and continue to grow something that has • Advocate opportunities for aspirations. Those individuals were been beneficial to officials throughout officials and engage in programs to role models and leaders who inspired the U.S., Canada and the world. recruit and retain officials. me and others. What they did, I tried Encourage the leaders you know to • Create alliances with to fit into my “package,” which go to our website (www.naso.org) or organizations that benefit from included involvement in some way call 262-632-5448 to become a member healthy officiating programs. with Referee magazine and NASO. of NASO. It is a win-win. We need • Enhance the image of officials. My message in this article is that you for the growth of our organization Our mission is clear. NASO was we need the role models and leaders in expanding the aspects of officiating established to provide you, the official, of today. We need the professional and that will benefit you as a member and with information, programs and collegiate officials to be NASO all officials. Your personal and services that are a benefit to you. members, not only to set the standard professional consideration is Officiating is no different from any for officiating but to have input and appreciated. n

SDC (continued from p. N1)

into this thinking monolithically.” Growing membership was not Although the Summit has The committee then presented five listed as a specific goal of the SDC, expanded over the past several years, initiatives to the NASO board, which and that was by design, she said. there are always ways to make the approved them. The board asked the “Look at those five goals, and it’s event better, not only for NASO, but staff of Referee Enterprises, which reasonable to ask, ‘Shouldn’t for those who attend and support it. manages the day-to-day operations of membership be a part of any plan?’” Last, the SDC wants to develop NASO, to develop plans to Viverito said. “If we do those five and ways to use technology needed for all implement the changes. do them right, membership will of NASO’s initiatives to be successful. The initiatives were to develop a increase as a result of those other “We’ve done a lot of good work, strategic alliance plan, further initiatives. Membership is obviously but it was always with the develop the NASO-ON program, the goal of everything we are doing.” understanding that we wouldn’t have study branding issues, analyze the In developing more strategic a finished product,” Viverito said. goals of the annual NASO Summit alliances, the goal is to look at sports “We’ve established the framework, and formulate an information organizations from all levels and which was endorsed by the board. technology (IT) strategy to support determine how NASO can work with Now we turn it over to the staff to the goals of the organization. those groups for a mutual benefit. flush it out and develop it.” “We listed IT strategy last for a For NASO-ON, the SDC wants to “There’s a lot of different ways we reason and delved into it last for a find better ways to assist associations can move forward with those, and reason,” Viverito said. “The first four in delivering educational materials. now we are trying to develop the are directives — broad, purposeful The branding topic deals with blueprint to do that. We fully expect directives. The IT strategy is going to how people perceive NASO and how to have a more structured report built be the delivering mechanism for it can do better at getting its message upon these priorities by the next those four if we get it right.” out to members and non-members.

OF SPORTS OFFICIALS N3 IT’S OFFICIAL

NASO in the News

ASO is the leading voice for quotes a number of state association President Barry Mano was quoted in Nsports officials across the country. officials, including past NASO board the article, which can be found at: Because of that, various media will member Henry Zaborniak. However, articles.latimes.com/2010/aug/02/spo contact NASO for comments or the article is no longer available on the rts/la-sp-0803-little-league-20100803 opinions on matters that affect sports newpaper’s website without paying a • “Seeking Officiating Perfection in officials throughout the U.S. Here are fee. an Imperfect Sports World” appeared several recent examples of NASO • “Area Avoiding Shortage of High in the Times in August. The being in the news: School Referees” appeared in the Daily article looked at an ESPN survey that • “New NFHS Officers, Board Comet (Thibodaux, La.) in August. The claimed MLB umpires missed nearly Members Elected” appeared on the article deals with how local officials 20 percent of close plays. Mano was NFHS website. The story states that the associations have dealt with challenges quoted in the article. It can be found at: new president-elect (Rick Wulkow) of keeping members, especially since www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-0817- and one of the new board members the area was hit by Hurricane Katrina. close-calls-20100817,0,3702050.story (Ralph Swearngin) also serve on the The article references a 2001 NASO • “Fox 40 founder Foxcroft feted” NASO board. The article can be found survey and can be found at: appeared in The Hamilton (Ontario) at: www.nfhs.org/content.aspx?id= www.dailycomet.com/article/2010082 Spectator in October. The article 4080. 3/ARTICLES/100829800/1032?Title=A mentioned that Ron Foxcroft was • “Unruly Sports Fans Sending rea-avoiding-shortage-of-high-school- selected as one of the 30 who made a Some Officials to the Sideline” referees difference in NASO’s 30-year history. appeared in and • “Little League to Expand Replay” The article can be found at: online on the publication’s website in appeared in the Los Angeles Times in www.thespec.com/sports/local/article late June. The article covers how hard August. The article deals with how /268488—fox-40-founder-foxcroft- it is to find youth sports officials and to replay was going to be used in the feted. n keep experienced ones on the job. It Little League World Series. NASO

Umpiring Essentials From the NFHS

ith the high school bat rule doesn’t work that well for you, or Rule changes include the rewritten Wgetting a major re-write and five maybe you are just tired of going over bat rule that will help you understand more critical changes, making sure you them repeatedly and hoping for better what makes up a legal bat, know are up-to-speed is definitely important retention. Rules Simplified & Illustrated which bats are legal for 2011 and this year. Studying, though, can be a uses PlayPic® and MechaniGram® which ones are not and will fill you in tedious and daunting task to say the graphics from Referee to take the rules on the additional changes that are least and let’s face it, not everyone and break them down visually, coming for 2012. You’ll also get critical learns as much as they could just from including the most complex. Pairing information about new guidelines for reading the rulebook. NFHS Rules by the rules with simple explanations handling a player with concussion-like Topic and Rules Simplified and Illustrated helps visual learners pick up the rules symptoms, new guidelines for braces were created specifically to break faster and easier and makes the and padded casts, why substitutes down the rules changes and points of process much more interesting. must be on the lineup card, who can emphasis in ways that make it easy to legally catch a foul tip and clarification know the rules better than you ever of a common baserunning infraction. have. The 2011 NFHS Rules by To make study easier, Rules by Topic Topic and Rules Simplified & Illustrated takes the official rules and puts them are available for order now at a price in logical categories just like you of $8.95 each. Associations are eligible remember them during a game. for discounts. For more information Definitions and references are linked in and to place an order, call 262-632-8855 each topic and found in one location and press 5 at the automated menu. — making it the perfect tool for rules Reference item codes BBSRBT11 and study and open-book exams. BBSSI11 when ordering. n But let’s say reading the rules

