- Proceedings oeatee of the ery a ee |
of the National Basketball Coaches Association at the
Morrison Hotel, GHtcaeoy {itinois :

“of tho | March “pSar6°. 2447.

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=‘, =a

 

‘Mhe convention of the National Basketball Coaches Association

-at the Morrison Hotel, Chicago, March 15, 1937, with a panel
ssion, presided over by Harold G. Olsen, of Ohio State University,
e following present: John W. Bunn, of Stanford; "Ed" Hickox,
ield College; Arthur Kahler, Brown; George Keogan, Notre Dame;
a5 Be were Southern Methodist; anid, James Kelly, University of
itinneso ta. <a ¢

  

 

a Olsen sounded the keynote of the afternoon meeting, when
reporting on @ questionnaire distributed omong all active members, de-
claredt that the coaches deplored the lack of uniformity of interpreta-
tions poth within conferences and sections, and as between various
sections of the country; and secondly, Taig this lack of wa
upon the Coaches themselves.

aI hn Bunn reported upon the methods used in the Pacific Coast Con~
‘'ferencp in trying to work uniform interpretation*in semi-annual meetings
betweeh coaches and officials. He suggested that the probable reason
- that there were few good officials was that they have not had a good
* background of high class basketball, as playerse George Keogan described
the _ of uniformity and suggested a. plan whereby a representative of
the pr neipal conferences through the nation would get together and de-
cide upon an official interpretation that ear stand for the entire
nation

i : :

Arthur Kahler, of Brown, averred that there would be a healthier
situation existant if coaches did not hire the same officials time and
time again, since the players come to know just what the officials are
going to call, thereby putting visiting teams at a disadvantage. He
added that officials should be in better physical condition than they
have beene He suggested leaving the rules aaone : for a few years to
oe uniform interprebaieqnge

Ed Hickox, of Springfield, aboets Lie New England's Class A and B
list of basketball officials, as employed and altered at the conclusion
of every S€aSONe ha |

ql Norgrin, of the nae ed of Chicago, asked three points,
"Just what constitutes a Char GAN holding, and blocking?"

Ward Lambert, of Purdue, moved that tte president appoint a committec
selected from representatives of all. sections and conferences present at
this meeting, plus coaches like Keogan and. Carlson whose teams:are not
in conferences, and work out a uniform interpretation on certain rules.
‘The motion was carried unaninously.

Leonard Sachs, of Loydila University, suggested that this committee
work out a play ‘situation book to clarify questionable points.

a iene "ate mm Ss
Dre Allen, of Kansas, pointed out that almost everyone forgot that
Oswald Tower was the interpreter of the rules, whereupon Dr. Carlson said
that since it was brought out "there is a rule book, and an official
interpreter whom everybody seems to have forgotten, it will be well to
continue with the Committee on Interpretations and Propos¢d Rule Changes."

  
 
      
   
   
  
    

Herbert W. Read, of Kalamazoo State Teachers College& set the keynote
for the discussion he was to lead, when he outlined the p ace of the gane
and the position of the coache He said that there were , east 30,000
high school teams playing basketball and hundreds of thougands of athletes
participating. Heraised various points, the suggestion ®;:
whether basketball would do best if it were speedier, sh
be considered, do the boys prefer a game of speed to ski
spirit of the game itself. Does the gane enhance loyalt
and school spirit?

# enthusiasn

ir. Read said that from his questionnaire, it was fofind the coaches
liked the four-tine outs, and also the new communication Fule.e The
suggestion of a l2~foot radius around the centre circle brought coment
from the floore The suggestion of raising the basket to $2 feet fron the
floor brought nore discussione The question was whether ft tended to aid
or hamper the style of the smaller (or bigger) fellowe Spme declare that
the players were becoming smaller and wiser -— other coaches averred that
they were becoming taller. The suggestion about a smallef backboard was
unfavorably received, in Mr. Read's polle The ten-secon@ rule was uini~
nized in importance.

The zone defense and face guarding brought much dischssion, The
question of elininating them was offered, although many sbw no harn in
the zone defensee lire Read gave his impressions of the ious inter-
pretations of face guarding, as viewed in the East and West, where-upon
Nat Holnan added that despite the criticisn hurled upon the coaches in
the New York City area, the coaches in that vicinity weref most eager to
see a unifornity of interpretation and willing to abide whatever
decision reached by the rules comittee,

_gohn Bunn pointed out four view fron the rule book on block, or
screcning, and then called upon everyone to think seriously on that point
for the neeting on the morrow. He added that, in Stanforf's recent trip
to the East, "three-fourths of the offense had to be disckhrded to oblivi~
ate any officiating difficulty. ‘The officiating was good, commendable, "
he said.

lire Read declared that a re-survey showed that the epaohte were in
favor cf freeing the foul circle fron the foul line out, pnd Oswald Tower
added that the rules committee, in his belicf, would look favorably upon
any suggestion acceptable to the najority of the coaches! association.
Chandler suggested a rule which would allow a tean, foulefl in the closing
ninutes, to have the option of taking the ball out of pounds, rather than
shooting the foul,

 

The talk on the possible elimination of the centre jump had John J.
Gallagher, of Niagara University, say that players and sports writers in
Buffalo, N.Y., found it resembling hockey and unsatisfactbry,. Cy Young,
of Southern California, added that the clinination would tire the players
to the point where substitutions were to be profuse... Mre; Norgrin, who
spoke on how the elimination of the tap was received in his section; Rev.
Coyne, of Columbia Univorsity, Dubuque, Ia., said that the elinination
was whole-heartedly approved in his section; and, Harold Olsen said -that
the players in his gane found they were no nore fatigued with the elinina~
tion, than fornerly.

ro)
The March 16 morning meeting started with President Carlson in the
chair. Herbert Read, of Kalamazoo State Teachers College, set the keynote
in declaring that he would first bring up the more ——t points of
‘discussion oT then wind = with the minor neers %

“iy iecagiing the SirBenbeeGik He%e| Nat- Holman asked the coaches to
think of the high school players and: proposed a ruling that would permit
indefinite presence of a man at the foul line, with or without the ball
and (cannot touch the foul line). In the discussion that followed, Mr.
Read asked for a rule that left no doubt as to what was a foul, bringing
to the attention of the coaches a remark made by a New York official that
' ‘twe will call the rules any way you want them calleds. If agg want them
Sey Peat. we will all then ‘that way - ore

Not Holden moved for the gAoptite of the SP ouNewing shia t,.ethat the
‘three~second restraining area be confined to the outer half of the foul
circle and that a player be permitted to stand in the forward area, with
or without the ball, as long as he pleases." A lengthy discussion then
‘ followed. John Bunn explained that the point was proposed for two reasons
first, to aid in combating the zone defensej and secondly, to aid the
~ high schools, which were handicapped with the present rule.e Mr. Porter
then explained that results of a questionnaire showed that high schools
were in favor of retaining the present rule,- whereupon Roy Mundorff, of
Georgia Tech, said that the South had no reason for the three=second rule,
- but he personally was in favor of any rule that would imorove the game of
basketball.

Nick Kearns shen made a beautiful talk upon the position of the offi-
Cialse "As for the three=second rule, the chances are the coach will not
use us again, if we get out there on that.line andq@ll two or three fouls
On each teams We are trying to keep friendly to you, friendly to the
crowd,and friendly to the players; and you have us on the spote I will
tell you whye The rule book says one thing, and you fellows are absolutely
_ teaching blocking. I have been in basketball 2l years and there is so
much action and so much blocking and so much personal contact, I want to
see a coach go out and officiate a Zanes You say we do this and do that
because you only see it from one anglee. There is only one thing I want
to leave with yous IF YOU TAKE THE RULE BOOK AND COACH THE GAME ACCORD}
ING TO THE RULES, YOU HAVE ELIMINATED A LOT OF TROUBLE FOR US. for any no
who coaches against the rules of basketball, it is almost impossible for
that man to ask an official to officiate that ‘game anywhere near satis-—
factorye I speak today for 300,000 ‘officials, but I an lousy, I an no
good, no one will ever use me againe Why am I out there? The game is
getting impossible. I really think wo night go John Hopkins University,
where I will work for nothing and the coaches will be professors. At the
sane tine, I defend you fellows, because you have to win to hold that job.
I should like to see both teams win, but what an I going to do?"

Finally, upon a vote, the outér half of ‘the foul circle was freed
fron the three-seconddlinination by a rising vote of Y2—_25~ This decisior
will be recommended, as the sentiment of the coaches to the rules comnittc

In a brief discussion that followed, sentiment was expressed to nake
the entire foul circle and lane free to all players without the ball,
unlinitedly. By a show of hands, a large najority expressed approval, as
a guidance for the rules connittece

5 PPR is
The elinination of the centre jump was then brought upe Nat Holman
led off the discussion din pointing out® ‘that ‘the previous day's meeting

‘centred upon uniformity of rules-interpretation, and the morning's paper
had brought forth the news that the Big: Ten ‘had eliminated the tip off

for the coming year, and everyone knew that the International Federation
of Basketball had passed a rule eliminating the tip off at the 1940
Olympics, (which 27 countries will follow), and“then there were AAU rules,
intercollegiate rules, and many Pane? rules to ‘follows . There did uniform-
| ity come in? |

"A motion was made to "eliminate the center tip following field goals."
Following remarks on studies and impressions presented by John Bunn, H. Ge.

“+ Qrdgp of the University of Alabama, Sam Barry of the University of Cali-~

fornia, Cy Young of Washington, and Lee, C. F. Kimbrell of Westminster
College, MisSouri, all of whom expressed opinion either for and against
the proposal, the motion was carried, 60-36

The next discussion was upon the ee of the pick-off play.
Nat Holman was asked to demonstrate his interpretation upon the legality,
and o long demonstration and explanation followed. Issues raised were
whokhor aman has a right to any position on the floor, if he assumed that
point first; and just what amount of space must exist between two opponents,
previous to a contact and upon whom is the foul to be called. Holman,
finally explained: ."We fecl, and we have. some pictures here to show, that
aman going from that side of the court has’ nothing to do with the playe
The ball may be over there, and I go way across the floor,
My nan stitchess I stand here, entitled to ny position on the floor, and
here is a player who wants to go after his own man and I checke There is
contact. Gentlemen, who is to blame?®

Where. upon, Chairman Read declared: "Nat, that is the whole issue.
Your best point is. that contact ensues here, and if you want to get con-
_tact out of the game, you are noving right along that direction. The

thing that is clean cut is, do the rules pernit that sort of thing? The

majority of the people in the country sdy it is legal. the Metropolitan
area says it is ee and you have your reasons right heree Thanks a lot,
Nate" ‘

John Bunn then read sitatbuatdtadnd roon Oswald Tower which he denon~
stratede He read: "A player is entitled to take any position on the court
not occupied by another player, provided that. this position is not so close
to the opponent that contact ensues when the opponent makes normal bodily
novenent." Continuing Dunn said: "Nat,according to your interpretation
I would be fouling ‘in this situation, if you. chased hin into ne and I did
not nove. ‘You cha age hin right into ne, and Pa fonts 5 OVC. According to
this, fats you soy Z have fouled." eee :

Holman: M¥es," you havee "'

Bonn “thea there, are, the two. Shy oy teh ety ‘opinion we, must resOlvee"!

