Issue 60, February 1, 2006
MACBOA Newsletter

In this Issue:

• Remarks from the Supervisor of Officials: Donnee L. Gray
• National Men's and Women's Rankings
• Interview with Coach Xavier Joyner
• If You Know the Officer or Trooper is After You…
• QUIZ TIME! Let’s get into the rulebook! Quiz Number 3
• TIME OUT Referee School
• 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

February brings the best out of teams. MACBOA officials will 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 as well as officials dictating their on angles on plays 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 seedings 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.  Inappropriate language and belittling individuals will not be tolerated and will be addressed accordingly.

To Officials:

1. Continue to have meaningful pre-, half time, and post-game discussions. Crew Chiefs are responsible for being helpful and constructive always.
2. Crew Chiefs: continue to send your game reports as soon as possible. On-line game reports have been good.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Bench decorum: Situations may increase as conference races get tighter. Be more observant.
6. I am to be notified of any ejections or atypical situations immediately after the assignment.
7. Colleges/Universities 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.

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.

Observers: Please keep in contact with Tommie Scott regarding your availability and to discuss officiating tendencies that need to be addressed.

Donnee L. Gray

National Men's and Women's Rankings

We are very proud of the institutions that are nationally ranked (as of January 31, 2006)

Men’s Division II  

Women’s Division II

Interview with Xavier Joyner, Head Men’s Basketball, Montgomery College – Germantown Campus

MACBOA: What drew you to coaching?
XJ:  I was drawn to coaching because I wanted to give back all of the tips and techniques that I was afforded as a player throughout my career.  My coaching doors were opened when my college teammate(Mark Crutchfield) became the head coach at MC Germantown.

MACBOA: What do you expect of student-athletes?
XJ:  I expect my student-athletes to give a 110% effort in the classroom as well as on the court.  I expect them to be very respectful and I also want them to appreciate and cherish their time as a student-athlete.

MACBOA: Tell us what MC-Germantown athletics is all about?
XJ:  MC Germantown athletics is all about academic excellence and passion on the court. We had 5 players with over a 3.8 grade point average.

MACBOA: What are your goals for the 2006 basketball program?
XJ:   Our goals for 2006 were to have every player academically eligible, win the MD JUCO conference, regional tournament and the national championship.

MACBOA:What do you do in your spare time?
XJ: In my spare time I like to be with my wife and 3 kids.

MACBOA: What words of wisdom can you give to student-athletes?
XJ: Take advantage of your time as a student-athlete because it goes by very quickly.

Contributing Article:  Ike Relacion
If You Know the Officer or Trooper is After You…

As sports officials, we are constantly on the road.  With construction delays and general sprawl, we have, on occasion, accelerated our vehicles at higher than posted speed limits.  And soon after that act, we have experienced authorities in pursuit.  Unless otherwise directed, pull over to the right shoulder as soon as you can.  Going to the left shoulder is asking for one unhappy officer since the left shoulder exposes both you and him to the path of passing vehicles. His/Her job is dangerous enough as it is, don't make it worse. Pull as far off as possible. (If you're on the right shoulder, traffic can easily move to the left. If you're on the left shoulder, traffic cannot safely move to the right. Plus, re-entering traffic is much easier done from the right side, for the same reasons.)

If it's at night and the police car is unmarked, you may want to continue on to a lighted area. Most officers won't have a problem with that.  Also, turn on the dome light.

Put both hands on the steering wheel and wait for the officer to arrive next to your door. The officer or trooper has no idea if you're armed, an escaped ex-convict, or just an average person.  Keep movement in the car to a minimum; he can see your movements but doesn't know what you're doing. Are you hiding a gun? Putting away a radar detector? Make his job easier and you can only benefit.

When speaking to the officer, don't insert "Sir" or "Ma'am" after every word. Cops call that "bootlicking." Conversely, calling the officer or trooper by his rank or title, like "Sergeant," “Trooper” or "Deputy" is not disrespectful if used sparingly. But, only refer to them this way if you're absolutely sure of their rank or title.

Although most people want to be honest, don't volunteer self-incriminating information. When the officer or trooper asks "Do you know how fast you were going?" or something similar, just say "yes" or "I was driving at the speed of traffic" (if true) and leave it at that. But if there's a valid reason for your conduct, such as a medical emergency, say so.

When the officer or trooper asks for your license and registration, tell him it's in the glove box (if it is), then ask if it's okay to open it. Leave it open so s/he can see in. Again, reduce his apprehension about the situation. However, if it's in a console between the seats, ask before opening, but close it when you're done. It's too easy for you to reach back inside and get a weapon.

Do not argue or plead your case. The roadside is never the place to conduct a hearing. To do so is a guaranteed losing situation, and all you'll do is get your story added to the cop's list of "Ten Best Excuses." Cops enforce, courts decide.  Remember that officers or troopers are usually not required to show you the readout on the radar gun (for their safety and yours.)

Be inconspicuous. If you make a fuss, the officer or trooper is more likely to remember you when you go to trial. That's bad, you want to be as forgettable as possible.  Keep your copy of the ticket!

If your speed was recorded on radar or some other speed measurement device, you should request the make, model and serial number of the device and the serial number of the calibration instrument (for radar, the tuning forks). Some of this information may already be on the ticket. However, only ask for this information after the officer or trooper has given you the ticket.