N4 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION NASO Board Member Kennedy Works World Championships

BA referee and “The international game is different your partners don’t speak English and NNASO board than in the on all levels,” you don’t speak their language. It’s member Bill Kennedy Kennedy said. “First off, the rules are just one more thing to adapt to.” spent the end of his different. The officials have different Language barriers also presented offseason doing what mechanics, too. problems off the court. “Our air he does during the “The philosophy is totally different. conditioning in the hotel was broken year — officiating top- They have a more ‘let ’em play’ ideal and it was hard to get that point across level basketball. as far as contact. What we consider since we didn’t speak the same Kennedy, who had worked two fouls in the U.S., probably 30 percent language,” Kennedy explained. prior major international tournaments, of them in international play would be Kennedy wasn’t eligible to work in officiated the World Basketball marginal or just not worth calling.” the semifinals or championship since Championships that were held in The tournament featured 40 officials the U.S. team was in those games. Turkey in August and September. from six continents, presenting “I absolutely enjoy that I’m Working international basketball communication challenges for officials. working the best the world has to provided one set of challenges, while “Crew dynamic is the most offer,” Kennedy said. “Those types of going to a foreign country where important thing, maintaining the flow experiences you cannot replace. My English is not a primary language of the game,” Kennedy said. “But the goal would be to work the 2012 presented another. communication is very difficult when Olympic Games in London.” n

Board (continued from p. N1)

significantly growing its membership Other agenda items covered were: Call Out for Board Candidates base of nearly 18,000 members and • Insurance program review serving more officials throughout the • NASO board candidates Do you know an official or administrator who nation and beyond like never before. • 2010 NASO Summit review would be a good candidate for the NASO board of directors? NASO is seeking input “Our momentum is great,” said • Adopting SDC initiatives from members on board candidates. Criteria Rick Wulkow, chair of the board and • Approving the 2011 budget for evaluating board candidates includes: executive director of the Iowa High • Group membership strategy • Current NASO member status in good School Athletic Association. “I came “This past year has caused all of standing. • Attendance at one NASO Summit. out of this meeting with real positive us on the board to feel that NASO is • Ten-plus years of officiating vibes on the direction of NASO. The moving in the right direction in experience. Summit is growing and has membership growth, particularly • Current board has some firsthand progressed into a fantastic event. with groups,” Wulkow said. “We put knowledge of candidate. That’s really the highlight of our year an aggressive growth plan into place. • Background includes some “organizational” experience. and it has certainly lived up to that We would like to increase • Background includes some with what has been introduced there membership by 20 percent. We feel “management” experience. and the sponsorships that are coming we can do that and we will do that. • Officiating philosophy is “in tune” with onboard in support of it. The cross “The Strategic Development NASO’s philosophy. Those points are considered by the section of groups and alliances that Committee presented its Nominating Committee as ideals during the we have been attracting is at a high recommendation. We mapped out the search process. However, all of the criteria point in NASO history.” course for NASO for the next five may not apply. The idea is to find The board is confident that NASO years,” Wulkow said. “We must be in individuals meeting as many of those will continue to grow. the 21st century and moving forward criteria as possible while keeping in mind the demographic, geographic and sport “We got a lot done,” said board with membership growth and the experience of the current board. member Don Collins, commissioner continued support of services that Members who wish to nominate of the California Interscholastic NASO has developed. We must someone for the NASO board should submit Federation San Francisco section. “We market that and make people aware the name of the individual, along with a brief looked at how to expand of the opportunities that membership biography to the Board Nominating Committee, c/o NASO, 2017 Lathrop Ave., relationships and better serve various provides.” Racine, Wis., 53405. You can also sent your partners who help us throughout the The NASO board is scheduled to candidate suggestions to [email protected]. year and at the Summit.” meet again in April 2011 in Dallas. n The deadline for submissions is Jan. 14.

OF SPORTS OFFICIALS N5 IT’S OFFICIAL

Great Calls Celebrated at Summit

hile the entire NASO Summit is explaining why each call was one of then shown the definitive angle on Wintended to make officials feel the best of the past year. whether the initial call was correct. better about themselves through Moderator Ron Foxcroft started the Great calls from the past year in educational sessions, one session in session by inviting Big Ten replay various sports were presented by: Minneapolis was meant to do it official Jim Kemmerling on stage to • Rich Kaufman, the director of without an educational component. provide an explanation of the instant officials for the U.S. Tennis Association. “Great Calls: Indisputable Video replay system in effect in college • Tommy Keith, the supervisor of Evidence” was a session that featured football. With the assistance from officials for the Professional Rodeo presenters from nine different leagues DVSport, one of the leading replay Cowboys Association. or levels, each of whom showed one to technology companies, the audience • Julian Tackett, the executive three plays to the Summit audience, was shown three plays at real speed, director for the Kentucky High School Athletic Association. • Kathy Strahm, the NCAA supervisor for softball umpiring. • Larry Young, an MLB umpire supervisor. • Mike Pereira, former vice president of officiating for the NFL. • Joe Borgia, vice president of referee operations for the NBA. • Terry Gregson, NHL senior vice president and director of officials. • Joan Powell, past president for the Professional Association of Volleyball Officials. “The enormous credibility of the presenters made an incredible impact on the audience,” said Foxcroft. “It was so good to share and celebrate the litany of great calls. “It was so refreshing as an official to see a collage of great calls as (From left) Ron Foxcroft speaks as Joe Borgia, Joan Powell, Rich Kaufman,Terry Gregson, Larry Young, opposed to the highlighting of the Tommy Keith, Julian Tackett, Kathy Strahm and Mike Pereira wait to present great calls. incorrect calls.” n

