Arguably, one of the most misunderstood high school basketball rules is the backcourt violation. One of the difficulties is there are a multitude of different backcourt violation scenarios. Another issue, while not rare, we don’t see backcourt violations as often as we do many other types of violations. The following are a few plays that were picked off You Tube. Just copy and paste the link into your browser.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WE7t5fu4jW8 This was one of the best explanations of the new backcourt rule exception implemented this year.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vcpbIqOggZY Great example of a violation with the offensive player touching the ball in frontcourt and then in backcourt.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_vU6PUtr5Kk No violation. The player who batted the ball did not establish player control.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TM4EZwGc0cg All three points must be across the line. Both feet and the ball. No violation.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LVI-murzbU8 No violation. Frontcourt status was never established.
For some scintillating reading head over to the violations section of your rule and case books.
Recruitment and retention
No, the topic has nothing to do with the rules, but a few thoughts for your consideration.
We work like crazy to get new officials in the door, but too often we let them get away in the first three years. Some statistics show as much as a 70% attrition rate in the first three years. Most associations have a mentor program which is great, but inexperienced officials need more. It is incredibly beneficial for varsity officials to watch some of the sub-varsity game and give feedback, encouragement, and answer questions. Sub-varsity officials: Listen! Do what is asked and no “yeah buts”.
Steve Bulen
OSAA SRI
sbulen1@gmail.com
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