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