CONTACT US

CALL NASO 262-632-5448 E-MAIL NASO [email protected] VISIT OUR WEBSITE WWW.NASO.ORG BUY NASO PRODUCTS 800-733-6100 ASK US – SUBMIT YOUR CASEPLAYS [email protected] REFEREE MAGAZINE 262-632-8855 E-MAIL [email protected] WEBSITE WWW.REFEREE.COM AMERICAN SPECIALTY INSURANCE 800-245-2744 NASO LOCKERROOM PASSWORD GEAR JOE MICHAUD-SCORZA

N6 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION Choose the Mentoring Program That’s Right for You

By Bob Masucci through their primary training. Don’t and considered the types of forget that new officials can easily be individuals to recruit as mentors, you ssociations can benefit from overwhelmed and feel unable to grasp need to determine the kinds of Astarting a mentor program. There everything that’s coming at them. mentoring that you will offer: are basically two types of mentoring Also, it is considered in Beverly • Traditional mentoring — one programs: informal and formal. Kaye’s 2005 book, Love ‘Em or Lose Em: mentor to one mentee. Informal relationships develop on Getting Good People to Stay, that new • Group mentoring — one mentor their own between partners when an employees who are paired with a to up to four mentees. experienced official will take a new mentor are twice as likely to remain in • Team mentoring — several protégé under his wing, so to speak, their jobs than those who do not get mentors working with small groups of or conversely when a new official will mentorship. mentees. The mentor-to-mentee ratio seek out an experienced official to Officials experiencing difficulty. isn’t greater than one to four. help him negotiate the “speed One often overlooked audience for a • Peer mentoring — mentee to bumps.” Formal mentoring, on the mentoring program is those officials mentee. other hand, refers to assigned who are experiencing some sort of Any of those can make use of relationships, often under the auspices difficulty. Often that difficulty is in a electronic mentoring, which uses e- of an association mentoring program specific area in which a focused mail and Internet to facilitate learning. designed to promote official mentorship program might succeed in Once defined, just like any other development. In well-designed improving that deficiency. For relationship, the mentoring mentoring programs, there are goals, example, you might have a very good relationship must be nurtured in order schedules, training (for mentors and rules person who can’t quite grasp to be effective. Relationships that start mentees) and bidirectional evaluation. proper mechanics. Or vice versa. Or with a clear “learning contract” which In the case of formal relationships, maybe the official can’t quite outlines roles and responsibilities are mentoring involves the concerted comprehend the philosophies the most successful. efforts of three separate parties. Not necessary to officiate games at a It is important that ground-rules only must the mentor and mentee particular level. Maybe all of the are established at the beginning of the devote themselves to the engagement, above. Mentoring could help get that relationship to avoid any chances of but the mentor program coordinator official over the hump. misunderstanding later. Those may must also ensure that all details Officials showing promise. Some include length and frequency of related to the program requirements officials just seem to have a knack for meetings, turnaround time when an e- are cared for and that all learning quickly and putting those mail or a voice mail message is left, commitments by the parties are new techniques into immediate how long the commitment will continually being met. Additionally, practice. Some show the promise to continue, and by what means the the coordinator is responsible for move up, whether from youth ball to parties will communicate. assessing the mentor and mentee high school or from sub-varsity to Early on, possibly as part of the evaluations and improving the varsity contests, or even from high learning contract, the partners should program as necessary. school into the college ranks. discuss and formalize all expected There are three areas in which local Regardless, providing access to outcomes of the relationship. It is association mentoring can offer value: experienced mentors for such officials important to state any specific results New officials. Newer officials can may provide them with a material the mentee hopes to gain, and most benefit greatly from mentorship. opportunity to turn promise into importantly how the parties will Often, they need extra help that can’t reality. Mentors can quickly help to know to what extent those identified be effectively gleaned from training identify in those prospects any minor expected results have been realized. sessions because of the one-to-many deficiencies and help them to Bob Masucci is an official from Clifton nature of those sessions. Mentors can understand what supervisors at the Township, N.J., with more than 25 years aid by filling in the gaps and by next level are looking for in officials. of officiating experience. He is a mentor providing the “individual attention” After you have defined the and has developed materials used for that some students may need to get populations that you want to serve training officials. n

NASO-ON is a networking conduit with the means to effectively provide information and educational resources needed by local sports officiating associations. If your association is not an NASO-ON member, discuss joining with your association leadership. For more information about NASO-ON membership and benefits, please call toll-free 262/632-5448 or go to www.naso-on.org.

OF SPORTS OFFICIALS N7 IT’S OFFICIAL

NASO and NASO-ON Provide Quality Insurance If you don’t have all of the NASO and NASO-ON insurance benefits figured out, here’s a quick reference guide to help.

NASO | With the $97 NASO membership fee, NASO members receive extensive insurance coverage through the Sports Officials Security Program.

BENEFIT COVERAGE DESCRIPTION COVERAGE AMOUNT SIMPLY PUT

General Liability Insurance Provides excess coverage for You’re covered for up to $3 NASO covers you for all sports, claims for bodily injury, property million per occurrence. all levels and what you do as an damage and personal injury official. during sporting activities that are organized by recognized sports organizations, leagues and associations and while assigning, attending seminars, conferences, camps, clinics and similar meetings designed to improve officiating knowledge and skills.

Game Call and Assigners’ Provides for claims alleging an Coverage extends to $50,000 Even if there is no bodily injury, if Insurance error on the court or field or for a per occurrence and is included someone sues you because of a decision that you made as an in NASO’s aggregate limits. game call you made, you have assigner. coverage. You’re also covered if someone sues for a decision you made as an assigner or clinician.

Heart or Circulatory Provides coverage in the event NASO provides $5,000 in Most policies don’t count cardiac Malfunction Death Benefit of an officiating-related cardiac coverage. death as “accidental death.” death. With NASO, you have coverage.

