If the viewer wishes to go directly to the video clip, simply move your cursor to the 9-second mark of the clip and watch the play.  See if you can determine the correct ruling.  The clip will play a second time.  This time, the clip will provide a “Play Analysis” and outline the correct ruling and key concepts that apply. 

 

The clip will play a second time.  This time, the clip will provide a “Play Analysis” and outline the correct ruling and key concepts that apply.        

We hope you will enjoy this educational tool, and it enhances your understanding of the rules.

 

Undershirts are in a Class of their own:
An undershirt is a garment that includes a torso and sleeves - as One Piece.  Please don’t confuse them with sleeves that do not have a torso.  Undershirts Must be a single solid color that is Similar to the torso of the jersey.
     ·       For the Home team, that’s quite simple.  White is the only undershirt color permitted.
     ·       For the Visitors, the color must be Similar to the torso. 
Similar is defined as, “resembling without being identical -- and brings with it much latitude for interpretation.
If the color is close --- let them play.  If it’s a shade of the same color and fairly similar --- let them play.  If the color is contrasting, then inform the coach, that garment would not be legal for participation. Report any inconsistencies to your Board interpreter who will handle additional clarifications and guidance.
Remember, we inform head coaches --- not the athletes regarding the legality of uniforms. We do not instruct athletes how to fix their illegal uniform but rather deny entry when presented as a substitute or remove the player when noticed by the officiating crew.  Our communications should focus on the head coach as outlined in our rule book and manual.
NFHS has ruled that teams are permitted to wear apparel in warm-ups that would NOT be permissible during the actual game (i.e. colorful headbands, warm-up t-shirts, etc.). The exception is wearing something dangerous (i.e. headphones, earbuds, cell phones, etc.) that could injure someone.  The officials are directed to have these items removed, by communicating with the head coach.

Tucking of Jerseys:
As other sports have modified rules that allow participants to wear jerseys untucked, basketball is still a bit behind on this issue.
NFHS Rule 3-3-5 stipulates that “a player … not tucking in a team jersey (front and back) designed to be worn inside …shall be directed to leave the game.”  The keyword here is "designed."
So how do you know if the jersey is designed to be worn inside? 
If it has a tag or additional logo that would typically be hidden, then it’s designed to be worn inside the game pants. Since only one visible manufacturer’s logo is permitted, this requires teams to tuck it in.  If the design permits wearing untucked, it is allowed by rule.
Remember, there are no rules-based warnings for the uniform to be untucked.  If the jersey is untucked, the player should be directed to leave the game and the official should request a substitute from the head coach.  Please keep in mind, this is a dead ball infraction.  In other words, you are not required to stop play to address a shirt violation.  Officials should wait for a dead ball with the clock stopped.  The official should observe the player, if they rectify the situation, play can continue without penalty.  If the player does not tuck the jersey in, then the official should direct them to the bench.
When required to penalize, and the head coach gets upset, gently remind them they certified all their players are properly equipped before the start of the game. 

Can players wear pre-wrap?  
Yes, they can.  If worn as a headband, it must match color restrictions.  If worn as a hair control device, color does not matter.
“Knots” and “extensions” created by the use of pre-wrap are considered legal.  The pre-wrap must be tied somehow.   If the official rules the extensions would cause a safety issue, address the head coach to get them shortened to a reasonable length and still be tied appropriately.

Must knee pads meet color restrictions?
Yes.  Anything worn on the arm or leg, is considered a sleeve unless it’s considered a “medical” brace worn to increase stability. Braces can be any color.
If unsure whether a knee pad is considered a brace --- let them play, and report this to your Board interpreter for guidance.

For a complete overview of the NFHS uniform regulations, please click here to  download the NFHS Uniform Guide

The IAABO Spring Meeting will be held April 6 – 10, 2022 at the Holiday Inn Oceanfront located at 6600 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, Maryland. 

 

UConn Basketball’s Mike Crispino Less Critical
of Referees As Official Himself

“I’ve changed completely since I started doing this. Because I realize how hard it is.”

Published  January 24, 2022
By  Ian Casselberry
While basketball broadcasters may not have as contentious a relationship with referees as coaches, players, and fans, part of calling the action can involve criticizing a call. And with broadcasters typically positioned at courtside, there is certainly more opportunity for exchanges with officials than in football or hockey, for example. Click here to read the article.

But it is not all negative, either. On Dec. 29, I followed a veteran officiating crew as they refereed three holiday tournament games at three venues. I went into the locker room with them before games, at halftime and after games and listened in during the rides from gym to gym and can confirm, believe it not, that referees are people, too.  Click here to read the article.

A call to the Police Department indicated that a 45-year-old Detroit Lakes man became upset during a high school basketball game on Thursday, Jan. 13 between Lake Park-Audubon and Win-E-Mac. The caller said the man made obscene gestures with both hands and grabbed a 71-year-old referee during the game.  Click here to read the article.

IAABO and RefQuest have teamed up to provide another great resource to the members of both organizations. IAABO's core mission is "to educate, train, develop, and provide continuous instruction for basketball officials." RefQuest provides new and exciting technology to help reach that goal. 

If you would like to participate, please send an email message to deppley@iaabo.org and include your name, email address and board number. 

 

Steve Zazuri, owner of Blow Your Whistles located in Monroe, Connecticut, has been selected to be the Preferred Smitty/IAABO Dealer for all New England IAABO Boards.  Steve is currently an active IAABO Board No. 9, Fairfield, CT member.  Both Smitty and IAABO are very excited for Steve to service the New England IAABO membership.  Steve will continue to provide his same outstanding service to the IAABO Boards in New York.  He can be reached at (203) 261-3128 or szazuri@blowyourwhistles.com.