In this Issue
Virtual Fall Seminar
Play of the Week
    a. NFHS – High School
    b. Women's NCAA
    c. Men's NCAA
    d. FIBA
IAABO Crew of Two - "Secondary Defender Plays"
Fox 40 Whistle Pouch
Electronic Whistles
IAABO Good Citizen - Dr. Edward C. Meier
IAABO University/Become An Official/NFHS
Officials versus Cancer
Officially Human
Officiating Tools/Supplies/Accessories
2020 Fall Seminar
The Annual IAABO Fall Seminar, usually held in-person, will be presented virtually this year and is FREE of charge to all basketball officials nationwide, September 24-26, 2020. This is an event that you will not want to miss with many special guest speakers, valuable information and much more. More details coming soon!
IAABO Play of the Week
Click here to view IAABO NFHS Play of the Week. After viewing the video click here to answer a survey to ensure an accurate ruling. The link can also be found under the video on the IAABO website.
Click here to view IAABO Women's Collegiate Edition Play of the Week. After viewing the video click here to answer a survey to ensure an accurate ruling. The link can also be found under the video on the IAABO website.
Click here to view IAABO Men's Collegiate Edition Play of the Week. After viewing the video click here to answer a survey to ensure an accurate ruling. The link can also be found under the video on the IAABO website.
Click here to view FIBA Play of the Week. After viewing the video click here to answer a survey to ensure an accurate ruling. The link can also be found under the video on the IAABO website.
 
Additionally, all Plays of the Week are archived at www.iaabo.org
IAABO Crew of Two
"Secondary Defender Plays"
A dribbler beats their defender and momentarily sees an open lane to the basket.  However, before the ball hander can get to the basket, another defender appears and what originally looked like an uncontested lay-up quickly developed into a challenging block/charge play. 
 
These types of plays often lead officials left to wonder, what just happened?  Where did that defender come from?  Was it a block? Was it charge?  Unfortunately this scenario happens far too often, leaving officials overwhelmed and unprepared which often leads to inaccurate rulings. 
 
In today’s game, a very high percentage of block/charge plays involve secondary defenders.  To help officials improve the coverage of this play, specific guidelines were developed and incorporated into the IAABO manual before 2020-21 season. 
 
In a crew of 2, the Lead official is responsible for identifying secondary defenders in the lane area in anticipation of block/charge plays.  When a player drives to the basket, the Lead official has primary coverage when block/charge plays in the lane involve a secondary defender
 
In the diagram on the left, a ball handler/defender match-up develops above the free throw line extended in the Trail official’s Primary Coverage Area (PCA).  In this scenario, the Trail official would “work the arc” and be responsible for the ball handler and primary defender while the ball remained above the free throw line extended.  This is the time when Lead officials should focus “off ball” in the lane area and identify if there are potential secondary defenders.  The Lead needs to find defenders who would be in a position to help the primary defender should the ball handler drive to the basket.   If the Lead applies this concept appropriately, it will help them be better prepared to see if the defender obtained a legal guarding position before the collision occurred.  As the dribbler advances past the primary defender, the Lead has successfully identified the secondary defender and will be in position to make an accurate ruling.  
 
In the diagram on the right, once again, the play develops in the Trail’s PCA.  The Lead should identify the secondary defender and anticipate how a block/charge play could develop in the lane area.
 
Far too often, the Lead official focuses on the ball outside of their PCA only to be surprised by a collision in the lane area right in front of them. By identifying the secondary defenders early in a play sequence, the Lead can “lengthen the play” and give themselves more time to see the entire play develop.   As a result, the Lead will give themselves an opportunity to observe if the secondary defender obtained a legal guarding position in order to make an accurate ruling when contact occurs.
 
Mastering these concepts is paramount to being an effective Lead official in today’s game.  If officials can develop the skill to identify secondary defenders, they will increase the accuracy of block/charge plays in the lane area.       
Fox 40 Whistle Pouch
One of the latest inventions by Fox 40 International, the Fox 40 Whistle Pouch will be available soon.  The pouch is currently being used in the NBA, WNBA, the CEBL, a pro basketball league in Canada and the EURO Basketball League.  The Fox 40 Protective Pouch will activate the Precision Time System.  Currently  works with the Fox 40 CMG.
The Fox 40 Whistle Mask (Patent Pending)  will also activate the Precision Time System.  Comes with or without any model Fox 40 Whistle.
The new Re Tooled Fox 40 Electronic Whistle will activate the Precision Time System (ready January 1, 2021.)
Electronic Whistles a Key Way CEBL is
Adjusting to the COVID Era