Assault Protection Provides coverage for certain NASO puts you in contact with If you are assaulted while Program expenses and loss of game fees appropriate legal counsel and officiating, NASO can assist you resulting from injuries suffered provides up to $3,000 in finding an attorney and help when an official is the victim of reimbursement of attorney fees with your legal fees. an assault and/or battery by a incurred by the member in spectator, fan or participant while bringing a claim against the the official is performing perpetrator. Reimbursement will officiating duties or as a direct be made based on attorney result of performing officiating invoice and will be made on a duties at an organized sporting 60/40 percent co-pay basis with event. the member paying 40 percent. Expenses are shared on a 60/40 percent basis until the insurance has paid $3,000. Further expenses incurred are the sole responsibility of the member. Additionally, NASO’s Assault Protection benefit pays up to $100 for each game lost within 21 days after the injury with a maximum total of $500.

Optional Game Fee Loss NASO members can purchase a The annual premiums are $114 No matter what type of schedule Insurance program with one of two (Option 1) and $277 (Option 2) you work, NASO has a game-fee coverage options. It is available with corresponding annual loss plan for you to purchase. for officials who are assigned or maximum benefits of $1,000 and would have been assigned to $2,000. The benefits are payable officiate a regularly scheduled up to 26 consecutive weeks. activity but can’t work because they were injured during a regularly scheduled sports contest.

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION N8 NASO-ON | With the $99 NASO-ON membership fee, your association has access to a variety of exclusive association insurance coverages available for purchase. Costs of the coverages depend on your association’s size.

BENEFIT COVERAGE DESCRIPTION COVERAGE AMOUNT SIMPLY PUT

Optional General Insurance NASO-ON associations can The limit of insurance provided is up NASO-ON offers coverage Liability Insurance purchase, which covers an association, to $3 million per occurrence and $4 for an association and its its board of directors, officers and aggregate. The limit for the errors and officers of any sport and at Note: Associations can earn committee members while the group is omissions is up to $50,000 inclusive of any level. a 50 percent discount on acting in its capacity as an association defense costs. their coverage if all of the (including assigning, sponsoring members of the board of seminars, clinics and meetings to directors have their own improve officiating knowledge and individual NASO skills). It provides excess coverage for memberships. claims for bodily injury, property damage and personal injury. It also includes claims by reason of error or omission occurring while acting as an association, officer, director or committee member. Note: It does not cover individual local association members with liability insurance.

Optional Directors and Insurance NASO-ON associations can These coverage limits apply to D&O Many directors and officers Officers Insurance purchase, which covers the coverage: $1 million limit for each assume that because they association, its directors, officers, loss; $1 million aggregate for the have General Liability committee members and employees. It policy period; $2,500 retention for insurance, all of their covers added exposures not covered each claim. Defense costs are exposures to loss are under general liability insurance that included within the limits stated. covered. That is not true. board members or officers face in Directors and officers making decisions on behalf of the insurance has your group association. Coverage is provided for covered for any added an officer who commits a wrongful act, exposures. including actual or alleged errors or misstatements, or breach of duty committed by an insured in the performance of duties on behalf of the insured’s association.

Optional Game Fee Insurance NASO-ON associations can Game Fee: When covered injuries The game fees of the Reimbursement purchase, which covers enrolled result in total disability beginning within officials in your association Excess Accident member officials of an association who 90 days after the date of the accident, are protected and NASO Medical are assigned or would have been benefits are at the rate of $50 per provides basic medical assigned (with proof of proper scheduled game missed subject to a expense coverage to those documentation) to officiate at a maximum of $500 a week. Benefits are officials. regularly scheduled activity. Coverage payable for scheduled games missed is provided while the member official is for 52 weeks from the accident or engaging in officiating activities (which when the maximum of $2,000 per include assigning, chain crew, official per year has been paid, which- attending or operating camps, clinics ever occurs first. Fees are payable or meetings) during regularly after a 14-day deductible period. scheduled sports or activities. Coverage is provided for traveling Accident Medical: When a covered specifically related to officiating. injury to a the member results in treatment by a physician or surgeon within 30 days of the accident, the policy will pay up to a maximum benefit of $25,000 per occurrence after the $1,000 deductible amount has been met (eligible medical expenses payable under any other insurance policy or service contract will be used to satisfy or reduce the accident medical deductible). There is a $1,000 maximum benefit amount for: Dental expenses, Outpatient Physical Therapy and Orthopedic expenses.

OF SPORTS OFFICIALS N9 THE SPORTS SECTION EXCLUSIVELY FOR NASO MEMBERS

Improve Your Communication Skills

By Todd Korth he or she approaches with a problem. the head. That at least will buy you He finds that effort helps soften the some time until you have a minute to To be effective as an official often players’ attitude and makes them verbally explain a ruling or situation. means to effectively communicate more likely to behave rationally. Talk. Many players — particularly with players and coaches during a Coaches and players, more often those at the youth level — don’t talk to contest. By applying solid than not, prefer to work with officials officials because they’re intimidated by interpersonal communication skills, who display confidence minus the the officials’ authority. Put them at officials will find themselves gaining a cockiness as long as they are ease by saying hello and letting them measure of acceptance and approval approachable. Give the coach or player know the doors of communication are by the participants while making the an explanation, then move on. open. Make players aware they may many judgment calls and rulings. Listen. It’s great to be an ask questions in a sportsmanlike How can officials build on those approachable official as long as you fashion. Even friendly small talk is skills? Here are some communication decide to listen to a complaint or allowed. Open the door to suggestions that are important during concern from a coach or player. Esse communication, and when the time any game or match, especially when comes, they will be ready to listen. judgment is questioned. Some of the “The most important thing for me techniques work better with coaches Even if you do not speak was to finally learn what to say and than with players, and vice versa, but not to say to coaches, players and all are worthy of consideration in the directly with a player or fans,” said Mike Thibodeaux, NCAA name of improvement. coach, let them know in a men’s basketball referee. “I remember Be approachable. Coaches will early in my career I was in a game often complain that they cannot get an non-verbal way that you with a veteran official and the coach explanation from an official on a are listening to them with was very vocal with both of us. But ruling because that official simply will one thing I noticed was my partner ignore them. Officials must realize that a simple nod of the head. was only responding a few times and I effective communication with coaches was responding every time I was near means, “Someone will talk to me.” the coach. At halftime I asked my Officials have got to be fair and firm, Baharmast, FIFA technical instructor, partner why he was not but they also have to be approachable said, “I wish somebody had taught me communicating with the coach as and realize that they often owe how to listen to the players with a much and he gave me some great coaches an explanation, no matter little more empathy and try to see the advice. He said, ‘I am only answering what the situation or actions of grains of truth in their complaints. I questions, not responding to coaches and players. rarely did that when I was a young statements.’ As a younger official I “Approachable is the key,” said official. The players would complain was trying to respond to statements Rich Kaufman, director of officials for and I would turn a deaf ear. It wasn’t like, ‘That’s a walk,’ ‘That’s a foul,’ the United States Tennis Association. worth my time to listen. It took awhile ‘He’s holding my player,’ etc. You “If a guy comes up to me and reams to understand that when players gripe have to have good lines of me out with a string of obscenities, of about something, there usually is a communication with the coach but still course I’m going to penalize him. little bit of truth in there — maybe not have only limited conversation.” Otherwise, we’ll listen to anything he all the time and maybe not a whole Coaches may be very emotional has to say and deal with it.” The lot, but most of the time you can see and if you become emotional as well, chair’s job is to help drain some where they are coming from. It does you will only spew more gasoline onto emotion and overturn an error if, in not mean that you have to agree with the fire. Remain calm and steady as fact, one has been made. it, but you should understand their you explain a ruling. Be honest and Kaufman says that the challenge in source of frustration and then deal up-front with coaches you are tennis is trying to be approachable with it in your own way.” addressing. They have the right to from a lofty perch, beneath an Even if you do not speak directly hear your explanation. You also have umbrella. He coaches chair umpires to with a player or coach, let them know the right to maintain your decision literally level that relationship by in a non-verbal way that you are and not be swayed. leaning down toward a player when listening to them with a simple nod of Todd Korth is a Referee associate editor. n

