Issue 55, February 8, 2005
MACBOA Newsletter

In this Issue:

• Remarks from the Supervisor of Officials: Donnee L. Gray
• NCAA Men’s Basketball Officiating Rules Interpretation - February 2, 2005
• MACBOA Rules Test #3
• An interview with Kenny Clark
• Order your MACBOA Logo Whistles
• Submitting Articles for MACBOA Consideration
• MACBOA Volunteers
• Newsletter Contact/Information

The MACBOA Newsletter is a periodic newsletter publication of the Mid-Atlantic College Basketball Officials Association (MACBOA). MACBOA provides basketball officiating services to several colleges and universities in the Maryland - Washington, DC area. The Association has a membership of approximately 200 men and women officials. Our membership consist of men and women who work Divisions I, II, and III basketball.  We pride our Association on providing quality and professional service.

The usefulness and survival of this newsletter is going to depend on the participation of subscribers and professionals alike. Please help by submitting personal stories, experiences, and articles of general interest to the MACBOA community.

The MACBOA Newsletter is made possible by the kind support of our sponsors.  We thank our sponsors for making the newsletter and other programs possible. Please visit our web site at http://www.macboa.org.  As always, please visit our sponsors and thank them for keeping MACBOA operational.

Remarks from the Supervisor of Officials: Donnee L. Gray

As we approach the last part of the regular season, I want every official to finish on a high note.  Again, February brings the best out of teams.  Hustle on every play; use good wisdom and common sense in the heat of the battle.  Assure that your pre-game and half time are meaningful communication tools.

In the games that I have observed and as well as comments from our MACBOA Observers, post play screening has improved from the beginning of the season. Do not let down!  Be consistent.  Stay with the points of emphasis and the periodic NCAA bulletins and referee STRONG!

Please remember that teams are vying for post-season tournament placements, regional placement that also impact national tournament championships. See national ranked teams below.

To Coaches:

MACBOA understands what February play brings.  MACBOA crews will be approachable and respectful. MACBOA staff will listen and respond accordingly.  MACBOA staff are not responsible for uncontested missed lay-ups and uncontested shots at the basket.  We are all human beings.  MACBOA staff will “bend, but not break.” Inappropriate language and belittling individuals will not be tolerated and will be addressed accordingly.

To Officials:

• Be consistent in your calls. Know your coaches. Be approachable and respectful. Referee for the camera.
• Continue to have meaningful pre-, half time, and post-game discussions. Crew Chiefs are responsible for being helpful and constructive always.
• Crew Chiefs: continue to send your game reports as soon as possible. On-line game reports have been good.
• Post Play: Since our January newsletter, I have observed officials doing a better job of officiating post play. Keep it up! Pay attention to offensive moves that place the defense at a disadvantage. Be aware of POV. As in block/charge situations, get into position early to officiate. Remember, the “Center” official must referee strong on that side of the lane and assist the “Lead” manage lane activity.
• Traveling: Mostly on post players. Center and Trail must help the Lead.
  Move to get the angles to see through players. This takes effort and requires a higher level of intensity.
• Bench decorum: We have to do a better job of adjudicating this. Situations may increase as conference races get tighter. Be more observant.
• Officials are doing a good job in taunting-and-baiting situations and calling the requisite foul(s). There are no warnings given. Keep it up.
• To Observers and Crew Chiefs: Assure that you have a pre-game with the table personnel. Remember, although they are an extension of the game, the officiating crew is ultimately responsible for the game.
• Colleges have tried to extend themselves with refreshments and towels. MACBOA staff – Please assure that you leave the locker room facility neat and thank them for towels, refreshments, etc.
• Ejections.  Remember that you are to call me immediately following any game that involves an ejection of player/coach.
• Officials are reminded to update their AssignByWeb information immediately if there is a change of address or phone number. (www.assignbyweb.com/macboa)  
• Just a reminder to please check your game assignments carefully and regularly, specifically games that have been rescheduled. 
• PLEASE update your calendars so that we will know when making assignments whether you are open.
• Bench decorum must be enforced: Officials need to manage the benches. While the official is permitted to respond to an appropriate question from the head coach, a prolonged discussion should not take place. The response from the official should be brief and concise. When a coach addresses an official in a disrespectful or inappropriate manner, the official must address the situation with a warning or a technical foul, depending on the situation.

NCAA Men’s Basketball Officiating Rules Interpretation - February 2, 2005

Reminder:
As previously mentioned in the January 12, 2005 Bulletin, a sequence of events occurs when a foul is committed. This sequence of events also occurs whenever the game official blows his whistle and signals for the game clock to be stopped.

