BASKETBALL BLAST #4
Please ensure you circulate the information in these “Weekly Blasts” throughout the season in an effort to consistently address the issues observed during GHSA games.
The #1 concern continues to be lack of sportsmanship during basketball games. It is imperative that you make use of the warning rule regarding the bench conduct. The warning lets the coach know there is concern with the behavior in the bench area without an actual penalty. But, after the warning you must penalize for future behavior issues. Coaches must understand that once they have received a warning, should they persist to complain the officials are compelled to issue a technical foul.
When submitting “Game Reports” for ejections there must be a detailed account of what took place. Merely stating the rule reference is not enough for the GHSA Office to refer to if questioned by a responding member school. Game Reports for unsporting behavior must be submitted to the GHSA office within 72 hours of the incident(s). Ejections must be submitted to the GHSA office within 24 hours of the incident.
Enforcing the “automatics” on the ball handlers from the start of the game will allow for better freedom of movement and better flow to the game.
To accurately call “traveling” the pivot foot must be identified when it is established. Everyone should review Rule 4-44 if there is any confusion about this violation. NOTE: The “Euro Step” is not legal in high school play.
Too often a defensive player is viewed as the guilty party on a block/charge call. Don’t bail-out an offensive player who is out of control.
For a quick review of traveling, block/charge, and illegal contact on the ball handler click on this link from a previous raining video: https://vimeo.com/user375731/review/361698815/061ee550b7
When a fight occurs on the court and the officials cannot defuse the situation without physical contact to the players, it is the responsibility of the head coaches and school game management to separate the combatants. Officials are to observe the bench areas, where assistant coaches should be keeping players in the bench area.
Region tournaments will be officiated by the host school local association.
COVID restrictions are based on local school system decisions.
Be safe out there.
