Blog Post: October 24, 2025

I kicked off my week focusing on rules knowledge. IAABO recently released IAABO IQ, a powerful rules-based quiz maker built from IAABO’s official test question database. I spent 10 minutes creating a 10-question quiz, took it, and then used my IAABO Rules Guide to research the two questions I missed.

In just 15 minutes, I learned key nuances about the new rules. The IAABO IQ program makes studying efficient and self-directed—you can choose from 11 categories like Fouls and Penalties, Free Throws, or Rules Changes and Points of Emphasis, or just quiz yourself on “All Topics.” It’s quick, it’s customizable, and it’s effective. I’ve decided this will be part of my morning routine.

If you would like to sign up, click here and create a new account.

This morning’s five-question quiz went well—5 for 5—but one backcourt question reminded me how important it is to really understand the details.

Then I saw that a new RQ+ play was posted. Starting each October, IAABO releases new plays three times per week—Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday. Today’s play was a tough block/charge situation. I chose “blocking” and commented with my reasoning. The correct call? Player-control foul. Darn!

After reviewing the comments by other posters and re-reading the guarding rule, I realized why.

I used to think the defender couldn’t move once they established position—but the rule clarifies otherwise. Ten minutes on one play, and now I feel more confident for this play situation in my next game!

Want to sign-up for RQ+? Click here to visit the IAABO website Member’s Area and click the RQ+ link in the Publications & Programs section.

After my morning quiz, I explored the IAABO Members’ Area and found the Micros. I started with “Faking Being Fouled.” What an incredible resource!

The course walked me through the rule, foul procedures, and proper signals, all with professional video clips and interactive questions. Each section built on the last, reinforcing understanding step-by-step.

By the end, I knew I could handle this situation confidently on the court. IAABO Micros are concise, visual, and immediately applicable—I can’t wait to take another!

To see the selection of Micros IAABO offers, click here to visit the IAABO website Member’s Area and find the list under Training – Micro Courses.

Today began with another quick IAABO IQ quiz. (I missed one traveling question, but thanks to reviewing the IAABO Rules Guide now I understand why.)

Then, I dove into the new RQ+ play summary from Tuesday’s block/charge clip.

Play summaries include detailed rule references, mechanics notes, and site-of-foul procedures. Reading the analysis confirmed my new understanding of guarding and helped me clean up a few issues on how to apply proper foul procedures. I need to work on making eye contact with my partner(s) before signaling the type of foul on this play, and now I see why that is important.

Play summaries are based on comments from IAABO Co-coordinators Layne Drexel, Dan Shepardson, and Dave Smith. This is good to know, as the play summary often takes 48 hours to come out, but I can immediately check out their ruling and comments on each play, which will give me some insight on what the play summary will say.

Another play has just been posted—this one about illegal screening contact. I ruled team-control foul, and the Co-coordinators agreed!

I feel like I learned a few new things today. Based on the information provided by RQ+, I strengthened my grasp on the guarding rule, primary coverage areas, and identified an opportunity to improve my site-of-foul signaling. Not bad for a 15-minute investment of time.

The table of contents at the start of this handbook makes it easy to find what you need.

After a 10-question IAABO IQ quiz (100% this time!), I shifted focus to floor mechanics. I noticed the IAABO manuals the other day when perusing the IAABO Handbook looking for an answer to an IAABO IQ question I missed.

Today, I decided to invest some time in the IAABO manuals. The full-color IAABO Handbook contains the IAABO Rules Guide and both the Crew of Two (Co2) and Crew of Three (Co3) manuals. After checking out the table of contents, I decided to work on improving my understanding of pass/crash coverage. I flipped to Chapter 6, Section 2—Pass/Crash Plays—on page 276.

In 10 minutes, I read through the section and got a good grasp on the coverage. Then, I decided to take a look in the Crew of Three (Co3) Manual to learn that coverage. IAABO makes it so easy as the content aligns chapter-for-chapter in both manuals. Knowing pass/crash was in Chapter 6, Segment 2 in Co2, I knew the same content would be in the same place in Co3.

I walked away with a much clearer picture of positioning, sequencing, and how to share coverage responsibilities. That’s another 1% improvement logged for the day without much time and effort!

With a little extra time today, I tried out the IAABO Game Simulator—and it’s phenomenal!

The simulator presented real-life game scenarios, complete with videos, graphics, and “what if” follow-ups. It provided instant feedback, was interactive, and covered not just the rules but also floor mechanics, procedures, and signals.

It felt like working through 20 RQ+ plays in one sitting. An hour flew by, and I learned a ton! That was a fun way to learn new a few new concepts and refresh my memory on a few others.

I wrapped up the week with a 10-question IAABO IQ quiz (aced again!) and reviewed the latest RQ+ play summary on screening. The summary broke down angle adjustments and sequencing when two match-ups occur in the same official’s primary.

That kind of detailed insight—from rule interpretation to positioning strategy—is invaluable.

Another play was posted involving contact on the dribbler. I ruled “incidental,” but after reviewing the IAABO Co-coordinators’ comments, and realizing the contact caused a travel, I saw why it was ruled a foul. Lesson learned!