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Basketball Rules Revisions30-Second Timeout Warning Horn Changed (2124, 5112): The warning horn for a 30-second timeout will

now be sounded with 15 seconds remaining. With that change, the sounding of all warning horns will be uniform for

intermissions, timeouts and the replacement interval for a disqualified/injured player.Player Replacement Interval Reduced (2125, 1053): The interval to replace a disqualified or injured player,

or a player directed to leave the game, has changed to 20 seconds. A warning horn will be sounded with 15 secondsremaining in the interval (5 seconds into the interval). That timeframe was often used as an unofficial timeout. Byreducing the replacement interval and sounding the warning horn after 5 seconds, coaches are encouraged to replace the

player in a more timely fashion.When a Dribble Ends Clarified (4154d, 952): The definition of when a dribble ends was changed to when

the loss of control by the dribbler is caused by the opponent touching, or being touched by, the ball rather than anintentional batting of the ball. The illegal dribble violation was also edited to reflect this rules change. The rules were

changed because a longstanding interpretation had been that any touching of a dribble by a defender (intentionalor otherwise, by the hand or otherwise) ends the dribble. The way the rule was previously written implied that thetouching must be by the hand and must be intentional. The new rule is now consistent with that (continue on page 5)

20072008 High School

IAABO Fall SeminarBack to the Basics

The IAABO Fall Seminar recently held in Lake Buena Vista,

Florida, centered around taking basketball officiating back to

the basics. Over 200 officials gathered at the Regal Sun Resort,

formerly known as the Grosvenor, for a seminar packed full of

information pertaining to basketball officiating and how to best

take the Back to Basics message back to board members. After

a warm welcome by IAABO President Peter Carroll, Edgar

Cartotto, Chairman, Visualization and Education Committee and

Board Interpreter for IAABO Board No. 33, New Jersey, got the

seminar off to a fast start with a presentation on Block Charge.

In addition to Mr. Cartottos presentation, additional sessions

were held on Crew of Two, Crew of Three, Continuous Motion,

Traveling, Peak Performance, and many more. Presenting for the

first time at an IAABO Fall Seminar was Dan Shepardson, Board

105, Vermont. Dans presentation on Crew of Two Mechanics

was simply outstanding and packed full of information.In addition to the scheduled presentations, Interpreter sessions

were held that included plenty of material to get the Interpreters

motivated for the upcoming season. (continue on page 4)

Peter Webb instructing Fall Seminar Attendees

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Recently members of the IAABO family returned

from Orlando, Florida after a superb fall meeting.

Feedback from Interpreters and others in attendance

say that it was our most informative fall meeting

ever. A special thanks go out to IAABO Coordinator

of Interpreters Peter Webb and the many others who

contributed to such a terrific meeting.

On an administrative matter, I need to inform you

that IAABO Executive Director Paul Jacky Loube

has tendered his resignation, effective September

30, 2007, to pursue other interests. Jacky has been a

member of IAABO for 33 years, serving as Executive

Director for the past 11 years. He also served as

IAABO International President from 1995-96.

During his tenure as Executive Director Jacky

helped moved IAABO forward, especially in the

area of technology. I know you join me in wishing Jacky the best of luck in thefuture.

Our IAABO office staff will continue to operate the office on its normal

schedule. Please dont hesitate to contact them for any help or information you

may need. They will be reporting directly to me for all administrative matters

until a new Executive Director is in place. I have appointed Felix Addeo, our

President- Elect, to handle all finances at the present time. Being a Certified

Public Accountant, I am confident that Felix will be a tremendous asset in this

area. Our Executive Committee will continue to be informed of all matters

that will keep IAABO moving forward. I have asked Peter Webb to handle all

basketball related questions and concerns and to continue with the IAABO

Interpreter Roundtables.

I have appointed a Search Committee to begin the process to fill theExecutive Director position. IAABO Past President Bill Varno will serve as

chairperson and will be assisted by Executive Committee members Joe Gintoli,

Mike Hammond, Tom Reese and Jack Sweeney. Anyone interested in seeking

the Executive Directors position should forward a resume to Bill Varno at 23

Rosa Road, Schenectady, NY 12308 by January 15, 2008.

With the many talented people we have working and volunteering on behalf

of our great organization, I am confident that IAABO is in good hands as we go

through this transition period. I ask for your understanding and patience as we

move forward.

Yours in basketball,

Peter F. CarrollIAABO International President

Copyright 1999International Association of

Approved Basketball Officials, Inc.

All Rights Reserved.

SPORTORIALS (USPS 255420)

is published monthly December to

March, bimonthly April/May and

October/November for $25.00 per

year by IAABO at 12321 Middlebrook

Road, Germantown, MD. Periodicals

postage paid at Germantown,

and at additional mailing offices.

POSTMASTER: Send address

changes to SPORTORIALS, P.O. Box1300, Germantown, MD 208751300.

Membership Materials and

IAABO HandbooksAll IAABO handbooks and membership materials have been shipped to board

secretaries. Each member is entitled to receive a handbook (NCAA or High

School), an IAABO membership card and a Refresher Examination. Members

who have not received the handbook and membership materials should contact

their local Board Secretary.

IAABO Sportorials2

Hank Nichols retiring after

2007/2008 season - Page 3

Mens/Womens Bench

Decorum - Page 3

FIBA/Questions - Page 7

2007/2008 Rules

Interpretations - Page 8

John Mazzarini Follow

simple rules - Page 9

Life Membership Class of

2008 - Page 10

Survey Results - Page 11

Arthur Fallon - Page 11T. J. Halliday Rules

Enforcement - Page 14

IAABO Lines - Page 16

The Tip Off

A Message from IAABO International

President Pete Carroll

Edited byIAABO, Inc.

(301) 5405180

FAX (301) 5405182

EMAIL iaabo@iaabo.org

WEBSITE www.iaabo.org

STATEMENT

The International Association of

Approved Basketball Officials, Inc.

is a nonprofit organization dedicated

to the advancement of basketball

officiating, through the proper training

of applicants by visual and written

aids; constant supervision by board

proctors and dissemination of rule

changes and interpretations.

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3

Division I Mens and WomensBench Decorum:Strengthened EnforcementFor the 2007-08 season, every stakeholder

group involved in NCAA

Basketball, including theWBCA and NABC, has made

a unified commitment to see

substantial improvement in

the enforcement of appropriate

bench decorum.

This was unanimously

affirmed by the Collegiate

Commissioners Association

October 1, 2007.