Hotmeni eo are ‘aigressing. for a nonente: i aoc around the —
East we took this stand: if John had the ball over there, and I cut around,
if he has the ball he can do things for nee:. Hé is: ‘Oeke's, ‘provided there is

no body notions “Te 7 chase Joe into YOU, was foul is” ox you because you
did not have the balls” Ca

Bunn: "There is a decided difference of opinion and rather than get
into other phases, it seems we .should agree or disagree on thise"

ne
Tower: "I am not attempting to influence the decisions of this
organization in any manner, but I am merely trying to point out what I
think has been the intent of the rules committee What Mr. Bunn's reading
to you has been’ the interpretation of the committee in the past, and I
think it is an attempt to harmonize the New York group's attitude with
that of the rest of the country, because although I: have been in agreement
with the great majority of the country on this matter of screening, I can

see some point, a strong point, in the argument of the New York group. I
find that parts of the’ country have interpreted this statement to the
effect that a player is entitled to take a position on the floor not
occupied by another player in an extreme way, and that is where the New
York group hits a weaknesSe As that play was illustrated, I think that
matter of proximity had a good deal to do with it. If I come up as close
as this, I have taken a position not occupicd by another player, but I
am sO close he cannot’ make a normal movement of his body without hitting
me, and if I take that position I am responsible for the foule ‘The rule

“does not say merely a position not occupied by another player, but it

says "not occupied by another player, provided personal contact does not

-ensuee" If I take a pos ition here, I am impeding his normal bodily move~

ment and I'am responsible. If I am a yard away, I an not impeding his
normal movement. He has an opportunity to avoid me; and under the fornal
interpretation, it is his duty to avoid the contact. "There is one phase

Or it, if accepted, that meets one objection | that the New York group has
to the interpretation madé in other parts of the country, and of course,
it is o legitinate objection."

i. Following another brief denonstration, the hee ting add euEnge at noon
until C300 pele that afternoons ; oy

“At the afternoon neeting Dr. géhads Edwards said that itidin brousnt
up'a point that morning when he dated that a man cannot screen from the
rear; he must sereen fron the side. He pointed out thaf in the Temple
Oilers gane in New York City, the Oiler center was fouled. three tines for
screening a nan he didn't — even know was ‘theres

In a discussion that eorioeide Frank Keaney of Rhode Island State,
_ said that: "An ideal solution would "be to accept’ Mr. Tower's version of
“ face-guarding, blocking, and screening."

A motion; "A player is entitled to take any position on the court
not occupied by another player, provided that this position is not closer
than approxinately three Teet ; “tO am opponent, that contact ensues when the
opponent makes nornal ‘bodily’ ‘novenents, " was carried. It was said that
"position" takes Gate.0f  810e, rear, or backe

ile A notion, - “ player is entitled to take any: position on the court not
occupied by another player, ’ ‘provided that this position isnot taken in
the path of a noving opponent so quickly that thé latter cannot’ avoid
“contact, " was beats through & denonstratione |

Mr. ‘Tower: "I have taken a ceadebon not commtek w another player,
but in doing that, I have caused contact and the foul is on mee The funda
nental is that I an pernitted to take a position on the court not occupied
by another player, provided I-take that position without causing contact,
it is legal; but if Ido cause contact, the foul is on mee He couldn't
possibly avoid running into ne, because I jumped in there so quickly. In
this case, I jumped in and am stationary. Sone parts of the country have
taken the position that because I have taken the position not occupied by
another player, and am stationary, he was responsible for the contact."

-5e
To the. above motion, the following sentence was sid "In the fore»
going cases, the player who takes the position described is responsible
for the contact unless other factors are involved." The motion was
‘carried 23-0. . :

A motions "the player who is attempting to screen is responsible if
contact occurs when he is moving, if his opponent is stationary or re~
treating from him." It “passed | 25=06

A motion: "In dther cases of contact resulting from an attempt to
sereen, when both players are in motion, both may have fouled, but in
case of doubt, the greater responsibility is on the player who is attempt-
ing to screen," ‘The motion was carried °&=0.

ih MOuLOns ie face-guarding is dueisaned, add the following: If a
player disregards the ball, faces an opponent and shifts his position as
the opponent shifts, such playor is primarily responsible for any contact
‘that ensues unless other factots are involved." It was carried 30=0
It then was voted to abolish the tern "face-guarding".

A motion: "The 10-second be retained as ay present in the, rules!!!
It was carried practically unaninously.

It was then brought out that thé Western Conference had adopted a
new ruling to extend the end lines two feet, to eliminate whistle~blowing
beneath the baskéete President Carlson inquired just how many ruling
noking bodies really existed. A mdtion was made that the Coaches Associa»
tion do not change the relationship of the end line and back~board. It
passed 34-0. The question of raising the baskets to 12 feet and naking
the back-boards smaller was brought up but failed to obtain any discussion.
The lémfoot circle, concentric with the centre circle, also was brought upy
‘but evoked no intereste The commnication rule was regarded a good point.
The four-time outs was also favorably received. ~~

Chairman Read, in drawing‘ the close of the sesSion, appealed to the
coaches for ho coaching fron. the benche He drew a distinction between
coaches of the ."uncontrolled prina donna’ tenperanent" and those who
"do that to gain an advantagee”

"Let us be honest and face the facts," said Mr. Read. "We ask here
for better officiating, and we can't get it unless we cooperate."

Art Kahler proposed a motion that "A fellow who is fouled while in
the act or after having passed to a man in a scoring position, who scores,
the offensive team shall have the power to decline the foul and count the
basket, instead." He pointed out the merits of such a new ruling in the
closing seconds of a close game, After Oswald Tower explained the diff-
iculty with which’ the ae would be carried out, Kahler withdrew his
motione

_ By a vote of 25—=3, the body passed a motion to extract the note
under the Rule XV, Section 9, in regard to striking a uan's wrist while
sinultaneously hitting the ball, in the act of shooting,
Chandler made a motion that "A team which has been fouled be per~
mitted to decline the free throw penalty and be awarded the ball out of
bounds at the center of the sidelines, the centre of the court, out of
bounds, this to apply to both technical and personal fouls." The team
could take the first foul and decline the second and take the ball out of
bounds. The official is to steer the. ‘dalle The motion was carried
unanimously. oa

With President Carlson in the chair, the body gave a rising vote =
thanks to Mrz. Reade ee

Mr. Tower then made a plea for uniformity. He explained that if
bodies made a practice of experimenting with new rules,.without official.
approval, the game would get out.of controle He approved the Pacific
Coast's action of first receiving pee eeye to oT with =
elimination of the eenend Jump «

George Réwerds: called soublnwy set 9g wit ée ‘for the gamee Dr. John
Brown and Nat Holman spoke similarly A motion was made, and unanimously
passed, that the association send to-each 6f ‘the separate rules’ podies a
plea that it would’ like then to use: their utmost nda to cteaptosties and.
form, or re-form, a on * ‘rules: PoE REC Soe

Ed Hickox presented the following proposal of the nominating =

Sees dent pe Th, 498, 2; _ spread, Mevddbe! awards; Univ. of ene.
ist Vice President .... <:* Wms S.' Chandler, Marquette
ena Vaee President. «.«..+ +-+: »,Be Be Grover, Ohio University
3rd Vice President i °. eo. s Net Holman,’ City College of N.Y.
Secretary~ Treasurer 4 .°. .-'. John Bunh, Stanford
Board of Directors. . v>.°i°s « Drv-H.@.Carlson, Pittsburgh Univ,
| s i a OURS aed Temp est, Purdue University
‘-** “George Keogan, Univ. of Notre
Dane
by thniug tp ae, 5, Shee Ree y Bit." State
phake ante ahi TO 4 pee ' Colle;
A notion was nade | i uncininousiy: accepted — the pyobseed slate
an Se ;
A notion was made and unanimously passed, that a vote of thanks be
given to Nick Kearnse A rising vote of thanks was given to the —_—
adninistration,. the neet ing adjeuined « at: at 25 Pelle
MODIFICATION OF THE OFFICIAL BASKETBALL
\.0° RULES WHICH REFER TO_THE
emt *. CENTER JUMP
SECTION 1:  The'use of the center=jump shall be discontinued and the
ball shall be put in play in the manner hereinafter provided:

(a) After a goal has been made;

(b) After a goal has been declared; os provided in Rule 14, Section 13,
Penalty (a);

(c) After a goal has been made from a free throw following a versonal
foul, where only one free throw has been awarded;

(a) After a goal. has been made from the last free throw, where guc~
cessive free throws have been awarded to one team and none to the ©
other, at least one free throw being for a personal foul. .

SECTION 2: In ‘all cases enumerated in Section 1 hereof, the ball shall
be put in play by a member of the team last scored upon by playing it in
from out of bounds beyond his back. court end line. <Any player of such
team: shall be cligible to play the ball therefrom. — ee

SECTION 3: The play~in shall be nade in all respects as in the case
of an ordinary play~in from out of bounds, and all fouls and violations
applicable thereto shall be enforced. | a

SECTION 4: Any interference or other act on the part of the tean not
entitled to the playin ‘which, in the judgnent of either official, is
designed to hindér or déldy such play-in in any manner, ‘shall constitute
a technical foul for delaying the gane and shall be penalized by the
award of a free throw to the opponents. |

Note: It will be observed that the center-jump will still be used (a)
at the beginning of each half and of each extra period; (b) after a free
throw following''a technical foul, or after the last free throw following
a technical foul, if nore than one has been called; (c) after the last
free throw following a double foul, and (4d) in all other cases not enuner~
ated in the above Section where the Official Rules. .so prescribe (see for —
example Rule 13, Sec. 23; Rule 14, Sec. 2, Penalty, Notes Rule 14, Set. 7s
Penalty)

“Note: Any attempt by a player to delay the play~in so as to asad iche
self or his teammates in securing their defensive. positions should be :
promptly penalized.

a
FINDINGS, REPORT, AND poner
RELADIVE,T0.-
THE ELIMINATION OF HE CENTER JUMP

Connencing with the season of 1935, the Southern Division of the
Pacific Coast Conference has been engaged in’ authorized’ research as regards
the elinination of the tip-off in actual inter-collegiate PLAY

The tern authorized! is used’ in order bo: negative at the outset any
thought. that this move was Local or in any way sectional or "insurgent" in
its nature. . Before the plan was. ever put into effect, Dr. J. Fred Bohler
of the, National Rules Connittee was contracted, and,' as a nenber of that
body, warily expressed his approval of the project. — Thus, on April 10,
1934, he wrote: "I think it. is a fine. thing for your group in the South
to give this elimination of: the center jump play ‘a’: ‘rial next year and
I shall report this. to the Committee. I an sure that our Connittee will
be pleased. to get. the result of this, experinent."* And again, on April 255.
1934, he wrote, concerning. the Connittee: "They were very ‘happy indeed
to know that. the Southern Division. of the Pacific Coast, Conference was
undertaking sone exnerinents along. this. line and I an ‘sure they will be
anxious. to: get the results of your findings.” |

With this open encouragetient fron the rule-naking body, the experi-
nent, as such, was.tried in 1935 with such success that it was carried on
through. the 1936 and 1937 seasons. _With this experience as a basis, it
seens fitting the findings above! referred to by Drs Bohler be now nade.
They are as follows:. oo , ae.

is Elinination of Rough Elan Incidental to the Center Tip.