As a review, there is no timing mistake when the following sequence of events occurs.

A foul or violation is committed followed by:

1. The game official reacting, blowing his whistle and signaling for the game clock to be stopped, followed by:
2. The official timer reacting to the game official’s signal and stopping the game clock.

Whenever the game clock is signaled to be stopped, the time elapsing for the game official and the official timer to react and complete their duties is a normal sequence of occurrence and does not constitute a mistake in timing.

Play:
With the score tied at 65-65, A1 attempts a try for goal near the expiration of time. B2 (a) interferes with A1’s try, or (b) goaltends A1’s try. The official calls the violation.

Ruling:
The officials are required to use the courtside monitor and, with the reading of 0:00 on the game clock, shall determine whether A1’s try was released before the reading on the game clock. However, the monitor shall not be used to affirm the judgment call of whether the basket interference or goaltending was made correctly.

MACBOA Rules Test #3

All MACBOA officials are required to take and pass periodic tests. In order to receive credit, you must mail your answers by February 16, 2005, to the MACBOA office, Post Office Box 98, Bryans Road, MD 20616.  DO NOT FAX or e-mail your answers.  Please take care of your administrative matters!

MACBOA Rules Test #3 

The following questions must be returned to Donnee L. Gray, MACBOA Supervisor of Officials by the above due date to be in good standing and to be eligible for consideration of MACBOA assignments. In answering the questions, you are required to cite the NCAA Rule Book reference.

PRINT NAME: _________________________________________________

CHECK ONE: ______ Men’s Official ______ Women’s Official

Describe what you would do if:

1. One player is straddling over a fallen player with the ball. The official blows his/her whistle and calls a "held ball." As the player on the floor with the ball tries to get up, the player straddling him/her hits the player with his/her hand. What do you call?
   
2. After a successful field goal or free throw, A-1 has the ball out of bounds for a throw-in. B-2 grabs A-2 near the end line. What do you have?
   
3. A-1 and B-1 begin to fight on the playing court. A-6, A-7, A-8, A-9 and A-10 as well as B-6 and B-7 leave the benches and participate in the fight. How do you handle this?
   
4. A-1 attempts a final free throw. While the ball is in flight, A-2 commits a flagrant personal foul against B-2. The try is successful or unsuccessful, what do you do?
   
5. Team A has the ball out of bounds for a throw-in with 25 seconds on the shot clock. a. The coach of Team B is assessed a technical foul, or b. The coach of Team A is assessed a technical foul. What do you do?
   
6. A1 is passing the ball to A2 and B1 deflects the pass, causing it to hit the official. The official blows the whistle, but does not know if he/she is inbounds or out-of-bounds when hit by the ball. What do you do?
   
7. Time for the second half expires while a try for goal was being released by A-1. The center official, facing the scorers' table, ruled that the field goal attempt occurred after the sound of the signal. Meanwhile, the trail official, (referee) signals two points by raising his arm with two fingers extended, an indication that the try for goal was successful. The three officials immediately leave the confines of the court. What should have occurred?
   
8. What are some of the causes of double whistles on block/charge plays?
   
9. When should the start of the halftime intermission time period begin?
   
10. When does the table change the AP arrow during a throw-in resulting from an alternating possession arrow?

An interview with Kenny Clark

MACBOA is proud to visit withLieutenant Colonel Kenneth Clark, G1/Director of Personnel for the United States Army Recruiting Command.  We asked Kenny to impart some of his knowledge and wisdom about priorities of life and officiating.

MACBOA:How long you have been officiating D-I?

KC:  I was on the Big South Roster in 1991, but officiated my first D-I game in the Atlantic -10 in 1992-93

MACBOA:  How did you get your brake in D-I?

KC:  Tommie Scott and Donnee Gray introduced me to former Atlantic-10 Supervisor of Officials, Mickey Crowley at an IAABO Convention.  They informed Mr. Crowley that I was a good young official from IAABO Board #134 and they believed I would make his A-10 staff if he gave me a chance to attend his camp.  Mr. Crowley said jokingly to Donnee and Tommie, "you guys tell me that about every young official you recommend from Maryland".  Suddenly around the corner came Tommie Lopes whom I hadn't seen since 1989.  Tommie Lopes, who officiates in several D-I conferences, was my Board Rules Interpreter when I officiated high school basketball in New Jersey.  We hugged and Tommie Lopes looks at Mickey Crowley and says, "this is the young guy I wanted to send to your camp a few years ago.”  At that point, Mickey Crowley looks at everyone, smiles and says, "where have I heard that before.”  Unfortunately, the Atlantic-10 "Show Camp" which only takes 24 campers was already booked for the lone session in July.  However, I did attend Mr. Crowley's "Team Camp" at Fordham University in June and was rated the Top Camper.  As faith has it, an opening became available the day before the Atlantic-10 "Show Camp" was to start.  Mickey Crowley called me on the phone and asked could I attend the A-10 Show Camp in Honesdale Pa.  I was at the camp before he hung up the phone :-).  I had a great camp, but most of all I had a great experience.

