2009-2010 - South Carolina Points of Emphasis - Issue 1
"Working together, we will all get better."

Welcome to the Points of Emphasis page for basketball for the South Carolina Basketball Officials Association. The purpose of this page is to communicate information to all basketball officials regarding items and issues that need to be addressed in connection with basketball officiating across the state. This page will be published on an as needed basis.

Commissioner's Note - Spartanburg HS Boys Basketball - The school has requested permission to wear a memorial patch on their uniforms. The patch contains the player's name and number. The South Carolina High School League has granted approval for this patch to be worn as described. The jersey should be ruled legal because of this approval. No technical foul should be assessed because of this patch being on the jersey.

Traveling - While the coaches and fans may still be complaining, in those areas where there has been consistent enforcement, the result has been in a marked improvement in legal footwork by all players. Good coaches have instructed their players in the proper way to catch a pass and step into a shot. The number of illegal spin moves has been reduced dramatically. Some coaches are indicating that enforcement may not be consistent in all areas. It is important that all officials enforce the traveling rule the way the rules makers have intended. This will make it easier for all of us as the season progresses.

Post Play - Rough post play continues to be a matter of concern during the first few weeks of the season. Displacement of offensive and defensive post players who have obtained a legal position on the floor both before and after the ball has arrived in the post is a foul. In addition, during rebounding pushes in the back and the use of the swim stroke to negate an inside player's legal position is a concern in several areas. Officials should focus on potential rebounders before they attempt to jump so as to be able to detect these illegal maneuvers.

Communication - One of the points of emphasis in the Official's Manual is effective communication with your partners. It has been observed in some areas that it appears that some officials let the players dictate the next action by lining up for free throws vs a throw-in, etc. Your partners should be the first to know what you have ruled and how the game will resume. Please follow the preliminary foul procedure as detailed in Section 3.4.2, paragraph B, on page 69 of the Official's Manual. Doing so will ensure that all will know what happened and how the game will restart. On time-outs communicate the free thrower's number and the number of free throws or the throw-in spot BEFORE reporting the timeout to the scorer. Please take your time and communicate clearly. Doing so should help to ensure a smoother game.