The elerient of ‘rough play. in - connection with the tip was the noving - .
cause which led to the nodif ication iin the first place. It was found that
crashing,’ shoving, , blocking, and ‘other. illegal contact in connection with
the tip was the rule, rather than’ ‘the exceptions Moreover, that the fouls
actually connitted were greatly in excess of those detected avid called,
irrespective of the ability, of the ebt eagles With. the elinination of the

es

Ba » Elinihation of. Held ‘polls Following the Din.

When the tip-off was in use, it was found that in a great nany cases
the player securing the ball was immediately tied up by an opponent, thus
resulting in a held balls: The elininat ion has thus resulted in a narked |
decrease in the’ nunber, of held. balls, thus leading to less interruptions - :
in the pig.

+ ok Dee

43«e Development of 2 More. Snooth, Sontinuous Hie of Flsy-

With the center tap ie use, | after a bogies sees is of necessity a lull
in the play during which ‘thie ball is rétrieved by the official's, the teans
line’ up: in their. ‘center tip ‘fortiations, and ‘the. ball is finally tossed up
at centers “This “break ‘inthe ‘continuity and suoothness of the play is en~
tirely done’ away with where the ball is playeil in’ without the tip. One
team scores; the other innediately assumes the offensive and the play goes
on without a break in its continuity.” : “Thé Dall: its not handled by the
official (this Was tried and discarded in 1935) and, hence, a rapid
counter-attack: fron the back court PAY. be euployed if desired. ©

vee

ee aig
4. Developnent of a More Varied Style of Play.

One criticisn which spéctators frequently nake of present day basket»
ball is that is has become "stereotyped" and in the -nain. is played on only
one-half of the court. Under the elinination, it early developed that a_
_ tean ahead in the score in the ‘second half could expect to have its oppon~
ents play it all over the court. This necessitated the preparation of a
strong back court gane in order to conbat such tactics. Further, since
the defenses were schooled to go out when necessary, the use of such tac-
tics at any tine, in order to change the pace of the play when desired, ..'.
has now become common. The obvious effect of such tactics being to open
up the play, no conplaint is longer heard of "stereotyped basket -ball."

5s Equalization of Ball Possession.

‘With the center jump in use, all’ other things being equal, the tean .
with the taller center will generally get the tips With centers of equal.
jumping ability, it is entirely a’natter of chance, In the one case, &
tean- is penalized through no intrinsic fault of its own (precisely as in .
the old days a’tean was penalized unfairly because it did not happen to
have the best foul shooter). And where the jumpers are of equal ability,
the matter of ball possession depends mainly upon pure lucke Ee

The result has been a scouring of ‘the highways and byways for sky~ -
scraper centers who in many cases (generally, it nay be said, on losing...
teans) are used in the lineup for their jumping ability, despite their
lack of skill in the other departments of the gane. Where the tip is
used, this nust be done. Where the tip is not used, a tall man. does:
not vlay unless ‘he is'a basket ball player. The advantage of height.
will always endure in basket ball, when it is coupled with genuine bas~
ket ball abilitye Where it is not, however, there is no point to em
ploying it simply for the purpose of protection in a department of .the »
gane which does not truly reflect the actual relative merits of the ~
opposing teanse - : BOLI YSGRS Gri . . sad (7

 ‘{he elinination of the tip does away with all this. , And, in re-.
turn, it equalizes ball possession. Every tine a team scores, the oppone
ent is given the opportunity likewise to score if it cane Whether it can
or not depends upon the relative skills of the’ two téarge And this, it
is submitted, is the true spirit of the ganee ern

_ Agide from these considerations, however, it is. undoubtedly true
that this elenent of equalized ball possession has resulted in closer
and nore hard fought contests. And this fact has likewise done a great
deal toward popularizing the elimination.

6 The addition of actual playing tine.

- §tatistics have shown that the use of the elimination will add fron
six to eight minutes of actual playing tine to each game. Ina gane which,
in comparison with other najor sports, is. all too short in this respect;
this is a decided advantage from the standpoint of public interest. ©

   

A natural corollary to the added playing time is the element of" *.~
higher scoring per team per gane. In 1934, the last center tip year in

aie -
In 1934, the last center tip year in the, Southern. Division; the chanpion~
ship tean scored an average of 35. points per ganee Since then the average
hag consistently exceeded 45. points. «. Here again we find added cause for
public interest, for in basketball as. in. adl sports, the. spectators like
scoring activity. a ee ee ashanti

aioe a a % ow,
a a ee x ,

Be ihtd bude of spectators, ‘Slayer’ a ‘ond ‘off ibials toward, ‘the changes “3

ke has been ont intinated, ‘the ye. at garies vihere the salle i.
cation has been employed, has received it with, enthusiasm. This. is not
surprising in ‘view of the feet that ‘the play” La practically continuous, .
offers dn oppértunity for nore diversified néthods of plays and results |
in higher scoring. * The general ‘connerit has been,’ after ‘subsequently
watching games where the tip-off, was, enplay.ed, that it robbed the game of

the action and thrill. rendered: pdéssitle by" ‘the elinination.

 

The players ile are endo cain MONCH ES the old style, once
they have becone accustoned to the newe. They feel that- the old. -slan-bang
crashing ‘tactics attendant upon the tip-off. sinply are not. pee ah and.
they are eager to play. according to the new:: nephod. 6 Since ie

Z pecans without, exception,, ‘the, i a “who have. goa oh ot e
the ‘ecurercoe are ‘heartily in favor. Ofte. ihe And in this ‘connection
ar ‘nay’ ‘be’ said that not. only does.it relieire. then, of an exceedipgly.ardu-
ous task, but” ib also results, to the sane.. extent, in placing thenm.in the
background, © greatly to the sobhelr eho’ of. ‘thos e,who feel ahet the game is
Undue Wwhistle-ridden™. a as ae

atid ‘report would not - me annie ial were, , mot some space qo cet to
aeseiacn ‘which are fron, tine to tine propounded with negara he. ‘, elinin
ations Anong . these ards abetot wians bacswerban Sokesd tiSA0 toby *

te Whether - or sob the. bipeott. should. be. retained. Be

5
*

being. 2 traditional ‘part. of. ‘the gane? scduieees ae
The nos lee answer “to. “this query’ is that, after the opening
tip-off, the subséguént ones are not missed. . “This nay seen sonewhat
“strange, but the tvuth of the statenent will ne abtested by any. one {4
Has becone in the slightest degree accustoned to play under the new nethod
The sane is also true eRe the ‘preset, mle flininat ing the. tip-off after
t¥ce throwas == *" -"

, More
ee ah J
jt

Aside fron ised however, 44. is ele evi ident, gmer no feature of a
‘gane, if detrinental to its vellbeing, | should be retained merely because
of traditicn,. And it’ “is! subaitted that, ‘the: Fase is a detrinent to
present day. basketballs

7 i

"uae & veh win not ‘scoring opportunities ‘be Lost’ if the ftp

— : : : 4

a ee off is not used?

. We think not. In pPebent day: bas sketba’ wLy and in partiowlar as betwee
i ie delton opoqnents,. the tipuoff ig rarely used othér ‘than as a@neans Oo
opjaining possession. ‘Once possession is “Se soured, resort. is had to the
regular offensive ‘systen for scoring: ‘opportunities. We must. recognize fhe
-fact that the aad | as a te oe a tet plays, Veet sete
extincts ree oe

Gs,
we
3 mos 68 much of a saneness of f play: BLE » fl
; 3 fron the elimination?

RE TEE OA A ESE ; ea f its
~ Such has not been our experience. In ganes played one-half with
and Oonewhalf without the tipxoff, the only reaction experienced has been
the consciousness of the lull or letedown caused by the tipeoff when
useds The reaction in this regard has been purely one of impatience at

the unnecessary break in the pontinulty of the ‘play.

Further, as earlier pointod ‘OUt, the. elinination has led to a tene
‘dency to force the other tean in the back court fron tine to tine, thus
necessitating | a total change | of nethod by the offenses ©

Le Wild a toan behind in the sgore’ at the end -
|. by tho change?

    

‘No such reaction b's been vodieda on behalf of any of eteg nuherous

teams, conference and non-conference, who have been playing without the
tips As earlier indicated, the tendency at the end of a losing gane is
to force the opponents in their back court, with a particular eye to ine

1,

tercepting passes. In other words, both teams are on offense. And,

while under either systén the percentage is is always against the team that

is behind, the chances of the "forcing" team are by no means as hopeless
as they may seem to appear. As randon examples, we may cite two ganes
in the Southern Divisione In one the home team was four points behind.
with ten seconds to go. In that tine they scored twice and forced: the
gane into over tine, a thing they could not have done with the tip~off,
In the other the visiting teat was three points behind with fifteen sete

'.onds tO goOe They were fouled, shot-the free throw, intercepted wie: wane

in under their basket and scored, again forcing an overtine. °"

In other words; a:gamble is a~gamble, under either situation; accord-
ingly, based upon experience under both types of play, it is our opinion
that the team that is behind is-certainly no worse: off under the new method
than under the old. Indeed, it is probably better off, for by forcing
the play in the back court it is opening up the game, which is the last
thing in the world the other team wants to do. ‘And once the game is open-

ed Us any thing can happen, as ee oe. by the we ‘instances ‘given ADOVE «

Se Will: the change make the game toot ae: so as

to cause an undue strain upon the players?

—~-

ane Mention has earlier been made of thé. continuity. of play and the added
playing time made possible under the elimination, As far as making the
game too fast is concerned, it may be pointed out that the tempo of the
play is still regulated by the requirements of the system employed by the
two opponents. Hence, there is no change in this respect from the situae
tiomunder the tipeoff. It is true, however, that whatever the tempo, the
actual playing time is increased. bes this detrimental to the players?

5 The evidence afforded by three years' experience. without: the tip-off
is to the contrary So far as the centers are concerned, they are oute

-. spoken in their relief at being freed from the fatigue caused by. the jump»
- And the other. players are equally outspoken. in their belief that, freed

from the crashing and spills incidental to the jump, they are. ‘able to play
better basketball. No fatigue complaints attributable to the change in
style have been received, nor has any staleness resulted therefrom.

wee! B ~ :
~ lee ¥s
As far as fast breaking teams are concerned, the championship Standford
teams.of last year and this affords a potent example of the lack of ill
effects from the eliminations .An exceptionally fast, driving team, if any
group should show adverse results from the elimination, they should. Their
record, DO NPN T speaks for nee lis

Aside from this, however, it is submitted that the present four’ t#me~
outs and fifteen minute intermissions, coupled with the greatly lessened
physical contact resulting from the elimination, are more than sufficient
to’ counterbalance the element of added playing time.

6. Does the present restraining circle eliminate the

undesirable features ‘of the center jump?

It was found that in pre-conference games where the ‘center jump and
restraining circle were used that the latter offered no obstruction what-
ever to the old "crowding in" tactics with their resulting contact. And
the opinion is further hazarded that enlarging the circle will have no
better effect. It is only necessary to refer to the analogous situation
where two or more players are diving for the loose ball. Contact, and
potentially dangerous contact, is certain to result. _

‘The above: will serve briefly to. set forth our thoughts with regard to
the various questions which have been voiced concerning the matter. It
has not been, and it is not, our desire to make the proposed change a.
controversial matter. It is our sincere feeling, however, that the change
proposed is distinctly for the best interests of the game itself and of
the boys who play it. We therefore recommend that the proposed elimina~
tion of the center jump in the cases specified in the attached rule modi-
fications be approved for adoption and, as so approved, be embodied in
the official Basketball Rules.