N10 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION IT’S OFFICIAL

BASKETBALL rules every couple of years in either languages and streamed over the Olympic games or the FIBA World broadband to 200 countries and Closer Together or Farther Championships (which took place territories. Apart? recently in Turkey and was won by the One set of rules worldwide. Thus, U.S.). it’s no wonder that when FIBA Within the United States, decided on changes to its rules to take By Todd Warnick basketball is played according to a effect Oct. 1, it announced that the whole host of rule variations, goal of those changes was to “attempt Unlike soccer and its Laws of the Game, depending on whether it’s to further unify all existing game rules handed down from on high by its professional, semi-professional, and to have, in the future, only one set world governing body, FIFA, intercollegiate or high school, male or of rules for the game of basketball basketball has never had a unified set female — and at least at the high worldwide.” What it really meant is of rules. school (NFHS) level, with some degree that it was making the international Basketball is played outside the of flexibility for each state to make game almost identical to the only U.S. at all levels and for both genders adjustments as it sees fit. game that people know worldwide, (not withstanding some minor local When basketball players and fans which is the NBA. adjustments for youth basketball) outside the U.S. look at American First and foremost, the according to rules set out by basketball, they are watching in almost international basketball court will now basketball’s governing body, the all cases the NBA, which has look very much like an NBA court, International Basketball Federation, developed particularly over the last with the same wide and rectangle known by its French acronym, FIBA. decade a significant international three-second area. Gone is the funny- Most Americans are generally profile: The recent 2010 NBA Finals looking trapezoid three-second area unfamiliar with international between the Celtics and the Lakers that so distinguished international basketball and basically get a glimpse were broadcast in 215 countries in 41 basketball — and also served of the international game and FIBA

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OF SPORTS OFFICIALS N11 THE SPORTS SECTION

somewhat to equalize players game of basketball worldwide,” be put into two general categories: regardless of height. particularly as it pertains to FIBA and relatives and school affiliations. FIBA has also added a throw-in the NBA. For the tens of millions of Hopefully, some of the following line equidistant to the top of the arc of American youth, junior high, high examples will help you draw the line. the three-point line from which throw- school and college students who play One guideline that transcends both ins can take place after timeouts organized and playground basketball, categories is, don’t officiate a game in during the last two minutes of a game FIBA rules will be for the most part which you are concerned that or during overtime — exactly as in the more familiar to them now to the someone may question your integrity. NBA. extent that they are familiar with NBA The person you are most accountable FIBA extends three-point line. rules, which is no doubt not a to is yourself. If your conscience is not FIBA’s shot clock and three-point line significant number; but it doesn’t clear, the game should not be worked. — which is the same for all age levels mean that the NFHS and NCAA will The converse of this statement is not of international basketball — be adopting 24-second clocks and true. As you’ll see from the following continues to differentiate itself three-point lines that are 22 feet from example, just because you are not significantly from all levels of the basket tomorrow. concerned about being questioned, it American basketball, including NFHS Todd Warnick refereed in Israel’s top doesn’t necessarily mean officiating a rules and the NCAA, and brings it professional league and for 20 years in particular game is a good idea. closer to NBA rules. Europe on behalf of FIBA and the A few years ago, the following FIBA has in its new rules extended Euroleague until he retired in 2004. He is conversation took place in the locker the three-point line, moving it from now the head trainer for Israel’s room during halftime of a JV 20’6” (6.25m) to 22’2” (6.75m). It was professional referees and a FIBA basketball game. At halftime, an already greater than the NFHS (and commissioner. n official was bragging about his son’s NCAA women’s) 19’9” line, and is athletic savvy. He was asked, “Is your now almost 18 inches more than the FOOTBALL son playing in this game?” He replied, NCAA men’s three-point line of 20’9”. “Sure, this is the only way I get to see The FIBA three-point line is in large Ethics in Officiating him play.” He went on to explain that part nearly identical now to the NBA he had no conflict of interest concerns three-point line, which is 22’ (6.71m) because he could do his “thing,” while By George Demetriou from baseline to foul line extended, his son did his “thing” and he viewed but extends to 23’7” (7.23m) at the those as totally separate. There are not Integrity is perhaps an official’s most point in the middle of the court where many people who would agree with valuable commodity. The NFHS Code the arc centers on the basket. that view. Certainly the opposing of Ethics can be found in the back of NBA 24-second clock. FIBA has players and their parents would feel the rulebook and contains eight also adopted the NBA 24-second shot suspicious if they knew about the guidelines to which all officials must clock rule with regard to fouls or father-son relationship. adhere. The Collegiate Commissioners violations that take place in the That brings us to the first category: Association’s (CCA) Code of Ethics frontcourt and where the offensive relatives. Everyone has more distant states in part, “No official shall team retains possession (exception: cousins than we’ll ever know. obligate himself to any person ball going out of bounds and Obviously that criterion doesn’t help affiliated with any game which he remaining in possession of the drawing a line for conflict of interest. might be assigned to officiate.” Also, offensive team). In those situations, the The father-son relationship is on the “No official shall accept league shot clock will not be reset (previously, same level as spouses and siblings. assignments for any school he has the clock would be reset to 24 Those are the closest relationships that attended, coached or had any seconds); or, will be reset to 14 seconds exist. It rarely makes sense to officiate relationship with the affiliates or only, whichever is the greater of the a game in which a relative is playing. coach.” Here are the ethical guidelines two. In other words, if B1 fouls A1 in If such a game is at the varsity or officials should have as part of their the frontcourt, it is a non-shooting foul equivalent level or the official is being personal creed. and there are 18 seconds left on the 24- paid to officiate, he or she is courting High school officials face different second clock, it will not be reset; if trouble by accepting the assignment. challenges than those faced at the there were, for example, eight seconds That leaves scrimmages and other college level. Those challenges vary left on the 24-second clock, it would be volunteer assignments. It may also be widely depending in part upon reset to 14 seconds only. That is pure acceptable in some rural areas where whether the official lives in a NBA and unrecognizable to anyone everyone knows everyone and the metropolitan or rural area. Regardless, who watches only NFHS- or NCAA- availability of officials is limited. If you conflict of interest is more perception sanctioned games. do undertake such an endeavor, there than reality and there are few absolute FIBA has succeeded in changes to should always be full disclosure so no rules. Situations that may cause an its international rules in nearly one will feel misled, or more official’s fairness to be questioned can creating “only one set of rules for the accurately, so no one will have