Throughout the season, the

following rules and guidelines

shall direct officials andcoaches in the administration of bench decorum:

1. Head coaches and other bench personnel who

engage in the following unsporting actions, in or out of

the coaching box, are in violation of the bench decorum

rules and should be assessed, without warning, a direct

technical foul (Excerpted from the NCAA Mens and

Womens Basketball Rule Book - Rule 10-4.1, Appendix

III; Officiating Guidelines):

a. Disrespectfully addressing an official (i.e.,

questioning the integrity of an official, voicing

displeasure about officiating through continuous verbal

remarks).

b. Attempting to influence an officials decision(i.e., physically charging toward an official).

c. Using profanity or language that is abusive,

vulgar or obscene (i.e., directed toward an official,

opponents or anyone).

d. Taunting or baiting an opponent.

e. Objecting to an officials decision by rising

from the bench or using gestures (i.e., excessively

demonstrating officiating signals [e.g., traveling,

holding, verticality] or excessively demonstrating by

use of gestures or actions that indicate displeasure with

officiating).

f. Inciting undesirable crowd reactions.g. Entering the playing court unless done with

permission of an official to attend to an injured player.

2. The rule states that the head coach shall remain

in his/her teams coaching box. A coach is outside the

coaching box when he or she is clearly and completely

outside of the prescribed coaching box.

3. By rule, a coach may legally leave the coaching

box during play only under the following conditions: to

prevent a fight from escalating, (continue on page 4)

Hank Nichols, National Coordinator of Mens Basketball Officiating,

to Retire Following 2007-08 SeasonHank Nichols, the NCAAs national coordinator of

mens basketball officiating since 1986, has announced

his retirement, effective at the end of the 2007-08

season.

Nichols, who officiated in 10 Final Fours, including

six NCAA mens basketball national championshipgames, also served the Association as the secretary/

editor of the Rules Committee from 1991-97.

To have been involved with Division I mens

basketball during such a positive growth period for the

sport is something for which I am truly honored and

humbled, said Nichols, whose officiating resume also

includes three National Invitation Tournament title

games and the 1976 and 1984 Olympic Games. For

more than three decades, I have been fortunate to do

something I always dreamed of doing. Its been one heck

of a ride.

Tom OConnor, assistant vice president and director

of athletics at George Mason University and incoming

chair of the Division I Mens Basketball Committee,

praised Nichols contributions to the game.

Hanks extraordinary contributions to the game

of college basketball have not gone unnoticed by

those who closely follow the game, OConnor

said. Athletics

administrators, coaches

and his professional

colleagues in everycorner of the world are

aware of the dramatic

progress in officiating

that has taken place

under Hanks leadership.

The game is much better

due to Hanks hard work and leadership.

OConnor said a search committee that includes

members of both the championship and rules

committees has been formed to begin the process of

hiring Nichols successor.In 1983, Nichols became the first person to officiate the

NIT and NCAA championship games in the same year.

The Niagara Falls, NewYork, native played basketball

and baseball while earning undergraduate and graduate

degrees from Villanova as well as a doctorate from

October/November 2007

(continue on page 4)

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There were plenty of activities for family members

who attended including a Medieval Dinner and Show.

On Sunday morning, the traditional Spouses Breakfast

was held for spouses and significant others. Each

individual who attended was provided a special gift for

his/her support.Each interpreter who attended the seminar left with

a little more knowledge about basketball officiating and

a challenge to return to his/her home board and spread

the Back to Basics message.

Fall Seminar(continued from page 1)Duke University, and was a first lieutenant in the United

States Marine Corps. Among numerous awards, Nichols

is a member of the Philadelphia Athletic Hall of Fame, the

Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame, the Villanova Athletic

Hall of Fame and the Philadelphia Big 5 Hall of Fame.

I look forward to an effective transition to my successor

in order to assure the momentum that has been built

continues into the future. The game never leaves you, so

I look forward to contributing in a variety of ways going

forward, said Nichols, who also serves the international

game as chair of the USA Basketball Officials Committee

and as a member of the FIBA Technical Commission.

Larry Keating, senior associate athletics director at

University of Kansas and outgoing chair of the NCAA

Mens Basketball Rules Committee, said that it is of

utmost importance that Nichols legacy of developing

quality officiating continues.

It is imperative that we find a candidate who candemonstrate proficiency in knowing the rules of the

game and officiating techniques and mechanics, said

Keating. Hank helped promote better communication

between a wide range of constituents, and will leave a

legacy of dedication, commitment and quality that wont

easily be replaced.

Hank Nichols (continued from page 3)

to point out a scoring or timing mistake, to request

a timeout to ascertain whether a correctable error

needs to be rectified or to seek information from

the official scorer or timer during a timeout or an

intermission. However, if a head coach is found

to be outside the coaching box appropriatelycommunicating with officials, coaching his/her team,

engaged in miscellaneous legal activity or minor

conduct infractions a single warning shall be issued.

Subsequent infractions will result in a direct technical

foul.

4. The head coach is responsible for the conduct

and behavior of all bench personnel.

NOTE: Game officials will be responsible to

enforce the aforementioned guidelines throughout the

season.

Bench Decorum(continued from page 3)

IAABO RefSchool is an at-home study tool that

helps you review the entire rules book and prepared for

the certification test. It is also for existing officials who

want to brush-up on the rules and the latest changes.

Built from actual past IAABO exams and refresher

tests, IAABO RefSchool enables officials to practice intheir spare time, at their own pace, using the same format

as the actual exam. IAABO RefSchool helps each of-

ficial:

Identify areas for improvement and recognize

areas of strength

Master each section of the rules book as one goes

along with the class

Practice material from specific rules or the entire

rules book at once

Reinforce understanding thru instant feedback

Track progress with quiz and rule-by-rulestatistics

Maintain rules knowledge from year-to-year

through updates with new questions and rules changes

each season

IAABO RefSchool is available for purchase on the

IAABO website (www.iaabo.org) for $25.00. Each sea-

son, an upgrade is available for $5.00 that includes new

questions and all of the latest rules changes.

IAABO Sportorials4

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enforcement.4154 Situation: While A1 is dribbling in As

backcourt, the ball legally touches B1s leg, causing itto bounce away from A1. A1 quickly recovers the ballwith two hands and then starts another dribble.

Ruling: Legal. The touch by B1 ended the original

dribble and A1 could then recover and dribble again.However, the touch by B1 did not end team control

and the 10-second backcourt count continues. (952)When a Throw-in Ends Clarified (4425): The

word legally was added to the definition of when a

throw-in ends. It now states, The throw-in ends whenthe passed ball touches, or is legally touched by, anotherplayer who is either inbounds or out of bounds.

