Trail Positioning and Responsibilities…Free Throws…Crew of Three
When the ball will remain dead after the current free throw (1st of 2 or 1st 2 of 3), the Trail takes a position at the division line next to the center circle.
This position makes the Trail available to the table crew and helps the Trail to identify potential substitutes who may enter at the appropriate time.
Before the Lead bounces the ball to the free thrower for the final free throw attempt when the ball will remain live, the Trail moves to the 28′ mark on the sideline.
The Trail is responsible for monitoring all players who are not occupying marked lane spaces for free throw violations and other infractions. The Trail is also responsible for observing the flight of the ball (including basket interference and goaltending), as well as lane activity. The Trail is responsible for assisting the Lead and Center with all usual rebounding coverage responsibilities.
It has been noted that some of us as Trail are heading to the other end of the court while the last free throw is in flight. In some cases, the Trail has been in the backcourt when the free throw is released. Neither of these are correct protocol. Do not abandon your crew during free throws. Be part of the crew in the frontcourt on all free throws.
Signals
Signals are the official’s language, and there should only be one language. No play situation is ever so obvious that it doesn’t require a signal with the whistle.
Signals are a means of communicating:
1. Between officials
2. With the scorer and timer
3. With the players and coaches
4. With the spectators and media
Only use approved signals. Clear and precisely executed signals create an environment that demonstrates that the officials are confident and in charge.
Follow the site-of-violation procedure, site-of-foul procedure and time-out granting procedure in every case without exception.
Tip
The next two weeks are the last weeks of the regular season for school ball. Many of the games will have state playoff implications as teams battle for playoff positioning. Emotions will probably be higher in many games. Please stay alert in all of your games. Some players whose dreams are vanishing can sometimes behave in unacceptable ways. As always, please let Charles Powell and me know about any ejections that occur. This includes the ejections of fans.