JOHN BUM piade.G-2 C. Ms. PRICE

 

 

 

StanfoPd- University: °F 8: University of
. , ae California
Oe cts ces ae ct “PIERCE WORKS
Unimetatsyrms tint: « ,acid: a . University of California
. Southern California | eit > at Tos Angeles

em lm | ee i ee ~

IMPORTANT NONT CE

 

: ‘The next issue of this publication is 5 Sadbaenad next November, Members
are. encouraged. to save the cover of this booklet, for the addition of
‘future issues. So that future copies may be interesting to every coach, in
every part of the country, readers are strongly urged to forward articles
upon various phases of the game and especially short jottings on news and
developments. Forward. all we ole igi pig to;

FRANK W. KEANEY | |
: a Jie. a. toe DIRECTOR: OPUATHLETICS
ee i ak an ae RHODE ISLAND STATE COLLEGE
KINGSTON, RHODE ISLAND

ost Sue
* Report of the Research: Committee

Leonard D. Sachs, of Loyola University, submitted the report of the
Research Committee. He conducted an investigation among numerous coaches
all over the country in regard to coaching and the administration of the
games He stressed the need for uniformity of rulese Later, the explain-
ed the methods employed by various coaches in showing their pupils how
to shoot correctly. se 4 ee

Coach Schabinger reported upon the elimination of the center jump,
which he found to be unsuitable, from the point of view of the specta~
tor, players, and newspapermen; then the elimination of the zone de-
fense; screening, and 3~second rule.

According to a poll of newspapermen, they did not favor the
3-second rule, 106-167; favored a restricted area, 131-128; dis+
approved of the AAU rule, 98-154; also the entire elimination of that
restriction, 82-171; favored the center jump 153-117, and hated to see
the elimination of that play, 171-82. Elevation of the basket was
frowned upon, 56-214: and the man-for-man defense was preferred to the
zone defense, 70-189. .

The coaches expressed disfavor of the 3-second rule, 144-228; also
a modification of that rule, 172-193: favored the AAU application, 206-
141; and favored the elimination of the center jump, 216-129.

Report of. the High School Committee

Jack Lipe,, chairman of the high school committee, declared that
there were 30,000 high schools playing basketball in this country, and
suggested a plan whereby for an annual fee of $1 all would be contacted
with a National. Bulletin. Through a State plan, all these would be per-
mitted to express their opinions for the modification of rules and gen-
eral - administration for the good of the sport.

Clair F. Bee, of Long Island. University, of the Press Committee,
suggested a greater dissemination of information, the organization of
local basketball writers throughout the nation, a uniform system of
scoring, elimination of transportation of officials from one section
to another, for important games; observation of the block rule as
written in the book, recognition of the defensive block foul, change
in the 3-second rule, retention of the center jump, and elimination of
the 10-second restriction.

Nat Holman, of C.C.N.Y., reporting for the Visualization Committee,
suggested three points, to assist. the rules committee in educating the
coaches by ACTUAL DEMONSTRATION OF controversial rules interpretations,
to assist the rules committee in educating the coaches by ACTUAL DEMON.
STRATION as to the effect of proposed rules changes: and to provide a list
of films which are available for teaching purposes. He deplored provin-
cialism, adding that much of the opposition to progressive measures had
come from coaches who did not realize the benefits derived because of
their lack of familiarity with the changes. He said that films would be
available, showing scenes from various games and offering an illustration
how officiating is employed in various sections of the country.
H. G Olsen, of Ohio State, reporting for the Officials Committee, |
said that there was a decided need for uniformity of rules interpretations.
He called for agreement within the various groups through the country, and
then for the various sections to agree, as nearly as possible, so that in»
tersectional games may be carried on with a minimum of friction. The ques=
tion of "whistle tooting" and the exact position of officials were also
brought up. The relation of the coach and officials likewise was dis~
cussed, and the conduct of the coach to officials made clear.

Dr. John Brown, a member of the National Basketball Rules Committee,
reported on the relative functions of basketball coaches and officialse
He pointed out that some coaches have to win to maintain their positions,
but they selfishly teach points detrimental to the best interests of the
gamee He added that the referees are "on the spot" during the course of
the game and, while they are capable of "making or breaking a game",
coaches can help ruin officials, but "officials have little or nothing
to do with the terms of the engagement of the coach by the institution
employing him." Good officials as well as good coaches were absolutely
essential for the best interests of the sport, he said, but, if everybody
strove together to study the role of the official and gave him his united
support, the future of basketball would be exceptionally bright.

Aims of the Basketball Writers! Association

To strive for the elimination of sectional differences, to promote
mutual understanding of the problems of all groups associated with the
administration of the game, to promote and maintain close and harmonious
relations with coaches and officials, to recommend to the various authori~
ties such neasures as nay be advisable for the good of basketball, and
to raise the standard of basketball reporting and comment in the daily
newsoapers of the United States, and maintain it on a high plane, techni-
cally and ethically.

—-1L5-
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NATIONAL ASSOGLIATION x

4

of 5, a
BASKETBALL COACHES: #

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—

BULLETIN NO. 1. SERIES 1937-38,

ate
ean

*

: EDITOR: Pronk '. Keaney, |
.. Rhode Island ¢tate colicge

“es we kA Of
ey eye OS

Coaches opinion of the New Basketball.
ee oe emnriaienn oo

 

First, we are not using the new seamiess ball to any extent
out here, It will not be used in cur Conference games. However,

tT playe@ around with the .ball al) last sumer, We found that if

“he pressure in the ball was controlled to” between seven and
vignt pounds, tnen we had: no difficulty with the ball whatever,
14 was not tow lively and wiile we scrimmaged with the ball and
used léng passes a great dual, we did not’ notice any evidence of
sinking or curving of the ball different from the old bedi os cl:
have been prejudiced against the bell right from the stare ithis,
of course, is not a scientific point of view. Speaking without
bias, I think taere is much. to recommend the ball and I have no
doubt but that within a short time, it will replace the other
ball, It certainly holds its shape better; it wears very mien tr
longer and I think we will adjust ourselves:to the feel of this
type of ball within a short time, IT do not at present have any
of the seamless balls on hand, However, I shall. take opportunity
to study this particular point which you have raised. If I get
any results which contradict the above, I shall write you.

 

It is my opinion that: all-of the bad features of the ball have
not been entirely eliminated and until .they have been we will
not use then, é ;

The biggest sales talk to me is the fact that my boys do not

cere for the ball, Naturally. I feel that I would be foolish to
ask them to use something in which they have no confidence, and
we can hardly afford to buy bells just to decorate the sidelines.

 

My boys do not like the néw.seamless bell, They will -pick .up

an ‘ald and’ very much worn. ball with a lace ‘rather than.a.brand
new seamless ball, I tellithem/it is in® their’heaa, but «they do
not like the new ball. They say they play and shoot better. with a
laced ball,'ve. find our guards throwing curves with the seamless
pall when they hook pass out after taking a ball oft the back
board for a fast break, I bought half dozen new seamless balls
but the kids dont even want them in the gym cléss,
THE NEW BASKETBALL. cont'd.

This’ is what the members of my basketball teams think
of the new ball.

When shooting long shots hand slips from surface of ball

Hand slips from ball’ when passing.

Cannot be caught as easily as old ball with seams.

Olid ball better for Pilialedtedaig for. it can _ epntrolled
more. effegtively.. e

peered bends to: POR: when throwing ay long: paee.

° Bowe

La

oo ROD. ‘myself, . I do not ‘Like: the new ball because it does”
tricks like. the above and.uniess universally adopted. should be~
discarded. we tried the. ball. in..a. prac tice. game last. season and
the players said. the. ball was tricky in shooting. passing and
dribbling - holding passes was difficult,

YS Yas = - - <; 6b; g° rs
«

In answer to your. letter relative to the new ball.

A year ago, during experiments the bell: did,curve ;,.flioat
and dip. This was primiaril due to the fact that they used 13
pounds pressure, After rather extensive experimentation we found
that & pounds pressure in the new ball, was equivalent to 13
pounds pressure in the old ball. I believe you will find that
the new ball at 8 pounds pressure, will produce about the sameb
reactions that the old ball had.

The best way to: determine this for oy is to get a
couple and try them. We are using some of, them — - also. the laceless
ball of the old type,

There is ‘really no sales talk necessary: on this new ball.
I firmly believe that in the next year or two, all balls both
football and basketballs will be Last Build: It) was my pleasure
to spend several days at the factory, studying the operations
in manufacture, and | to conduct ae eertaaak eats of. this ball.

Tt: sure is- ferduestens no- suas tien about. shake and aa]
totdi ‘you the matter of. AP LOSE i and liveliness: was due, to todo.
much Preccare in: the new. bali. |

Dear Coach;
In answer to your fine ,etter of recent date
I am very much.in accordance with your views on the new seam-
less Basketball and in fact several of-'the coaches of our
opponents have written in requesting that the ball not be used
in games played between our institutions,
Yes,.the ball just seems to + no “good.

—_—— -—_— — =<
More on the New Ball,

 

NATIONAL FEDERATION OF ‘STATE HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC. ASSOCIATIONS.
Letter: | | a . ?

One of the most significent develcpmants.in the field of
sports has been the perfection of basketbalis made cither in a
spherical mold of over a last of wax, The National Federation
officials have been active in furtasring this development, They
have made-a thorough investigation of the methods of manufacture _
and design used in the production of all balls of this type, Among
those which have been found to constitute a real contribution to: ..
the game is the ball’ manufactureée over a wax last under the "Last-.
Bilt" patent, ve believe that the perfection of the Last-bilt.and .
other approved tynes of molded balls is one of the most important. .
developments of the last decade’ and that schools will find them.
economical and a contribution to accurate play,

As a result of the investigations which have been made con-
cerning these balls, the National Federation approves them.for play
in any high school game or tournament and.encourages school men to
use them along with other approved types of molded balls.

Comprehensive. tests indicate a "Last-Bilt" ball or other
approved molded ball will outwear several stiched.balis, that every
ball issa perfect spheré,: that the. -Daill. does, nor stretch after be-
ing in use, and that the constant and controlled reaction is con-

ucive to more accurate passing, dribbling and shooting. je. re-
commend the "Tast-Bilt" ball°as one of those of the new construct-
ion that conforms the National Federation quality and durability
Standards,

 

 

 

For ali inflated balls, conformity with the definition of 4,
"legal ball" as specified in the official rules depends upon the
pressure to which the ball is infalted. It is the responsibility
ofthe user to inflate the ball to the pressure that will insure
conformity with the rules, This should be the pressure: stamped on
the ball by the manufacturer.

