WESTWOOD INTOWN REFEREE GUIDELINES 2008-2009

First off, let me thank all who participated last year and all for signing up this year. I am a 20-year Board 27 IAABO official who has worked his share of recreation (youth, adult), Metro West, CYO and high school games. I hope my experiences refereeing help in explaining what should be expected of us at this level.

Initially, I would think most candidates have a decent understanding of the game of basketball; probably from a players' point of view. I'm sure by playing the game you have witnessed the refs calling some of the more popular violations, which would include travelig, double dribblig, backcourt and carrying.  Then there are the shooting and non-shooting fouls and out of bounds calls.

Because of time limits, training is going to be at a cursory level. The bottom line is to give both teams a fair shake while protecting the players. Following is a list of miscellaneous items followed by some of my pet peeves:

MISC

1) Work together with your fellow official. Position yourselves diagonal to each other. For instance, if the lead official is under the basket on the left hand side of the court, the trail official should be on the right hand side of the court a bit beyond foul line extended. REMEMBER: THE TRAIL OFFICIAL HAS TO BE ON THE SIDE OF THE HALF COURT WHERE THE BALL IS.

2) Every time whistle is blown, arm goes up. An open hand means a violation or out of bounds, a closed hand (fist) signals a foul.

3) Keep game moving. As it is running time, there should be quick throw ins. Remember, the player throwing ball in has 5 seconds to get the ball in play. Also, a closely guarded player (defender within 6 feet) in the frontcourt has 5 seconds to do something with the ball or it's a violation.

4) At the younger level (4th, 5th grade), there is no double teaming. All players must play man to man. However, there is help defense in the key if a player beats their defender.

5) Also at the younger levels, there is no back court defense. All players should pick up at half court. In all leagues, there is a 10 second backcourt violation.

6) Again at the younger levels, use common sense. If a less skilled player drags his/her feet, traveling need not be called. Call the game at the level of the competition. No one wants the whistle blown every 3 seconds.

7) Fouls: I doubt there will be scorers at the table, but beware if someone continually fouls. Might give him/her a heads up that they are hacking too much. If there is a scorer keeping individual stats, there is a one-and-one on the 7th foul and 2 shots on the 10th foul per half. Second half, the count starts over.

8) Foul shots. There can 4 defenders in the foul lane and two offensive players. Defense has the underneath positions. All must wait for the ball to hit the rim. Ball does not hit rim: violation. Lead official under the basket bounces ball to thrower. Trail official is at the foul line extended looking for any player that is jumping into the key too soon. If the defense is in too soon, the shooter gets another try if his/her attempt is no good. If it an offensive player, it is a violation immediately.

9) If more than three players substitute at one time, the team can request a center jump. Again, keep things moving as it's a running clock.

10) Rough play: don't allow it. Have combatants sit out for either the remainder of the game or until the half. Call a double foul and start play with alternating possession.

11) Alternating possession: game starts with a jump ball and the team that does not control the opening tap will have the next possession. Have something in your pocket like a coin and switch pockets when alternating possessions occur. Some refs wear an elastic band and switch the band to the other wrist when there is an alternating possession. Is there is overtime, jump ball starts it.

12) If you are getting any grief from either coaches or fans, let us know. This is unacceptable. If you have to call a technical, team shooting can choose a player on the court to attempt two shots with no one at the line. Ball is then thrown in by the shooting team at half court. 2 technicals and a player is disqualified. However, if the first technical is of a flagrant nature, he/she can be disqualified immediately.

13) Intentional fouls are a little different. For instance, if someone fouls from behind on a breakaway, that would be considered an intentional foul. Player fouled gets two shots with no one else at the foul line. Ball is then thrown in at the point of the infraction by the team just shooting the fouls.

14) When there are substitutions, make sure all players leaving the court are off the court. Count to make sure it is a 5 on 5. I would say since this is recreation and there is a running clock, do not penalize a team if they have an extra player on the court. Just get that player off the court when noticed.

15) No jewelry - period.

16) Mouth guards this year are optional.

17) Make the call so all know it. Signal the infraction in a defining manner so there is no doubt in anyone's mind what you are calling. An example would be after seeing a clear traveling violation: Blow whistle with arm up, open hand and make traveling motion. Subsequently, point to where the team getting the ball will take it out of bounds; stating the color of their shirts. Then point in the direction of where the ball is going.

18) Start of game: teams shoot at the basket away from their bench. Second half, switch sides.

19) Preventative officiating: Sometimes it's OK to help the players prior to calling a violation. For example, I have cautioned offensive players to get out of the key before calling a 3 second violation. Also, caution defensive players that hand checking isn't allowed before calling a foul. This also teaches the players the rules of the game.

PET PEEVES

1) LOAFING - do not lean against the wall while the play is at the other end of the court. The trail official must cross half court. Hustle, be in the right position and try making the correct calls.

2) Call the game correctly. Do not make calls that favor one team. This is unacceptable.

3) Show up on time. If can't make it, let us know.

4) Don't be timid. Have confidence in yourself. Even if the call might be questionable, sell it as if you are sure about it and continue to move the game along quickly.

SUMMARY

Have fun with these games and give a good effort. Remember if you ever do a perfect game, quit right then and there because it will never happen again. Mistakes will be made visually but if your heart and mind are in the right place, you will do an awesome job.

Any questions throughout the season, email me at  or feel free to call at 781.329.1507.

Regards,
Ken Billings