The previous rule could possibly reward a defensiveteam for committing a violation, especially during analternating possession throw-in.

4424 Situation: Team A is awarded an alternating

possession throw-in. A1s throw-in pass is illegallykicked by B2.

Ruling: As a result of B2s kicking violation, teamA is awarded a throw-in a the designated spot nearestto where the violation occurred. Since the throw-in was

not contacted legally, the throw-in had not ended.Therefore, the arrow remains with team A for the nextalternating possession throw-in.

POINTS OF EMPHASIS

1. Uniforms. The NFHS has received an increasingnumber of questions regarding the legality of basketballuniforms. It appears more and more schools are

ordering and wearing illegal uniforms. To address thatissue, uniforms are once again a point of emphasis.

A. Home White Required. This season the new rule

requiring the home team to wear white jerseys takeseffect. The rules change was passed in April 2004;providing 4 years to comply with the rule. The visiting

team is required to wear dark jerseys.B. Legal Jersey Styles/Designs. Uniform jerseys

must comply with the rules listed in 34, 35 and 36.

The rules are concise and clear regarding what is andwhat is not, permissible on the jersey. A documentwas created to graphically illustrate proper uniform

design. That document and an animated presentationcan be found on the NFHS website. Coaches and schooladministrators must ensure that legal uniforms are being

ordered and purchased from manufacturers/distributors.C. Enforcement of Illegal Jerseys. NFHS rule 10

32 states that a player shall not wear an illegal jersey ,

illegal pants/skirt or an illegal number. The penalty shallbe a technical foul for each starter or substitute thatenters the game with the illegal item. A special report

form should be filed with the state association when thatoccurs.

D. Uniforms Worn Properly. Team members may notparticipate if the uniform is not worn properly with the

jersey tucked in and the pants/skirt above the hips. Teammembers are also prohibited from playing if wearing itemssuch as jewelry, illegal undershirts or undergarments that

extend below the pants/skirt. Players in violation of those

rules may not enter or shall be directed to leave the game.Coaches bear a great responsibility in ensuring uniforms

are properly worn and officials must enforce the rule aswritten.

2. Free Throws. The NFHS Basketball Rules Committee

continues to be concerned about activities surrounding freethrows, especially rough play.

A. Rough Play. Keeping the block between players

continues to serve its initial purpose. The same is true forplayer restrictions ending when the attempt hits the ring.Coaches must not teach players to lock up arms along the

lane line, nor drive players further under the basket with

brute force. Offensive players in the second position mustnot be permitted to displace or push the defensive player

in the first lane position. In addition, defensive players inthe last position should not be permitted to displace thefree throw shooter. Fouls must be called for illegal contact

and displacement on free throws, just as they would be forillegal rebounding activity after any try.

B. Lane Positioning. There has been much debate on

whatif anythingto do with lane positioning on freethrows. Some want rules that would move players up on thelow block or even eliminate the first lane space. The belief

is that the players underneath the basket are at a rebounding

disadvantage. Data collected from a variety of sources doesnot support that belief.

Multiple studies show players in the first markedlane space garner approximately 7580 percent of allfree throw rebounds. That is a range the rules committee

finds acceptable and is consistent with historical norms.The team closest to the basket is supposed to get most ofthe rebounds, not be guaranteed a rebound. The rules in

that case are also not designed to give each team an equalchance at securing a rebound.

C. Violations. Players are attempting to gain a

rebounding advantage by violating the free throw

restrictions and entering the lane early. Officials mustreview and enforce the rules regarding offensive anddefensive free throw violations.

3. Displacement. Displacement is a foul and must becalled. The committee is concerned about two specificareas where displacement continues to occur without the

appropriate fouls being assessed.A. Post Play. The offense may shape up to receive

a pass or to force the defense to deploy or assume a

legal guarding position at the side, in front or behind theoffensive post player. When the offensive

Rule Changes (continued from page 1)

continue on page 13

5October/November 2007

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IAABO Sportorials6

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1. A4 releases a try for a goal from a position near

the endline. The 24-second signal sounds while the ballis in the air on the try, after which the ball does not touch

the ring or enter the basket. Shall the resulting throw-in

awarded to team B be administered from the free throw

line extended?

2. Near the end of the 1st period, A4 is erroneously

awarded two free throws and is successful on both at-

tempts. The period ends without the error being realized.

During the first dead ball following the beginning of the

2nd period, the error is discovered and brought to the

attention of the officials. Shall the free throws scored by

A4 be canceled?

3. A2 ends a dribble while both feet are off the floor,after which A2 comes to a stop by landing on both feet

simultaneously. May A2 now take a pivot step?

4. Team A has been in continuous control of the

ball in its backcourt for four seconds when the clock is

stopped because of an injury to a team A player. When

play resumes, shall team A be given a new 8-second

period to move the ball to the frontcourt?

5. A double foul occurs while the ball is in the air on

a last free throw, after which the free throw is successful.

Is this a jump ball situation?

6. On a throw-in, is it acceptable for the official

administering that throw-in to blow the whistle when theball becomes live?

7. B3 commits a disqualifying contact foul against

A5. May the resulting free throws be attempted by any

opposing player?

8. Coach A is given a warning for disrespectfully

communicating with the table officials. Later in the game

and while team A is in control of the ball, coach A again

disrespectfully addresses the table officials, after which

A2 scores a field goal. Coach As repeated action is now

brought to the attention of the official who charges coach

A with a technical foul. Shall the goal by A2 also be can-

celed?9. A5 commits a dribble violation, after which a

fighting situation occurs between A5 and B5. A5 and B5

are charged with disqualifying fouls. Shall play resume

with a team B throw-in?

10. During an interval of play, team A is entitled to

the next alternating-possession. During the same interval

of play, a technical foul is charged to a team A player.

Shall team A continue to be entitled to the next alternat-

ing-possession?

Test Your FIBA Knowledge

Answers can be found on page 15

What rules will Kobe Bryant and LeBron James have to follow on the court next summer in China as players

representing the American Olympic mens basketball team? As a spectator, will

you understand the rules? At the recent IAABO Fall Seminar held in Lake Buena

Vista, Florida, IAABO members were introduced to the FIBA Organization the

organization which governs those rules that Kobe and Lebron must abide by when

playing for Americas dream team. The International Basketball Federation, known by

the acronym FIBA, is the governing body for world basketball and is an organizationIAABO would do well to recognize given the growing popularity of basketball

worldwide. FIBA provides the governance for such world stage basketball events as

the Olympics and World Championships. As global boundaries are crossed and players

of different nationalities share leagues, knowing the global rules will be a necessity.