N12 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION IT’S OFFICIAL

sufficient grounds for feeling misled. Springs, Colo. nSOCCER sure about. Check first with a The next echelon of relatives is knowledgeable referee or your local cousins and nephews. The guidelines interpreter. If they are not sure, they are fuzzier, but again caution should Matters of Interpretation can check with their State Director of be exercised. A relation beyond Instruction, an official website or cousins and nephews is probably OK, published materials. That should By Al Baer unless the surname is the same or the cover 99 percent of the questions. If relation is a superstar and your that doesn’t work, they will contact When the Supreme Court is asked to connection is well known. their regional or national staff. rule on a specific statute, justices often School affiliations are clearer cut. Not official. There are many more look at the legislative debate to see if Many officials work for a school unofficial websites, and the law was passed for a constitutional district and will not work games chatrooms than official ones. They are purpose. They also look to see if the involving the school with which they generally interesting and informative matter before the court is one that are affiliated. Some will not work for — but are not authoritative. Most Congress intended for the law to any school in their district. A Colorado information out there is good; but I cover. In some ways, the International Springs official, not a school district have seen some information on those Board, NFHS and NCAA deal with employee, blocked out three schools sites that is contrary to authorized those matters of interpretation better. one season: the school where he had information. Sometimes the people If the International Board has a coached another sport, the school his who run those sites do not check out significant change that is being children attended and the school his the data, so beware. If sites disagree, considered, it often authorizes second- wife worked as cheerleader adviser. check with the “horse’s mouth.” and third-division leagues in two or Indirect conflicts can also matter. Don’t call something differently three countries to test the new rules. For example: An official is associated than is authorized because you think it The board sees if the desired results with school A. School B is contending is better. It may be — but we are not are achieved. If members get what with A for the league title. Should that authorized to make alterations to the they want, they will put the change official work B’s game against C? rules. It is obviously a problem if Al into effect. NFHS and NCAA generally What if a close call in C’s favor Baer, in Nashville, Tenn., is doing tell everyone what they expect and eliminates B and gives the title to A? things differently than the rest of the often will poll coaches and officials to Assigning procedures vary widely nation. Know competition rules. see how new things worked and throughout the country. In some areas Referees not calling what they change those that did not. NFHS also crews are used, but in most areas should seems to be a bigger problem allows some states to experiment and officials are assigned as individuals. In than calling things that they should report results to the rules committee. some areas the association assigns; in not. Usually, the referee knows the Reason behind change. It is others, a person hired by the league interpretation, but chooses to ignore helpful for a referee to understand assigns. Whatever the policy, the that interpretation. They might be why a new rule was authorized — it primary responsibility for not working doing a college contest but prefer to helps the referee decide how to make a the same school too often is on the use the NFHS interpretation — either specific decision. Rather than e-mail official. Even though an official may follow the right rules or give up doing the NFHS or the NCAA, read the have no affiliation with a school, if he contests at that other level. books when they come out (there is ends up working half its schedule, the Difficult player or coach. It could often a “Comments on the Rules” “homer” label will follow. Three very well be that you not following section) and check their websites games (home and away) is a good the right rules is the reason why those periodically. You might look on limit for a 10-game football schedule. people are difficult. They want you to asktheref.com or askareferee.com to Whenever there is doubt regarding make a decision that favors them — see if it has been discussed there. For a conflict of interest, the official should not necessarily the correct one. If you an authoritative USSF answer, look at share his thoughts with those are being pressed to your limit, deal askasoccerreferee.com. responsible for assigning and weigh with the coach or player. Some won’t If you make a mistake their response heavily. A joint decision back down until you take action. For implementing a new soccer rule, most will stand up very well if the situation me, the best way to deal with them often no one will know that and is subsequently questioned. was to confidently make my decision, corrections can be made quickly. It It should be understood that in including any necessary cards, before doesn’t work that way with Congress. some cases everyone will not be dealing with their dissent. Congress can’t pass a law just for satisfied. A coach once complained If you know the right rules for the Tennessee to see if it works — about a referee working his game contest you are working and are correcting it may take a lifetime. because the referee’s daughter was confident that you can keep things Referees can correct things more dating a captain of the opposing team. under control, you will survive even quickly. After the match, please check George Demetriou has been a football the most difficult situations. if something came up that you weren’t official since 1968. He lives in Colorado Al Baer lives in Nashville, Tenn., and is