"ie believe that the use of the molded type ball will result
in great economy and playing benefits, —

ee Sages

B. Te "Butch" Grover, Ohio (miversity, has beem.seriously
ill for some months, He spent most of the summer in a hospital
and has been unable to attend actively to his duties as director
of athletics during the fall. The opeming of the basketball season
finds him recovered enough to assume his task of coaching the teams,
Ye used the Riddell eight-pound new model ball in:our
Sumner School basketball course, Ye Llikec it very iawel,” Dirt
hesitated to use it less the _ difference in resiliency
and ease of ball handling would "throw.us off" in: games played
with, other types of ball, pennkiy, tT tiked the bail-and have no
personal* interest in’1th

Permit me at the very opiset to. ‘State $aa tok otic ve anode col

study of this ball and’ hdve fotnda it extremely. wiseteyt.e Lory.
Ly observeti ons: have been thas ay bovs. séen,:iornfiad bicexenise
difficult an making. Leng ‘passes, Fur theriaor 6%: gad canwot obtain.

that finger- tip. contrel which is so essentiar to accurate Shoah
ing because of :the smoothness of ithe ‘surface, AS a result, Qur:
graduate manager of the College has informed ail .of- the: ‘teams. :
that wé are’ to pray’ that we will not use that wa bES this season,

 

ve
18

Shabinger, - Teter ecach of creighton on. seamless. egg ARs
1, Bail is perfect sphere ; :
Ce TES Waleani ged=o:

3, Tested by-thachine and driven at velocity: of pide te
Af ter -325, 006 blows it ehanee 8/28 | of an -irioh in cir-
cumferenice:. ye

~ Ball dropped 6 fob rebounded 4 feet 8 inohes., Laceless
report 4 feet. eh in¢nes - - feet. 3 inches. and 3 Seen, 2.

inches’ all datterent. x 3. s ow tO $:.

o. a, ott. boerd much ferthor. roar oe

FS

cd

ele TS . : sus ae ie
carn ee Ege ERS

Art eeattay, “penial- adfeonalig “Of. ah oen chi vena ty. providence, a2:
R.1., writes that; ne believes: the: new: basketball rules are ab- :
solutely 0O.K. and :issure™ ‘the basketball public will go for then
one hundred percent, He asserts that the court fans crave. action,’
and with the abolishment of the;centre tay, ne predicts thet: they Ses
will get all the excitement ‘and nee soe they crave in sone prepamea f

-

oe wid! dey
ee

 

%

Colby pullcse : :1s  tollomnane ‘ane trend of the Maine ponerer =.
by adopting a basketball schedule this year with its first. —
taking up play under Coach Ed Roundy. .The facilities “for the ge
previously inacaquate, abe being realized with the construction
of ‘a: new Hoard f1 dor: in’-the’ field house,,
RELATIVE FUNCTIONS OF BASKETBALL
“ COACHES AND OFFICIALS —

° John Brown, Jr.,
Member, National Basketball Rules Committee,
Executive Secretary, National Association pf

Approved Basketball Officials

President Carlson and Members of the National Association of
ut Basketball Coaches r= ke a

iy /’ Although my being called upon at this time. is a
complete surprise to me, n.verthéless I ap reciate: this’. ..~
Courtesy: ana recognition, Asa member of the National Fules” ..
Committee for. twenty+five* years, and Chairman or Executive
Secretary of the Na- tonal Basketball Officials' Association
for nearly fifteen years, Iam tremendously interest«d in
whatever will advance this great gaue among the youth of. this
and other lands.:: Ihave b en very favorably impressed ‘with...
the quality of the work and ‘studies reflected in the reports
of the various: sub-committees Which have been presented at
this opening sessions Gite nj” ‘tikes ,

meydnsrespdnséote the request of your President, per-'-
hars iti may be in or@er 4 I shared with YOU Tha" rather inre
Oormal and imprompotu ‘manner, some points of view r- garding |
the. "functions. and relationshins’ of the two classes of indivi-
duals which, to my mind, occuny the most strategic positions
in determining the futureoof basketball for good or. ill;-
namely, the-doaches and, the officials. . ae fee

> 5 ; ‘ 9 eit : .

As: I have listened to your proceedings, I have been
impressed. with ‘the fact that the great majority of coaches
attending. this meeting are men who regard coaching.as a voca-.
tiiO Riess HED you it: is.a-profeseional carer to Which you. are
giving your full time and from which you derive your chief
source of income. On the other hand, officiating is an avoca-
tion to most officials, They foliow some other vocation as.
& career from which they-gain their Tivelihood; to’ them, offi-
Clatingis a hobby. by means'of which they supplement their
income. «This difference in Career, outlook and attitude,
makes.a Vast difference in the functioning and relationships
of coaches and officials... 7 :

Another major difference between coaches arid offi-+
Cials lies in the fact that the average coach is engaged by
and responsible to only one institution, whereas ome err ioryi -
has relationship with many different institutions.or organi- .
Zations, in many instances without any primary responsibility
in or to any of them: ‘- ‘$on - i |

RE,
re a rc er ee

EDITOR OF BASKETBALL .GUIDE
COMMENTS ON COURT SITUATION

ee

t - ; cena; yaeand —. =, cee ee” = ~-

+ By: Oswald Tower ~

Many suggestions ‘have been advanced for the annual
coaches and officials meeting, but I believe that moving .
pictures of basketball: situations might, be extremely helpful,
and probably the’ most valuable: work could be done with a series
on screening and’ blocking, togather. with a few on held: balls
showing situations in which held balls are: called: when none:
should have been called, The ‘series on screening and blocking
should cover both scoring plays: and out-of-bound plays..

[tis hard for me, to make.a-list of: the most frequent, _
‘questions ‘that come to me because they vary greatly from year
to year and from month.to month, During the fall, before ‘the
Seuson opens, most of the questions are, about the changes in
the rules, My correspondents have been studying the book and
“Have thought up all manner of things that might happen and
“want to Know what to-do if they.do happen, Many of ‘the 'si tu=
ations are ‘of minor importance and would arise so rarely that
“my correspondents would forget my interpretation long before

there came a chanee to apply its Hea ery? Ak
hen the season gets under way, the type of questions.
change from the hypothetical to actual incidents in games,
“Most of the latter are covered in the rules, but there are a
always unusual and unforeseen things which the rules cannot
be expected to cover all the answers to which cre a matter of
personal opinion, On many of these my opinion is no better than
_ that.of the next man...” y @oTy OM o. hat Oe :

i Toward the end of the’ season when.the competition gets
hotter and when the’ tournements are under way, come the pro-
tested games, In many of théesé [I have the doubtful honor of

being the court of last resort and am told. that the parties

' to the controversy have agreed to abide by my decision, In

such cases I try to get a ststement of the’ circumstances |

Signed by both parties or a statement from a neutral source.
“In general, it is my policy not to uphold protests; that the

_ game should stand as played, Most protests are bused on: the

' claim that an official made an error, sometimes a trivial one.

iy attitude’ is ‘that mistakes are made by officials in every

game, that the law of. averages. divides them pretty well in

the course of a season, and that if a protest is upheld when-

ever a mistcke is maue by an official, there will be no end of

protested gumes,
Again, - the coach has a v- oy definite responsibility
within the. institution to which he is: related, to a special |
group of: individuals, chiefly the varsity squad and the actual
playing “team; whereas’; the official has the same identical
relationship to all the varsity squads and teams participa-
ting in «the James in whiech-he officiates.

‘Another noteworthy difference is in the funntian
or services Yendered, ‘The coach is expected to teach the
techniques of the game and: :produce a winning team. Leviti-
mate self- interest deiands that they win at. least half “of
their ‘games, ..The official has nothing to-do with the teach-
ing but he is expected to administer the game. durins actual
play in such a manner that, Peper Sa nee being equal, the
best team will win..-For him, in ever, “ame, there will
always.be both a winner and a loser. te.is ‘not: judged by
the team winning a majority of ames but. by. the’. facility
with | which ‘he enhances the. good play of both teams.

Sib ther very important difference has to do with
the duration Of the “period of functioning of the coach and
the ‘official.’ The coach functions. before, during and after
the game. He has plenty of Vilme to. nonder ‘situations and
to confer with others before’ arrivin? at: conclusions and
making decisions. This affords an advantage in studying
the ‘behavior of “individuals and teans. and carefully weigh-
ing the probable outcome before putting into effect what he
has decided to do, The official, on the other hand, fun-
ctions only during the game, Ineofar Os Gn. sarticula .r game
is concerned, his responsibilities cease with the final gun.
During ths game re Dee oar. thie spot, with the spotlight
becomin: mole brivh: as the game becoues.. ‘more intense. His
decisidns must be made instantly and he must abide by the
consecuences in-the immediate reaction Of seers, coaches
and spectators. Por’ (iver OT fie 16" * thes is no time. out for
rest or substitution. Flegardles- of his physical, mental or
emotional condition he is always :exvected, by everybody, to
function at his best and to make no mistakes.

Coaches and officials have important relations
with each other but they also have in common, important
relationships with other groups, including players, managers,
other officials such‘as time- -keepers and_ scorers, basketball
fans, sports’ lovers. and the public at.large, and the press,
sports writers in particular. “Thete is, however , a special
group of individuals with whom coaches and officials have
most important relationships. I refer to those who are the
sponsors for particular games or leagues such as educational
institutions, sports governing bodies, ath letic.councils,
presidents, deans, directors of physical education, athletic
directors, sup-rintendents and principals. This groun,
in my opinion, represents the third factor in good admini-
stration of the basketball game’ or any other sport. Th:y
determine, largely, the con@itions under which games are
played, establish and miintain policies, and have much to do
with the interpretation and administration of the rules; thus
it is that sthey create ‘the atmosphere and setting for the
game. they also have much to do with determining the fees
paid to the officials and what is expected of the official.
Coaches and officials have another common service
to render, in advancing the game of bdsketba:l thraugh

collaboration in the promotion .and conduct of interpretation
meetings. These should be held in.all sections of the coun
tny.,..Well, in advance,ot the basketball season, and should be
attended by coaches, officials, s-orts. writers, and any who
are otherwise related to the gane.

‘The. rules as adopted by the National Iules Commit~

oan should be accepted as the official code and particular
‘attention should be given to an explanation of the latest

revisions, With the coaches teaching the game according to

- the official rulés and officials interpreting and admini-

stering them uniformly, much of the present misunderstanding
-and difficulty will be elitinated. af

- Where tiers is thorough conference in advance
between “hese three factora © coaches, officials and spon-
sors - and agrcement upon the conditions and interpretation
of rules, and where good will prevails. a successful game

Or léague is alréady assured. In this-connection, I.would
like to call special attention to the imperative necessity

Wie 8 creating’ conditions which are favorable. to the retention
_of our most competent officials in service.

| As the previous speaker. ant Soe is the offi-
Sat Who will make or break a ball zames" This is) :surely
true in a certain resrect. oat Ls equally true, however,
that the coach may. make or ‘break the game. There is a dif-
ference, however, the official has.little:or.nothing to do
with the terms of engagement .of the coach by the institu-
tion employing him. the coach, however, has much to do
‘with the engagement. of the. official.

Good Ages as well as good gumnie are abso-
lutely essential for the best. interests of basketball,
Coaches are not dependent upon the good will of officials
for tenure of office but exnerience clearly indicates that
the tenure’ OT Of1iciais in handling rarticular games,
leagues and tournaments, is dependent unon.the good will of
the» “coaches more than ‘upon any other. single, factor..

Because officiating is an avocation with the
average Orr Sig), as he succeeds in his vocation he is,less
inclined to: want. “to officiate, particularly. if.,the exper-
Tence is unpledsant and unsatisfactory. . It.is obvious,
therefore, that we should all strive together to study the
role of the official and give him our. united support and do
everything which will facilitate the conditions under which

he may function ‘at his. best, with self- respect and dignity.