The international headquarters for FIBA is in Geneva, Switzerland. There are five

zones worldwide: Europe, Asia, Africa, Oceania and the Americas. The headquarters

for the Americas is in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Because of its worldwide stretch,

there are five official languages: English, French, Spanish, German and Russian.

Fortunately, the language that is used in basketball officiating is English. Two hundred

and thirteen federations (countries) worldwide operate with FIBA rules. Until 2007,

211 played under FIBA rules.

Our northern neighbor, Canada, followed suit and joined FIBAs ranks in

September of this year. The bulk of Canadian basketball will abide by FIBAs

guidelines instead of modified rules, NCAA and otherwise, they followed in the

past. Their conversion was instigated way back in 1974 with the anticipation of the

Montreal Olympics.

Obviously it makes sense that America should take notice of this governing body that is gathering dominance in the

world arena.

All FIBA-certified officials worldwide are listed, with photos, on the FIBA web site. (continue on page 8)

FIBA - International Basketball Federation7October/November 2007

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SITUATION 1: B1 is injured to the point that bench personnel are beckoned to the court. After B1 has been safely moved to the

bench, Team Bs head coach is notified that a substitute is required and instructs the timer to begin the 20-second replacement inter-

val. Just as the interval begins, two substitutes from Team A approach the scorers table to enter the game.

RULING: Substitutes from either team may enter the game during this dead-ball period until the officials are ready to put the ball

in play. The replacement interval is only for the substitute required for B1. If an eligible substitute does not report for B1 by the

end of 20 seconds, a technical foul is assessed directly to the Team B head coach (3-3-1d: 3-3-5; 10-5-3 Penalty)

SITUATION 2: During the pregame warm-up, the officials notice that all Team B members are wearing jerseys in which the torsois not a single solid color.

RULING: The jerseys are illegal. The game will begin with ten free throws, followed by a division line throw-in for Team A. (3-

4-6a; 10-3-2)

COMMENT: One player technical foul is assessed for each starter and substitute. Once the individual is penalized, he/she is per-

mitted to participate without further penalty for the same infraction. The infraction must be discovered before the ball becomes live

when a starter or substitute becomes a player. Therefore, when a substitute enters the game, another technical foul will be assessed.

SITUATION 3: During an alternating-possession throw-in for Team A, thrower A1 passes the ball directly on the court where it

contacts (a) A2 or (b) B2, while he/she is standing on a boundary line.

RULING: Out of bounds violation on (a) A2; (b) B2. The player was touched by the ball while out of bounds, therefore ending the

throw-in. The alternating-possession arrow is reversed and pointed toward Team Bs basket when the throw-in ends (when A2/B2 is

touched by the ball). A throw-in is awarded at a spot nearest the out of bounds violation for (a) Team B; (b) Team A. (4-42-5; 6-4-

4)

SITUATION 4: A1 requests and is granted an excessive time-out. The excessive time-out is discovered (a) immediately; (b) when

A1 has the ball at his/her disposal for a throw-in following the time-out; (c) during a dead ball after three minutes have elapsed off

the game clock.

RULING: In (a), (b) and (c), assess a team technical foul to Team A for the excessive time-out. Team B is awarded two free throws

and the ball for a division line throw-in. The penalty for an excessive time-out is assessed when discovered. (10-1-7 Penalty)

SITUATION 5 (current Case Book Play 9.9.1 D): Team A is making a throw-in near the division line in the teams frontcourt. A1s

throw-in is deflected by B1 who is applying direct pressure on A1. A2 jumps from the teams frontcourt, catches the ball in the air

and lands in the backcourt.

RULING: Backcourt violation on Team A. The throw-in ends when it is legally touched by B1. When A2 games possession/con-

trol in the air, he/she has frontcourt status. A backcourt violation has occurred when A2 lands in the backcourt. (9-9-1; 9-9-3)

2007-2008 Basketball Rules Interpretations

Approximately one thousand and fifty were officially carded as of September of this year. To obtain a FIBA card one

must be nominated by a home countrys federation after which the referee must complete a 3-4 day clinic presented by

one of 14 accredited international instructors. There is a written test on rules, a floor test, and a physical (Leger) test

that must be passed.

Once this initial accreditation is met, the official must re-certify within ten months following the completion of each

Olympic competition. The rules, much like our governing sport rules, are reviewed and improved to better the sports

they govern. The World Technical Commission (WTC), presently made up of Australia, Canada, Estonia, Nigeria,

Russia, Spain, and the United States oversees any changes in these rules following the Olympic four year cycle. Until

2004, the rules were revised every four years unless a serious concern was identified. Since 2004, a number of edits,

additions and deletions were made to improve the games.Since 2004, several basketball rule changes have been implemented. They include: alternating possession, 24

second shot clock, eight second backcourt, the substitution rule, the time-out rule, 4 x 10 minute periods and 3-person

mechanics. Like NFHS and the NCAAs responsibility to monitor game rules, FIBA does likewise. FIBAs rule

changing process performs ongoing reviews. The review proposals are regularly received from coaches, administrators,

players, and fans from around the world. Proposals that merit modifications to the existing rules are presented to the

World Technical Commission (WTC). Proposals accepted by the WTC are presented to FIBAs Central Board for

approval. If a change to the rule is made, it goes into effect by October 1 of that year.

If you are interested in staying ahead of the game and perhaps officiating the likes of Kobe or LeBron on an

international stage, take an interest in FIBA now. Look for more information and educational opportunities through

IAABO in the upcoming months.

FIBA (continued from page 7)

more situations on page 16

IAABO Sportorials8

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Follow Some Simple Rulesand five decades of basketball and officiating could be yours

John Mazzarini has

seen a lot. Hes officiated

basketball games in the

Waltham, Massachusetts

area for a couple of bucksa number of years after

leaving the U.S. military

service in 1946. He started

officiating when he didnt

even own a car. He spent

20 years officiating at the

college level. As a game official and interpreter, hes had

one of the longest tours in IAABO history.

His friend Peter Webb, IAABO Coordinator of

Interpreters/Trainers, puts it, I first met John many years

ago as a fellow interpreter while attending the annual fall

seminars. John approaches his duties as Board Interpretervery professionally. At the IAABO national level, he is

very respected, and for years people have enjoyed his

company.