OF SPORTS OFFICIALS N13 THE SPORTS SECTION

the exchange between A1 re-enters the field without obtaining RULES and snapper A2, or (b) a handoff from the referee’s permission.” Thus, simply ASK US REVIEW quarterback A1 to back A2. In each making note of A6’s departure in the case, A2 recovers and scores. Ruling: game report is sufficient. NFHS rules do not include the fourth- FOOTBALL down fumble rule. Any player is Card Count Roughing Foul? eligible to recover and advance a Play: B6 has accumulated eight Play: On a attempt, R1 fumble. Therefore, the score counts in cards so far this season. The coaches dives in an attempt to block the kick. each case (7-4-2). Under NCAA rules, can’t agree about whether B6 should R1 deflects the ball and lands on the in (a), because A1 muffed the sit out. Ruling: The referee should not holder. Is that a foul? Ruling: Under backward pass, the score counts. A resolve that, but rather report it to the NFHS rules, if the official judges R1’s muff is not the same as a fumble and proper authority to resolve after the contact with the holder was is not included in the fourth-down game, if B6 does play. Unless a league unavoidable, there would be no foul fumble rule. In (b), the unsuccessful or state association has instituted one, (9-4-5b). In NCAA play, a player who handoff is a fumble by A1 (not A2, there is no standardized card- actually touches the kick is exempt who never had possession). Because of accumulation system (no rule reference from being called for roughing the the fourth-down fumble rule, only A1 for FIFA, NFHS). Some state kicker or holder (9-1-4a-7). can recover and advance for team A. associations are putting an upper limit Touching of the kick by the defense The ball is dead when A2 recovers and on cards accumulated by a team before is generally an excuse for contacting there is no score (7-2-2a Exc 2). it becomes ineligible for tournament the kicker or holder. However, the ball play, but few penalize individual must be touched near the spot of the SOCCER players. After a 2010 NCAA rule kick and the contact must be a result change (12.18.1), suspensions for of an honest endeavor to block the Player Leaves Unannounced yellow cards now accumulate at 5-3-2- kick. A defender may not stop and Play: During a men’s amateur 2 instead of 5-3. By NCAA rule, B6 renew his charge into the kicker, nor game, A6 is cautioned in the first half. should not play, but if team B’s coach may he change direction. Touching the Fifteen minutes into the second half, allows B6 to play, report it in the game kicked ball is, in itself, not license to team A has used only one of its three report and let administrators resolve it. whack the kicker. If the player who substitution opportunities. Team A is contacts the kicker is not the player on the attack, and A6 leaves the field, Wrong Team Gets Kick who touched the kick, there is a heads to the parking lot and drives Play: Team A is awarded a free difference. In NFHS, the contact may away. At the next stoppage, the referee kick. The referee realizes an error (he be excused. In NCAA, the contact is a is informed that A6 “is no longer with incorrectly pointed with the wrong foul. us today.” Team A wishes to have A14 arm) has occurred just after team A enter the game. Ruling: The best has restarted the game with that free Fourth-Down Fumble approach to use comes from Advice to kick. Ruling: That is a case where Law Play: On a fourth-down play or try, Referees 12.28.7: “Players who leave the 18 (common sense) would trump the the ball falls to the ground during (a) field without the referee’s permission written word in the rulebook. FIFA (5), most often do so for unsporting NFHS (5-1-2) and NCAA (AR 5.5.1.c) reasons — for example, to create an all agree that once the game has unfair offside situation (see Advice to restarted (which technically it has, Referees 11.10). They may also leave the given the free kick was taken), the field to indicate dissent or to ‘manage’ decision may not be reversed. The best the referee’s next decision.” That does guidance comes from Advice to Referees not seem to be the case with A6. Advice 5.14: “If the referee awards a restart for to Referees 12.28.7 continues, “Where it the wrong team and realizes the is apparent to the referee that the mistake before the restart is taken, player leaving the field without then the restart may be corrected even permission has not done so to express though the decision was announced dissent or to gain an unfair advantage after the restart took place. That is (e.g., exited to change shoes or replace based on the established principle that a torn jersey) and has merely forgotten the referee’s initial decision takes to obtain permission (or thought he or precedence over subsequent action. she had obtained it), the referee should The visual and verbal announcement consider that a trifling breach of the of the decision after the restart has Laws. A word/warning to the player already occurred is well within the should be sufficient in such Spirit of the Law, provided the circumstances, even if that player then decision was made before the restart

N14 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION IT’S OFFICIAL

took place.” If your tendency is to player leaves the game for displaying those scenarios. Whether or not a strictly follow the written guidance, concussion-like symptoms, that player timeout has been called and the fact you could have an “inadvertent must be cleared by the team physician that the ball became live during B2’s whistle,” stop play after the restart or their designee according to the free throw(s), the clock must have and then restart with a dropped ball concussion-management plan. been properly started before a player (Law 18). Student-athletes diagnosed with a who has left the game can re-enter as a concussion shall not return to activity substitute (NFHS 3-3-4; NCAA 3-4-13). Concussions for the remainder of that day.” Play: Which code of rules mentions Foul on Last-Second Shot players having a concussion and gives BASKETBALL Play: Team B is ahead, 78-77, with guidance on what players, coaches, time running out in the second half. referees and medical staff must do Re-entering a Game A1 drives to the basket, picks up the when players exhibit signs of a Play: A1 fouls B2 during an dribble, begins the shooting motion concussion? Ruling: FIFA does not unsuccessful try for goal. Substitute and is fouled during that shooting specifically mention unconscious/ A6 enters the game for A1. After motion. Before the two-point try is concussed players; some league rules having a brief discussion with A1, released, the game-ending horn may address the topic. NFHS 3-3-1c 3 team A’s head coach sends A1 back to sounds. A1 continues with the has addressed the topic for years, but the table to re-enter the game (a) prior shooting motion and the ball goes has added elements for the 2010 to B2’s first free throw, (b) before B2’s through the basket. The whistle for the season and made it a point of second free throw, (c) after having foul was clearly blown before the emphasis. The NCAA was silent on called a timeout before B2’s first free ending horn. The officials rule the try the topic (other than as an injury) for throw, or (d) after having called a occurred after the ending buzzer years but for 2010 added to 3.5.3.2: timeout between B2’s first and second sounded. Shall the basket count? Shall “Players with a bleeding injury, blood free throws. Shall A1 be allowed to free throws be awarded, and if so, on the uniform or signs of a concussion enter the game? Ruling: A1 is not how many? Ruling: The ball becomes shall be substituted for …” and “if a allowed to enter the game in any of dead when the time expires at the end