Socially Distanced Broadcasts
4 Balls per Game among other Changes
Before the pandemic, train conductors, school principals and lifeguards were the most likely users of the electronic whistle.
Now the Fox40 product is selling at a record pace as pro sports leagues scramble to create a safer environment in the wake of COVID-19.
"We've had in the last two months communication from just about every major sport in the world," said Ron Foxcroft, Fox40 founder. "And to be really honest with you, we can't keep the electronic whistle in stock right now for team sports because of the pandemic." Click here to continue.
IAABO Good Citizen
Dr. Edward C. Meier
Bd. 33, New Jersey
I have been an IAABO Board #33 member since 1972.  I was fortunate to have met Tom Guy a Board #33 member who got me started as an official and Naismith Hall of Fame referee and IAABO member Dick Bavatta who has mentored me for the past 4 decades.  During my career I have met and worked with outstanding IAABO members while working a full time job as a high school guidance counselor. 
What I have learned as an official and from the many incredible “refs” I have met, is it is all about giving to others.  Nobody remembers who worked which championship game, but we all remember who helped us. So what I now write has very little to do with me, but everything to do with what the great IAABO members I have met and worked with have taught me. 
Twenty-Eight years ago I was eating lunch in my guidance office when a student named Laura asked if she could speak with me.  As I ate my slice of pizza and sipped my Coke, Laura went on to tell me her mom was very sick with cancer.  As we talked I offered her a slice and soda. We ate and talked for the next 30 minutes.  After that meeting we talked frequently for the next 6 months until sadly her mom passed.  After her mom died we continued to meet and talk.  I began to read books, many books on grief and grief counseling.  Soon I learned another students parent had died. I asked him to join us for pizza, Coke and talk. 
Twenty-Eight years later I have pizza meetings very regularly at school the students that have lost a mom or dad.  I have met and shared lunch with several hundred students over these many years. These strong and incredible students have become lifelong friends.  I have been blessed to have attended many of their weddings and family functions.  I have followed their careers and met their children.
This year I have 34 students in the “Support Group,” as the kids call it.  We talk about the myriad issues that they face while we still share pizza, snacks made by other volunteer students and soda.  Certainly not the healthiest food choice.  But the caring, kindness and strength they give me and each other makes up for that and is one of the greatest gifts I have ever been given.  I thank my IAABO partners and friends for giving me the vision to see well beyond my “primary area."
A truly blessed referee,
Dr. Edward C. Meier
Calling All Good IAABO Citizens
So many of us impact our communities and our world for the better.  IAABO would like to highlight many of the good deeds our officials have done throughout the year. We want to emphasize our belief in being good corporate and community citizens in the areas where we live and work.  So, whether it be a random act of kindness or an organized volunteer effort, no good deed is too big or too small!  Trust us, we’ll be humble so that our officials can be proud.  Send your email to IAABO @ info@iaabo.org  and tell us about a good deed you did this year.
 
Some examples include:
  • Rescued a puppy
  • Bought lunch for a stranger
  • Organized a fundraiser
  • Volunteered at a homeless shelter
  • Donated blood
  • Shoveled a neighbor’s driveway
  • Helped a friend in need

IAABO University
"An online basketball officiating certification class"

If your board is participating and has prospective officials that would like to enroll in the course, please have them contact the IAABO Office @ info@iaabo.org
Apply to be a High School Official!
Make a difference in your community and become a high school official. #BecomeAnOfficial. Click here to read more.

The NFHS is currently offering free officiating courses on their website @ NFHSLearn.com. 

To make a donation, please contact your local board chairperson or send your donation to Officials vs. Cancer, P.O. Box 355, Carlisle, PA  17013. Click here to make an online donation.

Officially Human; Behind the Stripes LLC (OH) was founded by Brenda Hilton as a grassroots effort to "humanize" sport officials in all sports at all levels. Brenda has spent close to 20 years working with sport officials and coordinators at the DI level and grown to appreciate them for all they do for our youth and young adults. OH is currently working with 12 high school associations (with more on the horizon) across the country to survey officials at that level, gathering information to take back constituents and participating states in hopes of building a nationwide campaign. To date, 16,000+ officials have shared thoughts and ideas on how to address the issue. 
OH currently has sportsmanship banners available for purchase to be displayed at venues; they can be customized with the venue logo. 
@OffyHuman
If you have any issues, please send an email to info@refquest.com and a member of the RefQuest team will contact you shortly.  
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 the IAABO Boards in New York.  He can be reached at (203) 261-3128 or szazuri@blowyourwhistles.com.
 
Visit – www.blowyourwhistles.com to order your Smitty/IAABO products
Smitty Officials’ Apparel – Smitty is the exclusive vendor for IAABO Logoed products.  Click here to view a listing of preferred retailers.
 
Click here to purchase Ref Life gear and enjoy Free Shipping - Must use code RefLife when checking out.

IAABO Patches

Recently, the IAABO Office has received numerous inquiries about IAABO patches and their availability for purchase.  IAABO Patches are no longer available for purchase.  This was discontinued several years ago.  Please visit Smitty Officials’ Apparel – Smitty is the exclusive vendor for IAABO Logoed products.  Click here to view a listing of preferred retailers.
Incrediware - A Natural
Wearable Anti-Inflammatory
Incrediware’s mission is to design innovative products that help patients recover more effectively and faster while assisting medical professionals to deliver a new standard of care through further development and application of unique materials.  IAABO officials are being offered the same discount as all NBA and NCAA officials.  The promo code is:  NCAAREF (30% discount). www.incrediwear.com
IAABO Watch and Gift Set
IAABO watch and gift sets are now available at a special price of $99.95.  To order your watch and gift set, please contact Donnie Eppley@ 717.713.8129 or email:  eppleyd@comcast.net
 
Special Deals for IAABO Basketball Officials
Briggs and Riley Luggage
Briggs and Riley Luggage - Officials will receive a 60% discount on any product.  Officials must use the form which can be obtained by clicking here - There is a lifetime guaranteed on the luggage. 
ISlides – Customize your own IAABO ISlides.  Click here to get started.

BRAZYN Foam Roller

The Morph” is a collapsible foam roller that can be packed in your roller bag and taken on the road with you.  No more will you have to ask the training room for a foam roller.
 
Move Better – Feel Better – Move More – Experience More
 
Expands instantly
Collapses instantly
Light weight (1.5 lbs)
Strong (up to 350 lbs)
Targeted – releases knots and flushes toxins
True usability – standard size – easy to use
Sustainably made – eco-friendly materials
 
Use the code BRZNBB15 at check out and get 15% off.
 
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