At IAABO Officials schools held during the summer

months, officials from Johns board who attend the schools

speak very highly of his rules knowledge and training

methods. It is very obvious to the IAABO staff members

that IAABO Board #27 officials have a sound foundation,

Webb continues.

In IAABO, we have the richest history of officiating in

the world. There are three-to-four dozen members whoveserved in the association for several decades. John is one

of those key members.

John is at the top of the local IAABO association. He

deserves recognition for what hes done over the years, and

he continues to be an excellent teacher of the rules.

Indeed, to this day, John Mazzarini continues to serve

his IAABO Board #27 as Interpreter, despite that fact that

he retired from actively calling games in 1980. Even that

was a long cry from his start when he took the basketball

exam in 1951, then joined IAABO in 1952.

He began his journey in Waltham, joining IAABO

Board #27 headed by Smokey Kelleher, one of the firstpresidents of IAABO. As a member of the boys club,

John was looking for a way to stay in shape, and officiating

quickly appealed to him.

Being a giant at 55, he says laughingly,

continuing to play wasnt going to be the easiest thing for

me. To stay close to the game and maintain my physical

condition, officiating was a good choice.

In those first days, Mazzarini worked games at the

Waltham Boys Club, often as an unpaid volunteer. This

was during his pre-IAABO days, and he hooked up with

his brother Sal, who had to convince John to join, to start

working more games.

They had tournament games at the boys club, with

some ex-college players. Those were great games. It was

a two-by-four gym with a ceiling of maybe 40 feet. Thegames were held in an old church and you were lucky if

you made a couple of bucks per game. There was one

shower for both teams, he relates.

Early on, Mazzarini describes how he had to go

hunting for games. I had to stay close to home

because I didnt have a car, which wasnt at all unusual for

officials back then. I worked a number of local leagues

the Catholic League, Bay State, Middlesex, Suburban

League.

He found that getting around by street car or arranging

with other officials for a ride was a key to expanding his

schedule. You had to make up the time at your full-time

job and that was hard because most games were in the

afternoon.

Along the way, John married Marie and they had eight

kids. Shes a lovely wife, and Im lucky to have been

married to her for 60 years. The Mazzarinis also have 13

grandkids and three great grandchildren.

Money became a bigger issue and we needed the extra

money so Marie could take care of all the children. The

pay for games was awful back then. You could work a JV-

varsity doubleheader for $12.50. That would pay for the

fuel oil for the house.IAABO helped him along the way, particularly with

rules and mechanics. IAABO is always there to help

you with teaching methods, rules interpretations and

educational materials, etc. Its the greatest officiating outfit

in the world.

While Mazzarini sees IAABO as integral to an

officials success, Webb turns that phrase around, and calls

Mazzarini integral to IAABOs success. Its people like

John, who make this the quality organization it is.

In those earlier years, Mazzarini says the crowds tended

to be more educated about the game of basketball than they

are today, and more polite in how they handled officials.Today its different values.

Mazzarini cites his own personal credo on how to

approach competition and athletics; Play to win, but

play your best. Its not a sin to lose. No one can expect

more if youve played the best you can. There is always

going to be someone better. Every record is meant to be

broken.

On the subject of how to relate to other officials,

regardless of age or experience, he advises, God gave

continue on page 13

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Life Membership presents the Class of 2008The IAABO Life Membership Committee is pleased to

congratulate its latest class of inductees for distinguished

and sustained service to IAABO and basketball

officiating.

Tony Haley: Tony, an IAABO member for thirty-

five years, has served as interpreter of New HampshireIAABO Board No. 117 for five years and State interpreter

for Board No. 32 for ten years. He also served as State

Board President in 1985 and on their executive committee

for seven years. He continues to serve Board No. 117 as

an active observer of younger officials and is a trainer/

teacher in their Apprentice Program. Additionally, he

has co-chaired the 1988 and 2001 IAABO fall seminars

held in New Hampshire. For the past seven years he has

served Region 11 as the area representative to the IAABO

Executive Committee.

William Miller: Bill has served on numerous IAABO

Board No. 175 committees for over thirty-five years,

culminating in becoming President in 1985. He brought

his talents to the Massachusetts State Board No. 15 as

a sixteen-year member serving on the ethics committee

and ultimately as its President in 2001. In addition to

representing Board No. 175 as their delegate to the

International Conventions, he has also served as Board

No. 175s assistant interpreter. His contributions to the

game of basketball are epitomized in his current role (a

role he initially established) as the State Board liaison to

the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association.

Jimm Paull: Jimm is a thirty-three year member

of IAABO New York Board No. 42 and has served as

their interpreter for twenty-three years. He is the only

interscholastic basketball official in New York City

history to have officiated a combination of NYC Public

High School Boys and Girls championship games.

In addition, Jimm has been the only individual to have

held separate positions as the New York State Boys and

Girls Rules Interpreters. He is an active trainer/teacher

and co-founder of the New Applicant Program which

has trained and promoted a number of officials into the

College and Professional ranks. Also a founding member

of the IAABO Black Caucus, his added credits include

being one of five New York City Board Honorary Life

Members, a two time SUBOA Presidents Award winner

and a recipient of the SUBOAs Rosier Handsboro Award

for service to the New York City Basketball Community.

Leo Spirito: Having served New Jersey IAABO Board

No. 33 for over fifty-one years, Leo has held virtually

every office, including the Presidency in 1990, and has

tirelessly directed his energies to better the Board and its

members. He has continued to serve as their Executive

Secretary for the past fourteen years and was recognized

for his unyielding efforts in both 1996 and 2002 with

receipt of the Dominic Cuccinello Award for Service and

the Frank C. Corrigan Memorial Award for his unyielding

dedication, service to the basketball community andcitizenship. Leo has also served the New Jersey State

Board No. 1 and was elected as their President in 1999;

he now serves as a State Board trustee.

Peter Carroll: Elected IAABOs sixty-ninth President

at the spring meeting in Mystic, CT, Peter has been a

member of Connecticut IAABO Board No. 9 for over

thirty-one years, and State Board No. 5; he served as the

President of both organizations. For the past twenty-one

years, he has served as the High School Commissioner for

Fairfield County Board No. 9. During Peters officiating

career, he worked numerous league championship games

as well as two Connecticut State Championship games.

Peters commitment and dedication to the game of

basketball and the betterment of officiating have been

acknowledged by both State Board No. 5 and Fairfield

County Board No. 9 with the receipt of the Bernie

Jassogna and James Coopan Award for dedicated and

unselfish service to the game of basketball.