Note the make and license plate of the officer or trooper's car. Also look for ID numbers on the sides.  Do not voluntarily agree to a search of your car. If the officer or trooper has to ask for permission, it is very likely that s/he does not have probable cause or reasonable suspicion to believe you have something illegal. If s/he had probable cause or reasonable suspicion, s/he would not need to ask you.

When you've parted company make notes of the situation. Amount of traffic, weather, time, officer or trooper's demeanor, etc. No detail or event is unimportant, you will forget them later when you need to know. It is a good idea to draw a map of the area, including trees, signs, buildings, etc. You may need that later.

THIS IS NOT LEGAL ADVICE. The information presented is from the National Motorist Association as well as from personal experience.

  QUIZ TIME! Let’s get into the rulebook! Quiz Number 3

The following questions must be returned to Donnee L. Gray, MACBOA Supervisor of Officials by
February 5, 2006 to be in good standing and to be eligible for consideration of MACBOA assignments.

In answering the following scenarios, answer s must include supporting rulebook citation. Officials working men's or women's basketball may answer the questions according to the respective men's or women's codes.

Cut-and-paste the quiz and e-mail your test with answers to dgray@macboa.org.

Do NOT Fax, use Email to submit quiz.

PRINT NAME: _________________________________________________

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

1. A-1 reports and is beckoned onto the playing court.  As A-1 enters the court, the referee notices that A-1’s undershirt, wrist band and head band are a different color than the dominant color of the game jersey.  The referee directs A-1 back to the bench because he is not complying with the uniform code.  Is the official correct? 

2. A confrontation occurs while the players are on the floor for a loose ball.  The officials control the action and then use the courtside monitor to determine if a fight occurred.  After reviewing the play, it is determined no fight occurred, but they observed A-1 contacting B-1 with an elbow, which was not originally called.  The referee assesses A-1 with an intentional personal foul.  Is the referee correct? 

3. A-1 is fouled and awarded two free throws.  Prior to attempting the free throws, Team A is granted a timeout.  During the timeout and before the warning horn, B-6 reports to the scorers’ table to enter the game.  The official denies B-6 from entering the game because multiple free throws are to be attempted.  Is the official correct? 

4. A-1’s try for goal near the three-point line is successful.  The official signals a three-point goal.  As Team B is advancing the ball up the court, the coach from Team B is at the table requesting a conference with the official in order to rectify a correctable error. B-1 now tries for goal near the three-point line, and the official rules this a two-point try.  Team B coach appeals both rulings.  After reviewing the plays on the courtside monitor, it is determined that the coach is wrong on both appeals.  The referee charges Team B with two timeouts.  Is the official correct? 

5. A-1’s throw-in is touched by B-1, who has one foot touching the boundary line.  The official rules this a throw-in violation and awards Team B the ball at the spot of the original throw-in.  Is the official correct? 

6. A-1 catches the ball with one foot on the playing court, jumps off that foot, and lands on both feet simultaneously.  A-1 picks up the right foot and places it back on the floor before releasing the ball on a try.  The official rules this a legal play.  Is the official correct? 

7. A-1 is fouled while in the act of shooting.  While the ball is in flight, the signal sounds indicating time has expired in the game.  The ball enters basket tying the score.  Prior to the free throw, Team B is granted a timeout. Following the timeout, A-1’s free throw is unsuccessful.  As the official is ready to toss the ball to start the extra period, Team B commits a violation.  Team B immediately requests a timeout.  The official grants the request.  Is the official correct? 

8. While Team A is in control, a held ball is called.  The possession arrow favors Team A.  Following the held ball, Team A is charged with an intentional technical foul, followed by a direct technical foul called on Team B.  The official awards each team two free throws and awards the ball to Team B at the division line.  Is the official correct? 

9. A-1 is bleeding and the official stops the game and directs A-1 to the bench.  Team A takes a timeout.  Following the timeout, A-1 is not ready to play, and A-6 replaces A-1.  The coach of Team B sent B-6 to substitute for B-5.  The official denies B-6 from entering the game until the next opportunity to substitute.  Is the official correct? 

10. With 12 seconds on the shot clock, A-1’s pass is deflected out-of-bounds by B-1.  Prior to the ball being at the disposal of Team A, B-2 is charged with an intentional technical foul.  The official rules the penalty for an intentional technical is two free throws plus awarding the ball to the offended team at the division line with the unexpired time. Is the official correct? 

TIME OUT Referee School

If you know anyone interested in being considered for MACBOA staff next season, or know of a young official who could benefit from attending camp, please contact or have them contact me at 301-283-6807 or via e-mail at dgray@macboa.org. The Time Out Referee School will be held at The American University (www.american.edu), Washington, D.C. The school/camp is tentatively scheduled for the second weekend in July. The Time Out Referee School includes lectures, demonstrations, films and video viewing of on-court officiating during top-level basketball competition. The staff will work with each attendee individually to provide team and leadership skills. After being observed at Time Out Referee School by various collegiate supervisors, participants of the school have been selected to work in several NCAA and professional leagues/conferences. Further details will follow. Officials returning to the MACBOA staff next season and selected to attend camp will be notified.

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

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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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