10th is. -the, i bring you the ‘greetings and pledge the active
"cooperation of Ge Na ational Association of Approved Basket-
Dalit efi rcrala, <i

Address : given. at. the ‘annual meeting of:
the National Association of Basketball’
Coaches, Gl cnet fll, March 13, ‘en
NEW METHODS OF SCORING BASKETBALL GAMES

7 by Ee! 0," Lange ©. ee
Coach of Basketball, Drexel Institute.

Basketball, as it is played today, naturally de-
pends upon individual. ability, but .on the Whole, it is not an
individual game. It is a team game, -and for this fact alone,
the work of ‘the five men. as a team should be taken into con-
sideration in scoring methods, To accomplish this, my recomm-
ended ‘change is as. follows: The college playing period, tnstead
of consisting of two twenty minute periods, should consist of
three fifteen minute periods with ten minutes between the
thirds. Now in addition to the regular scoring methods used.
at present, I advocate the awarding-of a given number of team
points at the end of each third to the team .that has predomin-
ated the play throughout the‘ third which, naturally, will be
evident by having scored the most points during that ud me Pn
terval. |

My object in auding this.coring feature is that
where a team has predominated the play under modern methods,
we will say for thirty or thirty-five minutes, only to lose
the game the last minute by one or two lucky baskets from the
main field will be prevented from being considered the winner
unless this flair is of a aajor portion. To illustrate this,
let us look at the following table, ~~ |

Individ'l Team Individ'l Team Indiv Team

 

 

 

 

Points . Foints - Points Points Points rotnts

ie Taye © 2 y eee hs 3/3 ;
Team A eto yhiewm rial 24h 3 ES? lpi FEC 0246
Team B $0 ae 5 12 : 5--5=41
Team A 11 5 13 = 12 36-10246
feam B LQ fey Lee 5 48- .5243
Team A 12 5 14 5 ' i 33-10=43
Team B 10 Ilo: 18 6 80 Ge 5244

SEE EE RR Se ie eee Se: ihe ee ee coees: aim ale en te obs oe’ edly) gs ates ls he kc ee mre me ee ee me ee mee ee me we me we ae ee ee ee ee ee oe oe

Looking at the first table, we observe tht ThA A
predominated the play for two-tairds of the game. However, on
the use of the usual system, the score is tied. But by aillow-
ing five points for team play for each third, TEall A; which
has played the. most consistent game, is credited with winning
the game, 46 to 41l,: eo lo Ree: er. Wetis

| Again: dooking aticdebLe! two: TRAM aches predominated .
the play for two-thirds, | However, TEAM B predominates the
last third, but not #n an Outstanding way. AcCtordine to the.
individual points, TEAM B is ahead of). TEAM’ A, 36 .t0:. 36 but’ by
giving weight to. team points. and considering the fact that
TEAM A predominated the Play and played the better game the
major portion of.the: time; it. wowld win and this system gives.
it a score of 46 -t6: 432, 60 ofa

s
’
-* HINKLE FEATUEES BASKETBALL SECTION.
AT THE NORTHEASTERN COACHING SCHOOL

Paul "Tony" Hinkle of Butler, University featured the
basketball section of the Northeastern University Coaching
School last June before 150 coaches.

the popular Butler-coach was aided by having with him
..five of his freshman and sophgqmore ‘players. Taking the floor
_- promptly at the scheduled time, "Tony" allowed no grass to
grow under either his or the players! feet. With a highly
appreciative and knowledge-seeking audience, Hinkle, with .
the sparing use of a blackboard, .showed and demonstrated how
-he has built his eleverly conceived offense. With plenty of
time at his-disposal and a willing ‘group of players, he spent
plenty of time on-his basic set-up and showed the possibili-
ties of such set-ups. With each succeeding session he deve-
laped and.enlarged on his offense. The coaches fortunate

to be present. at the school. were well rewarded by the effort

_ that Hinkle and the boys put into their work,

Those who stayed at the Lennox Hotel, headquarters of
the school, further enjoyed the late evening discussion of
basketball, football, and practically everything in the
world of .sport.. . wre Pe Me:

"LOU ALEXANDER PIESIDES OVER TiO
BASKETBALL COURSES AT COLUMBIA

The Teachers College of Columbia University offered to
its Phiysical”Education students two courses in basketball
last“summer, ~ Thése courses were presided over by Louis
Alexander, popular and successful former coach of Connecti-
‘cut State Coliege and now of the University of Rochester. ©

(| Professor Alexander had a course :on ‘the fundamental
mechanics of basketball for novices. This course of three
-weeks was held in the gymnasium, and the students dressed -'

a up-for the workouts. Louis handled this course beginning
_With.-the-.basic: principles of fundamental basketball, The

course was well received by the students, and many who
dropped in to visit were rewarded by learning some inter~
=. egting points in handling a group of beginners.

The course on advanced basketball was run for three
weeks at Columbia. This course, also handled by Alexander,
. Wags. in-the nature of lecture sessions. Lic dealt with daiter -~-
-.ent. systems of basketball as. played in the various parts of.
the country... To further aid*him in his course, Professor ~
. Alexander had various coaches attend and lecture to the group,
answering the questions put to them by the class. Ths proce-
dure brought to the coaches taking the course the various
ideas. and- methods employed throughout the country.

_:» -Among,those speaking to: the class were Dr. Forrest
-"Phog":Allen, University of Kansas; Elmer Ripley, Yalej;* "Bo"
Shepard, University:of North Carolina; Jim St. Clair, Sou-

thern:.Methodist University; Al. Baggott, West Texas State ~
. Teachers College, Paul Cieurzo, Rhode tsland State College;
Art Acker, Chico State College, Califs;-and "Blue"*Foster, —
Again lcoking at table three, TEAM A. predominates
the play for two-thirds, but TEAM B comple tely outclasses A
during the third period, and because of that outstanding per-
formance during the last third, is entitled to win. The tabu-

lation, you will note, results. in the final score of 44 to 43
in favor of TEAM B.

It is possible’ with the, above scoring to vigualize.
a combination whereby Meotinalssooke might:be acties «in,
this case, lL would have a rule giving one point to that team .
which has ‘predominated the playing: for two-thirds of the game.
This would mean »that, in the future, it would be impossible

for basketball games “to end in a tie, ‘Fequneiye additional
playing time.

. JUMP-BALLS TOBE ELIMINATED AS -
MUCH_aS POSSIBLE TO SAVE TIME.

The baske.tball rule changers, at the annual get-togather
in New york, voted to reduce the number of jump balls as much as
possible, The ruling follows the free-throw ruling of last year
whieh put the ball in play under the basket of the team against
which the score was made, The jump at center following each field
goal scored, was retained, however, last year, but this:year the
officials and the rule makers , seeing thatthe procedure was
wasting too much time, have discarded the rule of throwing up

the ball at the centre Lane after each basket.

In the opinion of many, the most important asset of the
outside ball will be the time saved during the game, [In the: past,
every time a basket was scored the time was still on while .the
ball was recovered and the players returned to their. positions »
before the ball was again thrown up at the centre. After a basket
is made now, the team that scored automatically drops back ints
a defensive "formation, and the opponents put the ball in play from
beneath their basket. “obviously the game will be faster and more
interesting than ever, #

Ed ngdinoky" Kelleher, ace New England court referee.
Staged an experiment, first applying the new rules and then the
old ones. The result showed, he says, that seven minutes were saved
under the new rules; almost enough’ to give play another quarter of
basketball under the old PuLeR ie

Kelleher, who os one of New tnetanays most sought after
officials, when asked what it took to make a good official, pro-
duced his rule book and deglared that he always had it with: him
whenever he officiated, "Anyone who expects to become a good
official", he said, "n@ matter what the sport should never stop
studying the rules," .
BECISION-TO ELIMINATE THE CENTRE
‘JUMP I€ RESULT OF TWO-YEAR SURVEY

by George ‘Daley’

*
.

Sentiment among® Eastern coaches ind’ officials on the
action of the National Basketball Committee in eliminating
the centre jump except on the opening of the game and the “C"
opening of the second half seems to be dividedy Still, no
Criticism can be leveled .at the rule-makers for eae ey or

ill-advised action.

The decision to dich this major change in ‘bee game was
based on a survey. lasting two years. ‘It was backed by two-
thirds of the,1,700 replies by the committee to its yearly
ruigs questionaire. e oh ck ee
> 2% SU oe -

a The elimination of the centre jump is like ly. to make _.
the game faster and=snelis the doom of those. physical freakeuee

used by: some coaches merely. because of their towering heights”
Tall boys will still have an advantage in jumping for ré-

pounds..under the basket, but emphasis. will no longer be

placed on the bean poles’ unless. they fit into the general —
scheme. of the offense.

To me the most important nhs Ae of the meetings in
Chicago was. the burying of district prejudices and the open-
minded co- operation of the’ coaches from different sections

ecb fein country. Heretofore there has been, too much, selfish-

ness in upholding one system or another, and as. a result the
game suffered from.varying internretation, wh ich’ caused much
aT RGAE Ob when intersectional games were played. .

.

Brbrett. Morris p of the Herald Tribune» sports stare,
tells me thet there was a refreshing air of candor about. the
dcliberations and all seemed to be working for the best —
interests of the sport and general standardization. This
resulted in a. clarification of the ‘controversial’ blocking _

"os pules and paved, the ay for a uniform interpretation of its

- provi sions.

The University of Maine last season resumed its basket-
ball relations after a lavse of several ‘years. The P.ine.
‘Tree Staters have. a‘new athletic plant. in which _they began
_ the court game once “for 6%" The. new feymnasium - is “one (ot the

best and most spacious in New Englarfd.

alg 48

e -——o ow

_ Bates College, another Maine institution, is also re-
suming a court schedule this season after having abandoned
the sport several years ago. Leslie Spinks, a former Ala-
bama athlete, is coach of the quintet.
SACH, LOYOLA'S ATHLETIC HEAD
-.REPORTS ON COMUIITTEE FINDINGS

By Leonard Sachs

In bringing forward this report, we have had to cover a
wide area with different playing :conditions to be found in dif-
ferent sections, By the use of examples and’ the like,-we;hope,to’ |
make this report’an interesting and constructive one. es

At Loyola. we have the usual set-ups in our’ preliminary |
work which most’ teams employ - -.a pass and cut, an-outside roll,
a screen and cut, ete. [T have found through my own-experience and -
that of other coaches that if a team of five offensive players is
put on the floor: with no defensive men against them, and play an -
imaginary.6ffensive game for periods of 30 minutes at a time, they
soon become proficient in ball-handling and will use the same tac=..
tics in an actual game.’ The coach will occasionally call outa
move by the imaginary defense, and the offense re-acts accordingly.
Thus when they are in a game, they are absolutely at ease anda |
team can be working at both ends of the floor without interfering
with one another, Of dourse at times a coach will have to use :the
entire floor, especially when the defense is of the forcing type.

In the various set-ups used, we assume that the defense is
either forcing, switching, or dropping back, when the players
through, constant work on these set-ups:are ready for actual scrim» _
mage, we place: defensive men on the floor and find that the. players

feel and act: almost as thuch at.ease as with no defensive men,

Several coaches have experimented with definite arm tndybody ~
actions in shooting set shots. Coach Claire Bee of Long Island Univ-
ersity wrote an interesting article some time ago along. the lines
of how to shoot a set shot, His theory was primarily to keep the
eyes focused on the basket after the ball-had left the shooter's
hands, I found very favorable results among some members of my squad
who gave this method a'very fine trial, Ww notieto | ;

Another trestern’ coach instructed his men to finish up with
the palm of the right hand facing the basket. We had quite a con-
versation about higS:experiment, and he claimed that the team's
shooting improved 35 per cent. He found that. in many cases it was
necessary to reverse the order because of the fact that some of his
player's left arms were better coordinated than the right.

