coaches, but also of the officials themselves. If |

properly executed, the signals offer the possibility
of creating confidence in the officials on the part
of players, coaches, and spectators.

Every official is expected to follow this procedure
in the calling of fouls:

(a) Give sharp fast whistle.
(b) Give time-out signal immediately.

(c) Give signal indicating nature of foul (both
officials should signal).

(d) Announce fouling player's number to scorer's
table.

(e) Proceed to the foul line.

From observers’ reports there have been too many
instances where men have been on the playing space
unnecessarily and have been in the way. There will
be times when it is absolutely necessary for the
proper conduct of the game for officials to be on
the floor. Moreover, it is suggested that referees
and umpires be more alert in moving out of the
way and off the court on fast breaks.

Our reports show that there has been a general
let-down on play coverage by the man trailing the
play. Poor handling has resulted because the trailing
man has not focused his attention on the action of
the players going in, and has placed too much im-
portance on the need of covering his territory
should the ball change hands and move quickly to-
ward his end. Every official must remember that it
is vital to cover play situations that are actually
being executed and not reduce his efficiency by
anticipating remote possibilities.

There are some officials who have given highly
undesirable exhibitions of carelessness during time-
outs, some sitting or leaning upon the timers’ or
scorers. table, and others conducting conversations
with the spectators. This condition should be reme-
died at once. All officials should conduct themselves
in a dignified manner and be businesslike at all
times during the game.

There have been too many instances when officials
have permitted teams, during time-outs, to take any
position on the floor and in the majority of cases
to group themselves around the players bench. This
is contrary to the Manual and your attention is
directed to the proper procedure.

Upon being notified by the scorer of the game
that a time-out just granted is in excess of the legal
number permitted a team, officials should wait until
thirty seconds have elapsed before charging a tech-
nical foul and awarding a free throw, in order to
allow that team the full privilege granted it by the
rules of making a substitution which would nullity
foul and penalty.

When two officials call a play differently, the
graver of two offenses is penalized. If the play on
which they differ is an out-of-bounds ball, a jump
ball is ruled. This should very rarely happen; with
two men working well as a team, the nearer man
will make the first call.

Do not hesitate to call fouls, even though your
tellow official may be nearer the play, for often he
is screened and in such a position that he cannot
see the actual foul.

Remember that kicking the ball is a violation only
when it is a positive act; accidental striking of the
ball with the foot or leg is not a violation.

Technical fouls which are deliberate and unsports-
manlike should be penalized. Example—Throwing
ball away from near official.

It is not in order to warn players; when fouls are
made, call them.

Deliberate delay of game is a technical foul.

Too often officials are ruling a play along sidelines
and center line as force out or force over when
actually a foul has been committed.

Cooperate with all of your fellow officials, scorers
and timers included.

Don't forget that a loss of dignity means a loss
of respect.

Never be guilty of a slow, weak whistle.

HUSTLE!
ASA S. BUSHNELL
January 9, 1942

 

CONFERENCE RULES DIFFERENCES

There are several variations of rules being used
for the first time this season in different con-
ferences. In the Southern Division of the Pacific
Coast Conference teams are playing without the
option of foul shooting or taking possession out
of bounds. There is no choice in that division of
the Pacitic Coast Conference, which has ruled that
players must shoot the free-throw. In the Northern
Division of the same conference rims of all baskets
are painted a bright orange to aid the player's
visibility in shooting.

The Missouri Valley Conference is playing its
games with a no limit substitution rule. Players may
leave and enter the games as many times as they
wish. Another rule change in that conference which
is being studied, but not in use at present, is for
time-out being called on all jump balls. Coach
Eddie Hickey of Creighton University suggested
the rule, and in early studies reports that one min-
ute and 38 seconds are saved in playing time.