IAABO Life Membership will be bestowed on these

individuals at the Life Membership Luncheon to be

held Saturday, May 3, 2008 as part of the annual springmeeting to be held in Ocean City, Maryland. We hope all

in attendance will join us for this prestigious ceremony.

All Boards are encouraged to carefully consider

honoring outstanding members who have contributed

to their local, area, district, state boards and (IAABO).

Criteria include being a registered member of IAABO

at the time of nomination for a minimum of thirty (30)

years. The individual must be at least 55 years of age

as of December 31st of the nomination year. Lastly, the

nominee must have promoted and contributed to the

growth, purpose, and ideals of IAABO and to the welfare

of Basketball in an exemplary fashion through service to

local area, district, and state Boards.

Board Secretaries/Treasurer should note that candidate

submissions for the IAABO Life Membership Class of

2009 must be received by the IAABO Office no later

than June 1, 2008. A complete listing of the Criteria,

Guidelines and Application are available online at

www.iaabo.org or by calling the IAABO Office at

301.540.5180.

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Sportorial Survey ResultsJoe Gintoli- IAABO Executive Committee

Results of the recently completed Sportorial survey

were presented to the IAABO International Executive

Committee on Thursday, September 6th at the fall

seminar in Orlando, Florida.

Twenty board Secretaries representing over 3000

IAABO members participated in the 12 question survey

which was completed over the summer months. Thesurvey was conducted as a result of feedback from

Secretaries at recent Secretaries Roundtable meetings

and to explore possible ways to get the Sportorial

in the hands of our members the most efficient way

possible.

A brief recap of the results:

To no ones surprise, the use of technology by

IAABO boards has increased dramatically. Eighteen out

of the 20 (90%) of the Secretaries who responded said

their respective board now has its own web site. Fifteen

out of 20 (75%) said they prefer the internet versus

stamped postage to send out communications to theirmembers.

When asked if their members presently view the

Sportorial online via the IAABO International web

site, 80% responded no. However, nearly 90% said

that feedback showed if the Sportorial were easier

to access and print using the IAABO web site a

majority of their members would probably access the

site to view the Sportorial.

When asked if there was a preference in the printing

style of the Sportorial, 90% responded that if the

Sportorial was printed in a duo-tone (2 color)format it would be acceptable. Printing the Sportorial

in a black and white format also had a favorable

response (60%), although not as high. Also, presently

the Sportorial is 16 pages in length. All Secretaries

responded that if, needed, reducing the length to 12

pages would be OK as long as its not done at the

expense of why the Sportorial is produced.

An interesting survey result showed that in the

time period of October through March , 2 out of every

3 (66%) monthly local board meetings occur in the

first 15 days of that particular calendar month. That

information can aid in the production schedule of futureSportorials.

On the issue of direct mailing the Sportorial via a

bulk format to the Secretary or another designated board

representative for distribution at a local board meeting, a

majority (60%) said that would be acceptable. Research

shows that bulk mailing is the most cost effective way

for IAABO to get the Sportorial distributed. Also,

due to the fact that a one-time bulk mailing takes just

a few days to reach its destination, as compared to the

presently used U.S. postage pre-sort, members can

receive their issues much faster. Some of the Secretaries

who were not in favor of the bulk format thought they

were being asked to mail out to their members, at their

expense, the Sportorial once they received them. To

clarify, that is not the intent for any board who may

participate in a bulk mail option.

After reviewing the entire Sportorial report indetail, the Executive Committee took the following

actions:

No changes will be made to the color and quality of

the Sportorial.

IAABO will attempt to produce 6- 16 page issues

per calendar year. Quality basketball officiating

information and related articles will dictate remaining

on the existing schedule.

Try to get more local board involvement in utilizing

the IAABO web site for viewing and printing the

Sportorial by making it more accessible.

Continue to individually postage mail out theSportorial to those local boards who choose not to

participate in a bulk mail format.

Attempt to recruit local boards who would participate

in a bulk mail program.

If your board would consider getting involved in the

bulk mail program or if you need more information on

what is necessary to participate, please contact Donnie

Eppley at the IAABO office. Please remember that every

board that agrees to participate reduces our mailing costs

considerably.

In conclusion, thank you to those Secretaries whoparticipated in the survey and for the positive feedback.

Thank you for taking the time to assist IAABO.

11October/November 2007

On Saturday, September 15, 2007, at Our Lady of

Fatima Hospital, Arthur E. Fallon, IAABO Life Mem-

ber, Board No. 84 RI passed away. He was born in

Providence, Rhode Island, a son of the late Mr. and Mrs.

Fallon. Arthur served in the United States Air Force. In

addition to being a boys high school basketball official,

Arthur was a softball and baseball umpire for many

years and past president of the Warwick Umpires Asso-ciation. He began his high school basketball officiating

career in 1963 and served as past president and was in-

ducted into the Rhode Island Board No. 84 Hall of Fame

in 2004. Arthur was also inducted as a life member of

IAABO in 2002. He was the two-time recipient of the

Arthur Buster Iannotti and a recipient of the William

Bill Kutneski Memorial Basketball Heritage Award.

Arthurs memories will be cherished by Nancy, his wife

of 31 years; and his children, David Fallon, Lynn Fallon

and Cheryl Thadeau and many others.

IAABO Life Member Arthur E. Fallon

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us one mouth, two ears and two eyes. Watch and listen.

It helps me relate to people of all ages. Coaches have

said to me, You werent the main thing out there, the

kids were. Thats the way it should be.

One of the games where he didnt need all his

communication skills was a rivalry high school gamebetween Braintree and Needham. Over several years

running, he and Jim Murphy worked the game. In todays

environment, who knows how the actions on the court

would have affected the officials, players and game

management, but back in those days, he and Murphy were

able to work the contest and have some fun. He explains:

The first year, we got word from the custodians that

something was going to happen. Sure enough, we had

some eggs thrown on the court.

The second year, we heard that chickens were going

to be released in the gym. Sure enough, we got chickens.

The last time, it was a pig. Sure enough, out came thepig. The opposing coach came on the court and said,

How about a tech?

My response was, It had nothing to do with the

game. It was good clean fun. The kids were just letting

off steam.

The three year sequence in the late-1950s demonstrates

how much the game has changed over the past 50 years,

and how far Mazzarini has come. Some things have not

changed for him though. Now in his early-80s, he stays

involved as interpreter, and shares some of his core views

of the game he loves.

If theres a problem, get it corrected.