I think that today most coaches agree and coach their players
that in taking a pop or set shot, we must follow the principles of
a marksman, in other words, get set first arm, and then fire,

According t6 many questioneires regarding the style of pop
shots, I would say that at least 90 percent of the thousands of
teams use this style wf shot.
DEMONSTRATION OF: COOPERATION: “0”, |
HELD AT KANSAS CITY 1S UNIQUE

Litsiw

oa Be “Daring: | they first week of ‘piconbes a unique, demon-

stPasiaae ‘of cooperation between conferences’ and coachés..and

officials was held at-Kansas Citys. < The. faculty. representa-
tives, coaches and officials. toe all major sel lege conferences

In this’ ‘territory met. in‘’a two- ~day. sessions: First’ each group
held meetings. of; its. oway “to. ‘discuss. ‘squedulee ‘and * ‘Other ath-
se hetic® problems, -. » then’ they! met’ in, an open’ neeting to. exchange

io VayieWwe. Tre’. eTedtae: session’ Wasa ‘basketball: rules. interpre-

station discussion:whith - wag” ‘atiended , by coaches atid officials

“ended by. Dre "Pog": soap hevong organizations represented

ae tN

“were The | Missouri. Malley (BigeSix)}, “issouri, Valley

‘Conference , Kifer -caatveues eottrerences “OT; Kansas; “two. more . from

. Missouri, and. the: Junior College conferences: Of: the. “two. wstates,
4 @i total Of eight: econferentes, Basketball certainly should
ore ‘by. such. close contacts, “11 the Poe involved: bakane
oparty he wigad .. reioriow |: th ais

28 ess ;
; Se re

ob t3E 3 *

“the 4 main: jp o-kertik in badketbali. Hanan screening .

cand. ee new’ ‘fule,- involving: the’ €limination of the center | “juatp .

= ee hundred Agaches: mie officials, were present,

A g.ad $8

a aye ‘this Oe a Missouri Valley.Of? ‘ieials ‘ASSO~=:
A eto ri was.formed for. the purposé! of pronetiin: uniform inter-

 -pretataon of f6otball-andi-baskettdall, rules andiof assuring a
. -eloser:éoepération:with-schoéis: THé .offic=rs. “elected were...

2 he bw Thomas ‘Toneka, oresi@ént j and ‘Gene Kemper, also of...
oes 'séeretary- viene dpe Th members forming: the | “exe Cur,

Mie Ee i, Re ee ers he

ting ‘MissodrD;’ William ‘agi! bine ns gerbe A tl Nebraska:

Harry HasBrouck, Des Moines, representing, Iowa; and: Richard...
Pendleton, Norman ,,,.representing ‘Oklahoma.. ; Organization’ of. the
association was. ‘the result ofoa resolution passed last - Snrigg:

- Making ‘it mondatery:for officials to attend iulés® ‘interpre-,

tation meetings. Conformit; in interpretation ‘of the : rules .-

(0,90 8 footvall and | ‘baawetha bi! Detween ‘@fficials: ‘and schools are

oka

‘the: aims.”

WE Ss
ae
Ens 2

eo >t
MOUNT UNION IS CREDITED WITH
FIRST COLLEGIATE COURT TEAM

The basketball team which was organized in and which
played in Morgan Gymnasium at Mount Union College, Alliance,
Ohio during the 1891-92 season is thought to be the first
college team in the world. | 7 3 ea a

He Se Johns, who now resides in Cleveland, was coach of —
this coyrt team. which could find no collegiate opponents. In
the fall of 1891 while a student of Mount: Union,. Johns. took
instruction from a Charles Stolberg in Canton from Springfield,
Massachusetts where he had-learned the game of basketball in
the Springfield Y, M. CG. A. from Dr. James Naismith, inventor
Of. the,game. ) wl pete

Later in the 1891-92 season, Johns organizéd a quintet
at Mount Union. He wrote to-all the colleges in. and around
Ohio attempting to secure games for this first college team,
However, there were no other collegiate teams playing the
game at that time. For that reason Johns had to be content
with sending his charges against Ye M. C. A. teams from the
nearby cities of Canton, Youngstown, Niles, and Warren.

Mourit Union again placed a team on the court during the
1892-93 season. This time Johns was able .to find collegiate
op: osition, Hiram College, located 25 miles north of Alliance,
had just organized a team. Oddly enough, when the two teams
met, the Hiram Terriers defeated the Mount Union Purple Raiders
by a score which would seem more probable. in football---12 to 0,

The cornerstone for the building, which was déstined to
be the birthplace of intercollegiate basketball, was laid on
Commencement Day, 1889. A catalog dated that year states that
one of the speakers on this momentus occasion was the Hon.

William McKinley of Canton, who later became Fresident of the
United States,

The formal dedication of Morgan Gymnasium was held in the
fall of 1891 about the same time that Johns was going to Can-
ton and receiving his instructions from Charles Stolberg.

From the time the game originated, Mount Union was always
represented on the basketball court by a strong team. They
have won more than their share of Ohio Conference titles, and
are today perennial favorites in the conference race,

oo on oe Ge ee oO an

Springfield College sponsored an athletic clinic at
Springfield, Mass., last June for high school coaches, The
court game was one of the important topics of discussion with
college and high school mentors demonstrating and showing the
various phases of the game, Springfield College basketball

players assisted in demonstrating and explaining the situations
devised by the coaches,
_ NEWS,

Mr. E.A. Thomas of Topeka was elected president of the.
new Missouri yalley Athletic Officials! association, and
Gene Kemper, also of Topeka, was chosen secretary-treasurer,
These members form the executive committee;

fed O'Sullivan of Kansas City, representing Missouri.

William pay of Lincoln, representing Nebraska.

Harry HasBrouck of pes Moines, representing Iowa,

Richard, Pendleton of Norman, representing Oklahoma,

Organization of the association was the result of a resolution
passed last spring by the Big Six conference, making: it mandatory
for Officials to attend rules interpretation meetings, Conformity
in interpretation of the rules of football and basketball between
officiebsand:schools.are .the aims... .. ,°

-_—_— = — =

Bill Chandler, basketball coach at Marquette, Milwaukee,
“Misconsin, does nat seem to be particularly happy these days,
for he writes us to take’a look at His court schedule, and then
requests that aspirins be sent him,

4 basketball clinic was held at Wesleyan College, Middle-
town, Connecticut on November 195, | es 3

—_—— lh

Next Convention; Chicago, Fie Monday i eee
April 4 and 5, 1958, dagger

sau . wv ce
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Proceedings- Annual Convention
National Association of Basketball Coaches of
the United States,
April 4 - 5 1938, Hotel Morrison
Chicago, Illinois.

1. Monday - morning session ~ April 4, 1938. .

a. Call to order by - President George R. kdwards
b. Address by the President.
c. Report of the Secretary-Treasurer, John W. Bunn -
Accepted.
d. Report of standing committees:
1. Membership - &. J. Hickox
2. Coaching ethics - Harry K. Young. Remarks by
Dr. John Brown, Jr.
5. Press - Ray Hanson.
4. Officials - Marshall Diebold
(a) Panel discussion. |
(b) Rising vote of welcome to Dr. Naismith.
Comments by Dr. Naismith.

2. Monday Afternoon session April 4, 1938. Continuation
of Committee reports.
5. High School - Jack Lipe
6. Rescarch - Valentine Lenz - Read by Dr. Allen.
(a) Report by John W. Bunn
(b) Comments by Mr. Porter
(c) Researches in Basketball - Read by Dr. Allen.
7, Constitutional - Pierce Works
8. Rules (preliminary report). H. W. Read
9. Visual Interpretation (combined with showing of
motion pictures) Nat Holman. Motion carried that thanks
of Association be transmitted to the mén mentioned in
Mr. Holman's report.
10. Discussion of Basketball problems.
(a) Tournaments
(b) Comments by Mr. Liston
(c) Communication by Mr. Olsen
(d) Conmenis by Dr. Allen
Proceedings - Annual Convention, Cont'd.

+7

  
 

&. Tuesday morning session April 6, 1938.
1. Motion pictures sented by Nat Holman
2, Motion that President appoint a tournament committee
of three mombers to investigate all phases of post
eason tournaments of national scope, and report

4

Ww 4
findings and recommendations to 1939 convention - Carried.
S. Motion that telegram be sent to Dr. Lentz expressing the

condolences of the Association in the loss of his sister,

and its compliments for the splendid report of the Re-

search Committee - Carried.
4. Final discussion of Rules and adoption of suggestions
to the National Committec.

(a) Motion to approve in general the rule climinating
the center jump - Carried.

(>) Motion that the official shall handle the ball after

| every score. Lost.

(co) Motion that present wording on screening and blocking
be retained. - Carried.

(i) Motion that outer half of the foul circle be freed
from the three second restriction, both with and
without the »dall. - Lost.

(c) Motion that player be entitled to assume position
in the outer half of the foul circle, without the
ball, for an unlimited time: that with the ball
the three second limitation or restriction be put
upon him. - Carried.

(f) Motion that time outs be increased from one minute
to two minutes. - Carried.

(zg) Motion that substitutions shall cancel time outs
for the team making the substitution. - Lost.

(h) Motion that the game of basketball be divided into
quartors. - Lost.

(1) Motion that the number of time outs be increased
from four to five. « Uarried.

(j)Motion that the 1936-37 wording of the 10 second
tule be adopted. ~ Carricd.

(k) Motion that the court be extended two feet at each end
from the backboard. - Lost.

(1) Motion that an arc be drawn, with a radius of 24
fect, whose center is at the outer edge of the
free throw circle, to be used as an extension
of the end line. - Carried.

i, Discussion concerning standardization of equipment.

(n) Motion that the Research Committee study the matter
of recommending a suitable ball, together with
specifications, to the Rules Committee for con-
sideration, report on its findings to be made to
the next convention. - Carricd.
Proceedings - Annual Convention - Cont'd.

(o) Motion that team fowled may have the option of
refusing the free throw and may take the ball
out of bounds at the center line. - Carried.

(op) Remarks by President Edwards

(q) Report of the Nominating Committee, and clection
of officers. :

(r} Remarks by President Chandler

(s) Motion that a rising vote of thanks be extended
the retiring officers.

 

President Edward's address,
April 4, 1938.