MACBOA: Who was instrumental in your development and progression?

KC:  Several people have helped me progress as an official.  My first mentor was Leslie Speight. Les officiated basketball and football in the CIAA and the MEAC and later became an NFL official.  I met Les in 1986 while we were stationed in Korea.  He helped me progress through my early years of recreation basketball.  After a couple of seasons of high school basketball in New Jersey, I moved to Maryland in 1990 and throughout the next couple of years met several people who are not only good officials, but also good friends.  I will refer to them as "The Group" and "The Mentors.”  The early members of "The Group" include Ike Relacion, Carl Bullard, Robert "Tito" Roman and Judge Jackson.  The Group later increased to include Ronnie Bagley, Rodney Holland, Val Parker, Angie Lewis and others.  We would attend each other’s basketball games to voluntarily critique and evaluate, but mainly to lend support.  The members of "The Mentors" include Tommie Scott, Donnee Gray, Reggie Greenwood and Willie L.A. Jones.  The Mentors not only allowed members of "The Group" to hang around them and soak up their officiating knowledge like sponges, but they also expected us to evaluate their officiating performance whenever we observed their NCAA games.  I am sure they did not expect those phone calls from us at midnight :-).  The Group and The Mentors are now intertwined as friends and focused on helping others excel in officiating just as many others did for each of us.  The most important thing to me when I think of The Group and The Mentors is the friendships.  Last and not least are conference supervisor of officials.  Starting with Mickey Crowley, Brad Tracy, and Art Hyland.  The other D-I supervisors are just as important, but these guys took a chance on me early in my officiating career.  That is all any young official wants is a chance!

MACBOA:  How does officiating fit into your life?

KC:  Basketball is something that I enjoy...not something that I depend on.  It doesn't fit on my list with God, my family, friends and my job.  I officiate the game of basketball because I love the sport, enjoy the excitement, and relish the challenge.  Don't get me wrong...the money is good, but not once have I ever regretted missing several seasons because of my career or regretted giving back several games because of other things that I wanted or needed to do.  My advice to any young official is to keep officiating in its proper perspective.  I could leave the officiating business today without looking back.

MACBOA: Tell us about your family?

KC:  My wife, Sandra, is a Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Army.  My daughter Alexis turned four on New Year’s Eve and my son Kenneth III turned two on Dec 4th.  Every official needs a supportive family.  My wife supports my officiating, but just don't schedule any games on birthdays, during Christmas and on Valentines Day :-).  Saturday is a very critical day for college basketball; however, I keep a weekend free every month during the season for family time.  I don't do it because my family asks me to, but I do it because I want to and believe it's important.

MACBOA: Has your success in officiating altered your priorities in life?

KC:  I have been fortunate to officiate college basketball for many years, but it still doesn't change my focus on life.  That's why I always keep God first in everything I do.  My priorities are enjoying quality time with my family and friends and focusing on improving my military profession.  I have moved nine times since 1995 because of military commitments.  Throughout my officiating obligations, my military career has continued to move forward.  I've been fortunate to obtain two Master’s degrees, graduate from the Army War College, obtain selection for promotion to Colonel, and can retire from the military today if I desire.  However, I have been tapped to deploy for a year to either Iraq or Afghanistan within the next few months.  I'm carrying my striped shirt and my Fox-forty in my backpack.  I may not have a need for it in the Middle East, but a good official is always prepared :-).

MACBOA:   What advice can you give aspiring officials trying to make it to D-I?

KC:  First, don't quit your day job.  Second, don't quit your day job and third, don't quit your day job.  I stress that because I've seen too many referees adjust their profession to fit officiating instead of adjusting officiating around their profession.  Take any game you are assigned and officiate it as if it is your last.  You never know who is watching you!  Every game should be treated like it's important to you...it’s important to the players and coaches.  Don't try to be the focus of the game, but focus on making the game better.  Have patience and be prepared when your opportunity comes.  Practice your mechanics, read the rulebook repeatedly, find a group of officials with the same goals and aspirations that you have and seek out a mentor.