Provide beneficial advice.

If you believe a game is below your ability, dont

accept the assignment.

Remember, youll never get all the calls right.

Follow those simple rules and you too may get

over five decades of enjoyment staying involved with

officiating and basketball. Sometimes I think I enjoy it

more than the kids, he observes.

John Mazzarinicontinued from page 9 When a player dislodges an opponent from an establishedposition by pushing or backing in, it is a foul.

B. Screening. A legal screener must be stationary

prior to contact within his/her vertical plane (hands, arms,legs and feet no more than shoulder width apart). Whenthese two requirements are not met, and when there is

sufficient contact delivered by the screener to bump, slow

or displace, it is a foul on the screener. When a screen isblind, outside the visual field or a rear screen, it is only

legal when the screened player is permitted a normalstep backward. The screened player must then make alegitimate attempt to get around a legal screen without

forcing rough or displacing contact. This type of contactmust result in a foul on the screened player. When ascreener is illegally moving in an attempt to set a screen,

but no contact occurs with the opponent, no foul has beencommitted.

4. Ball Handler/Dribbler. The committee felt that

several areas pertaining to the ball handler/dribbler

needed to be addressed.A. Traveling. The traveling rule has not changed;

however the rule is not being properly enforced.

Consequently, offensive players are gaining a tremendous

advantage. Areas of specific concern are: the spin move

by post players, the step through move by post players,

rebounders repositioning for put backs, the jump stop,

perimeter shooters taking an extra hop and ball

handlers lifting the pivot foot before releasing the ball

on the dribble. The key to determining the legality of

those moves is to first find the pivot foot. Then, if the

player moves a foot or the feet in any direction in excess

of prescribed limits, a traveling violation has occurred.Officials must challenge themselves to improve their

accuracy in this area; the players skills will then improve

as a result.

B. Palming. Offensive players palming the ball

continue to gain a tremendous advantage over defensive

players. Emphasis is not only to be given to the dribblers

hand position, but also the activity of the ball while the

dribble is occurring. Palming not only occurs while

the palm is facing skyward, but can also occur while

the palm is facing the floor. The key to officiating this

play consistently and correctly is to determine if the ballhas come to rest. A definite advantage to the offensive

player is gained on the hesitation move to beat a

defender (toward the basket or just to go by them). In

many of those instances, the ball is coming to rest in the

dribblers hand. A violation must be called by the official,

as there is no way to legally defend against this move.

Rule Changes (continue from page 5)

player then uses the swim stroke, pushes, pins,elbows, forearms, holds, clears with the body, or just

generally demonstrates rough physical movements ortactics, that is a foul on the offensive player and must becalled without warning. The defense can assume a legal,

vertical stance or position on the side, front or behindthe offensive post player. When the defense undercuts(initiates lower body nonvertical contact), slaps, pushes,

holds, elbows, forearms or just generally demonstratesrough, physical movements or tactics, that is a foul onthe defense and must be called without warning.

13October/November 2007

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Making a Commitment to Rules Enforcement

Fall is the time to begin reviewing the rules as we

prepare for the approaching season and November

exam. Imagine getting your exam and seeing this

question.

Question #1: A1 is fouled in the act of shooting on

an unsuccessful try for goal. The reporting officialhas returned to his position. The administering

official is about to award the ball to A1 when

it is noticed that A1s jersey is untucked. The

administering official asks A1 to tuck his jersey in,

clears the lane of all players and has A1 attempt the

free throws. After the final try the official removes

A1 from the game. Is the official correct?

For most officials this would be considered an

easy question. The answer here is obviously yes.

After all, of all the rules in the book, handling jersey

non-compliance is a very easy concept to understand.

Allow me to pose this question:

Have you ever made the above ruling, during a

game, on a free thrower whose jersey is un-tucked?

When I posed this question to my local Board

last fall, nearly 100% of the members of the Board

indicated they knew exactly how to handle this

situation. However, only 5% of the members

indicated that they had ever actually taken this action

during the course of a game.

Such a situation and question illustrate an obviousgap between our rules knowledge and our willingness

to properly enforce the rules. One could have just

as easily asked a question about the coaching box,

palming, intentional fouls, free throw lane violations

or any of the other rules we have trouble enforcing

on a consistent basis. There appear to be many

situations that occur during the course of a game

where the official often has trouble enforcing the

rule. The real questions are -- Why is it so difficult

for officials to apply the rules as written? Why do

officials look for an individuals or an associationsversion of the rule(s) to replace the rule(s) that is in

place?

Facing the Pressure of Outside Influence

It wasnt long after I started officiating that

it became apparent to me that an official faces a

lot of pressure from outside sources. There are

sportswriters, broadcasters, coaches, players, fans,

parents and athletic administrators who all have

strong opinions of how the game should be officiated.

Most of these groups spend a great deal of time and

energy trying to influence us to not apply the rules

that we are trained to enforce.

Thats Ticky-Tack, Let Em Play! and Thats

a Grade School Call! are comments often heard

from the stands during a game. Officials are a veryperceptive group. It doesnt take long for us to learn

how to play it safe and apply the rules within the

acceptable parameters of these outside groups and

save ourselves some criticism along the way.

When was the last time you had a coach approach

you and ask to have bench decorum enforced? Has

a coach ever thanked you for sending his/her player

to the sideline for jersey non-compliance? How

much criticism do we face when late in the game

we choose not to make the correct ruling on an

intentional foul? To the experts, officials are often

praised when they choose not to enforce the rules

and in their words, Let the kids decide the game.

Many veteran officials often apply what is

referred to as game management. Loosely

translated, the term game management used in

this manner means the ability of officials to learn

how and when not to enforce the rules properly.

The purpose of doing so is to appease the outside

influence of fans, coaches, players and sportswriters

so the official can protect an otherwise fragile egofrom criticism and rationalize his/her actions in the

name of letting the kids decide the game.

Knowing Our Role

Despite the endless efforts of the leaders in

officiating, I really do not believe people outside

the officiating community truly understand

what the role of the official is. When one thinks

about it, these groups appear to have their egos

fully invested in the outcome of the games that

are played. That is very understandable. I have

competed in athletics all my life and it feels muchbetter to win rather than lose.

However, officials cannot fall into the trap of

thinking our job is to be liked or to please all those

involved. The role of an official reaches far beyond

that concept. The role of the official is to serve

the game and participants by enforcing the games

rules rather than serving every whim and whine that

comes along.

An official who truly understands continue on page 15

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his/her role will take pride in the educational aspect ofofficiating while trying to master the technical aspect.