For the eleventh consecutive year we are gathered to

discuss the welfare of basketball as it is played in our schools
and to consider ways and means by which we may become still more
valuable to this game. Among us there is hardly one who does not
have several other activitics which occupy much of his time, yet
it must be noted that basketball commands a most important pos-
ition in our lives. In fact, we find that continuous and energetic
e<torts must be made to refain from making the emphasis so strong
that we become boresome to others because of a pronounced tendancy
“ focus our discussions on basketball. To me this desire to color
our whole lives by this game always has appeared remarkable:

Most of us are intimately connected with the sport through
caily eontacts which exist throughout the major portion of the
veer. During the playing scason it is so much a part of us that
ws G@emonstrate its techniques and argue methods with almost anyone
who gives us his attention; we coach squads in intersch ll com-
petition; we teach it to novices in gymnasium classes; we lecture
about it in teachers! training courses; we seck the company of
players, ccaches and officials to exchange ideas about it; we
subscribe for magazines which feature basketball articles, and
then turn to tbe sport prgos “f the daily newspapers to study
game reports, ccx scores and hear storics; we find ourselves
diagramming plays on table linen at meal times or in the pages
of the song beoks at church; then during our sleep we dream of
ways to make free throws 100 percent accurate or concoct psy-
chological approaches which will arouse our pleyers to super-
performance. To cap it all, we conclude an intensive season by
attendance at this convention where nothing else but basketball
is considered.

That we can fecd so fully on this game and seldom become
satiated igs a miracle of human capacity. A story is to1d of a
basketball coach who died and, much to the surprise of nis
opponents, was consigned to eternal heavenly bliss. As he ap-
proached the pearly gates he was thankful that he nad never
coached from the sidelines; taught his players slick ways to
make fouls without detection; nor ridden game officials; that
he had always given correct pre-game statements; and had refused
to alibi defeats. For now he was about to enter a place where
time knew no limits, and where he would be free to use all of his
basketball knowledge and skill. What a reward!
President Hdwarcs address Cont'd.

Upon his introduction to Saint Peter he immediately
outlined these plans and amplified them with a theory which
resultcd in screens that became blocks. But the kind old guardian
of the entrance dashed his hopes with the announcement that there
are no basketball players nor any game equipment in heaven. Only
in Hades could these be found.

It was a dejected coach who wrestled with this problem.
He wanted to fulfill an ambition to be an angel, but couldn't
imagine spending an eternity without a chance to be in contact
with his favorite pastime. Temptation was too great, though, and
he reluctantly requested a leave of absence for investigation.
His wisios were granted and the coach was transported to the
regions below. |

There he was met by Satan with open arms and with the
information that earth held no courts as fine as his. The coach
was escorted to the finest indoor basketball stadium he had ever
seen, where lighting, ventilation and spectator accomodations
were perfect. He trod on the smooth floor and found that it
passed lis most exhaustive tests for traction, resiliency and
uniformity. A tour of the dressing rooms showed every detail
perfecti.y planned.

& sense of returning strength to his old legs aroused a
desire to try a new shooting form he had devised, so he begged
for a suit and shoes. Before the uniform could be issued, however,
he was required to sign a permanent enrollment form which prevented
any chance to return to the heavenly league. This he did quickly
because the place looked ideal to him. Donning a neat uniform and
Lacing on a pair of exquisite shoes he trotted onto the floor.

Yond me a ball," he cried. "I have 1. hunch I can hit from
mid-floor with my eyes closed."

"Well," grinned his Satanic majesty with his famous smile,
"that's the hell of it. We have no basketballs here."

Some of our deliberation today and tomorrow will touch
upon the construction of basketballs, and it might be well for
us to remembor that while such an article can't even be found in
hell, its absence would certainly be a calamity.

Every year we havo found it true and proper to describe the
condition of our game in statements which are becoming rather trite.
We say cither, "Baskctball is growing by leaps and bounds," or
"Basketball has just scen its most successful season." Again we
can join in this chorus, for while other activities may have felt
the effocts of a recession, we have beeh kept busy trying to care
for an ever increasing demand for our sport.

Unquestionably, the major portion of the credit for this
widespread and ever-growing appeal belongs to the game itself.
Nevertheless, we can claim no small share of the credit since it
is through the labors of the coaches and officials that players
are taught properly and games conducted efficiently so that at-
tractive, dramatic and pleasing contests result. While we are
patting ourselves on the back, though, we must beware of the pit-
falls which accompany sclf-adulation.
President Edwards address Cont'd.

There is still plenty of room for improvement in the game and
in our methods of teaching and administering it. A look back-
wards gives us many reasons to be proud and satisfied; a look
into the future shows that the job is never-ending.

A situation was concisely and emphatically expressed
by a backwoods Ozark mountaineer. In his little village, far
from railroed and trunk highways, the national and state
governnents aided in the construction of a school and a church,
At the start of this building campaign the old residents resented
these irfinences which disturbed a mode of living with which
they wero content. Some months after the buildings were finished
and activities had been organized, a social worker was delogated
to investigete the projects. At the close of an extensive rcport
which listed many details, he summarized the influences of the
school and the church in the words of one of the formerly critical
natives. Seid this old moss-back;

iWonl, we found out that wo ain't what we oughta be; we
ain't what) we wanta be; we ain't what we're gonna be; but thank
God we sin:t what we was."

Yrile we have no such feeling with regard to our past,
we certeinly can Join this 01d fellow in his opinions as to the
present and the future.

Gur program during the next two days is divided roughly
along Three lines. First, we expect to devote some time on an
atealysis of any defects in the game itself as shown by the ex-
nurisnce of the season just closed; second, we must consider
features of administration of cnntosts which will aid us to in-
crease cur value and effectiveness as coaches and officials;
third, there are some problems to be solved which deal primarily
with this organization and the services it may porforn.

NEWS

George Edwards is making azrrengements for the display of sporting
goods at our next convention.

Howard Johnson, one of our members who coached basketball for
several years at La Crosse Teachers College, La Crosse, Wisconsin,
dicd late last spring from a rare blood disease.
Remorks by Soeretary-Treasurer
John Bunn.

I thought it night be pertinent to point out and to
enumerate just a few of the things that have come to the
Secretary during the vear.

In the first plnce, I didn't realize that this National
Associection of Basketball Coaches was such an important organ-
ization until I became Secrotary-Traasurer. Neithor did I
realize that there were so many things to sell to a convention
until I bacame Secretary-Treasurcr.

think that of the 500 or 600 icttors I have written,
fully sove aty-five per cent of them have: beento hotels,
chambers of commorce, ahd the like, in the various citics of
the United States Gesiring that this convention mect there next
year. i think the netivity around this hotel. in the last day
and a half is indicative of the interest to have our convention
in vavicus citics of the United States next year. Neither did
I realize that there were so many trinkets that should go along
with a ccnvontion, such as badges, types of entertainnent,
picture taking, and so on, and so forth, which have engaged most
of the ettention of the Secretary during the past yoar.

i think probably it might be pertinent to remark that
during this year an attompt has been made by our Presicent to
distribute the work of the Association. Heretofore, mach of it
hans fallen upon the shoulders of the Secretary, Put your
Peesidont has this year seen fit to make our committees and
other officers in the Association become more active in their

particular duties. As a result, the preparations for this
convention were handled entirely by the Convention Comnmittec.

Pir peg gtration a? manhons . 8s yOu hows eronaply neve ty hea
beon handied entirely by the Registration Committee, and a6 on;
i wight ge through the others. Some of the eninge which our
High | School Gommittoo has poavested have boen put into practice
at this year's convention.

The Secretary has sean fit to attempt to reorganize
the record of mombership, ané@ a card file has beon made out
which I think will probably more adequately give us a roccrd
of our membership witnout noving to leaf through too many

pages, and delinquencies and new members can be added in
alphabetical order in this way without very much difficulty.

In addition, it wes found, since the job of Secretary-
Treasurer - bab hand in hand, that our accounts were in the past
made on a shect of 8-1/2 X 11 paper, or whatever happened to be
handy. It ecnes fitting that we have a more pe ermanent record
and, as a au. the journal account system has Deen started
this year. It isn't an expensive scheme at all, in that once
it is set up it is good for seventy-five years without further
expense,
Renarks by the Secretary-Treasure Cont'd.

Probably the most important things of interest to you
will be those things vith respect to the finances of the
Association. I may say this past year more money was turned
over to the new Sccretary-Treasurer than has ever been turned
over before. For that reason, our finances are in fairly sood
shape, although ve don't have enough money to do a lot of
things we would like to do.

Last year there wore 103 paid registrations of members.
There were 113 men who attended the bangquct. Total receipts for
last veer vere $991.54, The expense of running last year's
convention, togother with the various miscellancous expenses
brought about by committees and the Secretary, anounted to.
$554.51, leaving a balance on hand, as of November 23, 19387, of
$437.05. We had that amount with which to bogin our now year.

it is not possible to give you an accounting for this year,
because our registrations are just now taking place ana funds
are just coming in, but that report will be forthcoming at
the noxt convention. '

I micht report as Mr. Edwards has suggested, that
the Anditing Committee, composed of Mr, Lambert, Mr. Chandler,
and My. Grover, heave gone over the records of the financial
report and have found everything to be correct anc intact, and.
have anproved that report. The records of this year will go te
them immediately following the close of this convention.

 

Renarks by Mr. BE. J. Hickox,
Chairuan of Membership Committee.

Mr E. J, Hickox: lir, President and Fellow Coaches:
The Membership Committoe chnirman wishes to report that this
committee has takon its Cuties sortously, and that its several.
members have given both tine and effort tovard builcing up the
Association ané urginz conches to attenc this convention.

Bach district rovresentative contactod the eccackes in
his area, cach having sent the membersnip list, and also
the names of non-nember coaches in college ‘positions.

The chairman sent cut 100 basketball letters, as did
at least one other committee member, More than 500 letters
altogether, stressing membership went out to member and non-
momber coaches,

The per cent of college coaches in various areas that
belong to this Association runs approxinately as follows:

District No. 1, New Encland 21 per cent
Diatriat No, 2 12 per cent
District No. 5 12 per cont
District No, 4 5.2 per cent

» Chicazo Area 29 ver cent
per cent
por cent
per cent
per cent
por cont,

District No.
District No.
District No,
Viatricet No. 6
District No. g
District Novia

~~ OF OH
af
a

ES i
mm os Oo OD +
Remarks vy E. J. Hickox Cont'd.

These ficures indicate that much is yet to be done to »uild up
the drewin,; power and prestijre of this orsanization. Most of

us on the committee feel that it takes personal contacts and
invitations to -:et our associates interested enough to join and
to attend the conventicns.

Sujy;sestions made for next year's procecure:

1. That new committee chairman and members reccive
early information as to duties anc sujjestions as to procedure.
Retiring chairman should help in this.

2. that chairiaan be sent Constitution, membership
list, ovtline of benefits, costs, place of convention, items
of interest in program, all to be used in campaign for renevals
and new mombers,

S. That every member of the committee report to the
Editor of the Bulletin cach issue what progress is being made,
and prrticularly what new members there may be in his area.

4, That payment of membership dues be ursed before
convention time, cither by this committee or by the Secretary-
Treasurer, so that some information can be included in such a
report as this at the convention to show either progrese or
rogression.

5. That more members of the Association use their
jersonal influences to vopularize membership and to get coaches
to attend conventions. We all need to "talk it up" in our orn
Srouns.

Several coaches in the Missouri Valley made them-
sclves responsible for contacting the coaches of their own
states.

6. That more effort be made toward interesting
various conferences and lenzues to send representative: ccaches
to voice the group sentiments,

Onc leaszue has a 100 per cent representation here
today. New Envzland pays $10.00 toward one man's expenses.

In closinz, I wish to thank our President, Mr. Edwards,
and our Secretary, Mr. Bunn, for their cooperation in gettin;
us infornation and suz;estions, and finally I want to say to
my committeemen, all of whom came to Chicaso, "Thank you, fellows,
you're a fine gan: to work with."