MACBOA: Any other comments and advice for MACBOA staff?

KC:  Keep doing what you are doing!  The knowledge you gain and the opportunities you receive, as a member of MACBOA cannot be duplicated anywhere.  Hats off to Commish Donnee Gray and his advisors.  I remember the early years when MACBOA was in it's provisional stages.  The camps were fun and the games were just as tough as any I officiate today.  For the MACBOA members..........do not sell yourself short and think traveling through the snow to Garrett County to Allegany College is not important for your officiating career.  Been there and done that several times!  The more games you officiate at a lower college level helps you prepare for D-I.

MACBOA: Please list some of your officiating accomplishments:

KC:

- 10 selections to the A-10 tournament including 6 semifinals and 1 final as alternate
- 8 selections to the MAAC tournament including 5 semifinals
- the Patriot League tournament, MEAC tournament
- 8 postseason NIT selections (had to decline a few) but worked a final-4 and a consolation game
- worked several pre-season NIT tournament games

Order your MACBOA Logo Whistles!

Be the first to receive your MACBOA logo Fox-40 Whistle while supplies last!

Send your payment of $5.25 for each whistle ordered to:

Ike Relacion
c/o MACBOA Logo Whistle
6 Brookloadge Lane
Middletown, MD 21769

Submitting Articles for MACBOA Consideration

Thank you for your interest in submitting an article for consideration on www.macboa.org.

We accept well-written features, how-to articles, "how I did it" success stories, tips and hints, motivational articles and other articles that will help our audience gain knowledge and succeed in their officiating avocation.

We do not accept articles that are primarily advertisements. However, you may place a biographical section at the end of your article. It should be no more than 30 to 40 words in length. It would be nice if you could include a 60x60 picture of you in .gif or .jpeg format.

Below are instructions for submitting your article to the MACBOA.org web site. We ask that you read the terms of your Agreement with MACBOA.org carefully.

Please note: We only accept submissions from the original author of the articles or a publicist hired by the copyright owner to submit material here. By submitting material, you acknowledge that you are legally entitled to distribute the work and to allow it to be redistributed. (If you are a book publisher or public relations firm with copy to distribute, please include a note to that effect at the top of the article you submit.) We do not pay for articles, and do not accept articles that are primarily advertisements. However, you may place a brief resource box and contact information (but no ads) at the end of your article.

To send your article, click on the "Article Submission Form" and answer the questions and then copy and paste your submission into the space provided. We have provided a copy of the form below. Please be sure your by-line appears below the title of the article. Click on the submit button to complete the process and or cut-and-paste the completed form and your article to macboa1@aol.com.

Reward, challenge, appreciation, stimulation, writing, reading...rarely thanked or noticed.

These are some of the attributes of the well hidden job of MACBOA Newsletter Volunteer. Are you interested in working behind the scenes (screens?) to help get information to members? MACBOA is looking to grow our ranks by a couple of folks and thus, we're soliciting volunteers.

What do you do? Read postings. Write articles, membership news, coordinate interviews, cultivate sponsor relations, etc. Write e-mail back and forth amongst us to establish communication, and guidance to keep this list as valuable as possible for our membership. Although we're virtual, our presence is sensed, we hope...and appreciated, although rarely acclaimed.

We haven't a job description, nor do we know what knowledge, skills, and abilities are required, but some that will come in handy are:

• having the ability to write
  
• being thick skinned, not thick headed
  
• being able to express your opinions, while being open minded
  
• having at least a free hour or two a week caring for the membership
  

Please respond directly by e-mail to: irelacion@aol.com

HOW TO CONTACT THE NEWSLETTER COORDINATOR

MACBOA welcomes and encourages news and information for the periodic newsletter. Please submit all materials to address letters of comment, article proposals and queries, or news items to:

Ike Relacion: (301) 371-8520
E-mail: irelacion@aol.com

MACBOA Newsletter Information

MACBOA, INC provides the MACBOA newsletter. MACBOA is a nonprofit organization providing information about membership news. The MACBOA.ORG Newsletter's contents may be quoted and reused as long as attribution is included with the reprinting and/or posting.

MACBOA nor its guest contributors shall be liable or responsible to any person or entity for any loss or damage caused, or alleged to be have been caused, directly or indirectly by the information or ideas contained, suggested, or referenced in this newsletter

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