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OF SPORTS OFFICIALS N15 IT’S OFFICIAL

of the game since the ball was not in throw-in. At that point an official flight prior to the end of the half. The realizes that team A is in the bonus try ends when the ball becomes dead, and should have been awarded a one- so no basket is scored. Since the foul and-one free throw attempt for the occurred prior to time expiring, it shall earlier foul by B2. Can the error be still be penalized. The foul occurred corrected? Ruling: In (a), the ball while A1 was in the act of shooting, became dead after the traveling but the apparent goal was not violation. In (b), the ball became dead awarded because the ball was dead. So after the successful try but had not two free throws will be awarded to been made live again as no team B A1. The outcome of A1’s free throws player had the ball at his or her will determine which team wins or disposal for the throw-in. In (a) and whether the game goes to overtime (b), since the official recognized the (NFHS 4-41-4, 6-7-6 Exception 3; error during that first dead ball after NCAA 4-65-3, 6-5-1e, 6-9-1b). the clock had properly started, the error may be corrected. Since there Alternating-Possession Throw-in was a change in team possession since Play: During an alternating- the error occurred, A1 shall be possession throw-in by team A, the awarded a one-and-one free throw pass was last touched by two with no players on the free-throw line, Amateur Baseball Umpires Assn – Bronze opponents simultaneously and goes and play is resumed at the point of Amateur Softball Assn – Platinum out of bounds. Which team shall get interruption, which is team B’s non- American Specialty Insurance Services – Silver ArbiterSports – Platinum the resulting throw-in? Ruling: The designated spot throw-in along the Arizona Interscholastic Assn – Silver alternating-possession throw-in ended endline. In (c), the ball became dead Avis – Bronze Bank of America – Gold when the ball was legally touched by after the successful try and had Big Ten Conference – Silver an inbounds player. Therefore, the become live again when B4 retrieved Cliff Keen – Silver alternating-possession arrow is the ball for the throw-in. Thus, the Colorado High School Activities Assn – Silver Dalco Athletic – Bronze immediately reversed to point to team error was not recognized during the Fox 40 International – Gold B. Since the ball was caused to go out first dead ball after the clock had Georgia High School Assn – Silver Hertz – Bronze of bounds by two opponents properly started, and the error is not Honig’s Whistle Stop – Silver simultaneously, an alternating- correctable. Play shall continue with Illinois High School Association – Bronze possession throw-in results and team team B’s non-designated spot throw-in IAABO, Inc. – Bronze Iowa High School Athletic Assn – Gold B shall make that throw-in since the along the endline (NFHS 2-10-1, 2-10- Kentucky High School Athletic Assn – Silver alternating-possession arrow points to 2, 2-10-6; NCAA 2-12-1a, 2-12-4). MLB – Platinum Minnesota State High School League – Platinum team B (NFHS 4-42-5, 6-4-3b, 6-4-4, 7- Missouri Valley Football Conference – Bronze 3-1; NCAA 6-3-1b, 6-3-2, 7-3-1a). Illegal Entry NBA – Platinum Play: Team B is charged with a NBRF – Gold NFHS – Silver Failing to Award a Free Throw technical foul for an excess timeout. – Gold Play: Al is dribbling in team A’s During the stopped-clock interval, A1 NFL - Partner Grant – Platinum NFLRA – Gold frontcourt, and B2 is called for a hand- is replaced by A6. A1 then returns to NHL – Platinum checking foul. The foul is team B’s the game and attempts the two free NIRSA – Bronze seventh, but the officials fail to realize throws which are (a) both successful, NISOA – Bronze North Dakota High School Activities Assn – Bronze team A is in the bonus, and the scorer (b) both unsuccessful, or (c) one is Ohio High School Athletic Assn – Silver also fails to remind the officials of that successful and one is not. Ruling: Oregon Athletic Officials Association – Silver Oregon School Activities Assn – Silver fact. Team A is mistakenly awarded a Once A1 re-entered, even illegally, and Professional Assn. of Volleyball Officials – Bronze throw-in. After receiving the ball on the ball became live, A1 was a legal Professional Rodeo Cowboys Assn – Bronze the throw-in, A3 (a) is called for a player at that point. The resulting Referee Enterprises – Platinum South Dakota High School Activities Assn – Bronze traveling violation, (b) makes a action in (a), (b) and (c) stands. The Sports Officials Canada – Bronze successful try for goal, but no team B situation does not come under the The Sun Belt Conference – Silver Ultimate Fighting Championship – Silver player has retrieved the ball for the provisions of the correctable-error rule, Ump-Attire.com – Bronze ensuing throw-in, or (c) makes a nor is there any provision for United States Soccer Federation – Bronze successful try for goal, and B4 has penalizing either team A or A1 (NFHS United States Tennis Assn – Bronze USA Football – Bronze retrieved the ball for the ensuing 3-3-4; 8-1; NCAA 3-4-5). n USA Hockey – Bronze United Football League – Bronze Interscholastic Athletic Assn – Bronze The National Association of Sports Officials (NASO) is a nonprofit, educational association providing services and benefits for sports officials. It is run by officials, for officials. If you know a good candidate for membership, If your company is interested in learning more about the NASO Educational Partner Program, contact Sales at 262/632-5448. please send us his or her name and address. We will forward an invitation to join. For more information contact 262/632-5448 or www.naso.org/membershipdrive/2010

N16 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF SPORTS OFFICIALS