2009-2010 - South Carolina Points of Emphasis - Issue 2

"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 Notes - Officials need to know the rules. Long sleeve undershirts are legal as long as the color is similar to the torso of the jersey and the sleeves are of equal length on an individual player. Of course, the edges must be hemmed and cannot be ragged or frayed (Rule 3.5.5). Knee braces are permitted but all exposed hinges must be covered (Rule 3.5.2c). Of course, the referee will make the final decision on the safety of any such brace (Rule 3.5.1). Casts are never permitted anywhere from the finger tips to the elbow even if it is padded and/or covered (Rule 3.5.2a). It was emphasized during the state clinics that varsity games must start on time. The JV contests must be ended in time to allow this to happen.

Traveling - There still appears to be an issue in some areas with illegal spin moves. Some coaches are indicating that enforcement may not be consistent in all areas. Three examples of illegal spin moves are shown below. In Play #1 the dribbler ends his dribble at the edge of the free throw lane, establishes his left foot as his pivot, steps with his right foot and brings his left foot back to floor. The trail official correctly rules this to be a traveling violation. The call is echoed by the center official. In Play #2 the dribbler ends his dribble to the left of the free throw lane establishing his right foot as his pivot. He then steps with his left foot, spins and places his right foot back on the floor. The trail official again correctly rules this to be a traveling violation. In Play #3 the dribbler ends his dribble on the edge of the free throw lane establishing his right foot as his pivot. He quickly steps with his left foot, spins and places his right foot back on the floor. The result is a double whistle by the lead and the trail properly ruling a traveling violation.


Counting Players - It is a procedural requirement to count the number of players on each team when play is ready to resume after a timeout or intermission (Officials Manual, paragraph 3.4.4.D.3 & 3.4.5.D). There have been at least two instances recently where one team had 6 players on the court during part of the last minute of a close ball game. In another case, there were only 4 players on the court for one team after a timeout. Don't wind up on YouTube as an official who doesn't know how to count.

2009-2010 Points of Emphasis - Issue #1