It is imperative that we as officials take on the mindset

that these student-athletes are entitled to be involved in

a contest governed by rules designed to create fairplay,

but also to compete in an environment that will help them

learn lessons of citizenship, teamwork and sportsmanship.

Embracing the Educational Aspect of Officiating

In my mind there are two distinct aspects to officiating.

There is the technical aspect (block/charge, traveling,

3-seconds, etc.) and there is also the educational aspect

(enforcing bench decorum, uniform requirements,

sportsmanship, etc.) It never ceases to amaze me how

much pride officials take in their ability to master the

technical aspect while giving such little regard for the

educational aspect of the job. To many outside observers

the educational aspect is a minor nuisance as many of the

rules are perceived not be important as they really dontimpact the outcome of the game.

The National Federation estimates that over one

million secondary school student-athletes play basketball

in the United States alone. Ninety-nine plus percent of

the athletes will never play professionally. In fact, very

few will become players at any level beyond high school.

Understanding these numbers, it is easy to see that we are

not in the business of producing athletes for other levels

of play. More emphasis must be placed on instilling the

importance of fair play. This lesson far outreaches the

technical aspect of the game in a student-athletes future.

We are a part of the education process and in the

business of supporting the development of future

generations of citizens. Ten years from now will it be

more important for these kids to understand the intricacies

of the traveling rule, or should they take with them the

life lessons of being involved in a sport that helps them

develop a sense of community and citizenship?

Rational Lies

If we are going to be successful in ignoring the

pressures we face we will have to change the mindset of

our officials. We need to make the commitment to stop

making excuses (or rationalizing our actions) when wedeliberately choose not to enforce the rules. What if

we think about the word rationalize in a different way?

What if we take the word rationalize and think of it as

Rational Lies? After all, arent we fully aware when

we face one of these uncomfortable situations and choose

not to do the right thing? Choosing to think of these

excuses in this manner will make it more personal and

give us a stronger sense of accountability.

When its late in the game and you are working in

an intimidating environment it can be a real test to stay

Making a Commitment continued from page 14 true to your convictions. In the end, we should chooseto err on the side of the rules rather than succumb to the

pressures outside influence. We need to be mentally

tough and keep ourselves accountable. In many of these

difficult situations the only person that will know if you

kept this commitment will be you. It is very easy to say

I didnt see it or I guess I missed that when we know

the truth is we saw it and decided to pass on it.Believe it or not, if we master this mindset we

will enjoy the game more. We will have a solid

understanding our role as educators and start to see the

big picture. Much like a parent needs to make decisions

on behalf of their children. We will often have to make

decisions for the good of the game even if the participants

do not understand why we need to make certain rulings.

We are all very fortunate to be involved with an

organization that does an outstanding job in teaching our

officials the rules of basketball. However, the time has

come for all of us to break through the pressure of outside

influence and commit to properly enforcing the rules asthis may well be our organizations biggest opportunity

for improvement.

1. No. (Art. 29.3; the throw-in shall be administered at

a place on the endline near where the shot for goal was

released by A4)

2. No. (Art. 44, FIBA Interpretation; it is too late to correct

the error).

3. Yes. (Art. 25.2.1)

4. No. (Art. 28.2.2)

5. No. (Art. 35.2.2)6. No (Art. 47.2)

7. No. (Art. 37.2.3; the free throws shall be attempted

by A5 or, in the case of injury to A5, the substitute who

replaces A5)

8. No. (38.1.5)

9. Yes. (39.2.3; team B was entitled to the ball at the time

the fighting situation occurred)

10. Yes (12.4.8; however, the following period will begin

with a team B throw-in resulting from the technical foul,

rather than the alternating possession throw-in to which

team A continues to be entitled)

T. J. Halliday has been

an IAABO member for

22 years and has been the

President of Board No.

20 ME for 7 years. He

is a collegiate level of-

ficial who has officiated

state tournament games

in Maine for the past 15

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IAABO LinesCondolences to Lou Clausi, Board 106 Ontario,Canada on the passing of his mother; Fred Ellis, Board 42,

Bronx-Manhattan, NY on the passing of his father; Tim Hughes, PA Board 70 on the passing of his mother;

Peter McKenzie, Bd. 95 MA, on the passing of his father; the family of Gabriel Ramos, independent

member, who joined IAABO in 1979; Gary Dwyer, Bd. 70 PA, on the passing of his mother; Bd. 37 NY on

the passing of member William Harner; Michael Bennett, Bd. 37 NY, on the passing of his father; Bd. 31MA on the passing of member Andrew Meffen; Saul Finestone, Bd. 31 MA, on the passing of his wife; the

family of Eugene Munson, 92, a former member of Bd. 39 NY.

SITUATION 6: Team A is making a throw-in near the division line in the teams backcourt (Team Bs frontcourt). A1s throw-in

is deflected by B1 who is applying direct pressure on A1. B2 jumps from his/her frontcourt, catches the ball in the air and lands

in the backcourt.

RULING: Backcourt violation on Team B. The throw-in ends with B1s deflection (legal touch). When B2 gains possession/

control in the air, he/she has frontcourt status. A backcourt violation has occurred when B2 lands in the backcourt. (9-9-1; 9-9-3)

SITUATION 7: Team A is making a throw-in near the division line in the teams backcourt (Team Bs frontcourt). A1s throw-in

is intercepted by B1. B1 jumps from his/her frontcourt, catches the ball in the air and lands first foot in the frontcourt and second

foot in the backcourt.

RULING: No violation, legal play. It doesnt matter if one foot lands before the other provided it is a normal landing. Since

we had no deflection, the throw-in had not ended. (9-9-1; 9-9-3)

SITUATION 8: Team A is making a throw-in near the division line in the teams frontcourt (Team Bs backcourt). A1s throw-

in is deflected by B1 who is applying direct pressure on A1. B2 jumps from his/her backcourt and catches the ball in the air. B2

lands with the first foot in the frontcourt and the second foot in the backcourt.

RULING: Backcourt violation on Team B. The throw-in ends with the deflection (legal touch) by B1. B2 gains possession/

control and first lands in Team Bs frontcourt and then steps in Team Bs backcourt. The provision for making a normal landing

only applies to the exceptions of a throw-in and a defensive player, and is only for the player making the initial touch on the ball.

(9-9-1; 9-9-3)

2007-2008 Basketball Rules Interpretations (continued from page 8)

P.O. Box 1300

Germantown, MD 208751300

October/November 2007

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