Issue 71, September 14, 2007
MACBOA Newsletter

In this Issue:

• Remarks from the Supervisor of Officials: Donnee L. Gray
• BOA: Congratulations
• Statement from NCAA President Myles Brand
• NCAA Rules Changes and Points of Emphasis (2007-2008)
• REGIONAL CLINICS
• 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

I would like to thank JoAnn Todaro, Director of Athletics and Prince George’s Community College for hosting our MACBOA Clinic last Sunday, September 9, 2007. 

I also want to thank staff for their commitment to MACBOA and welcome our new members who attended our Clinic.  I also want to thank Al Battista for presenting the 2007-08 Rules Changes and Points of Emphasis for our men and women staff respectively.

Reminders discussed at the September 9 Clinic.

TO OFFICIALS: All paperwork should be in to my office or "NO Assignments!"

The Arbiter.Net

• Once members obtain access to the Arbiter system from the MACBOA office (dgray@maboa.org), members are reminded to check their email and Arbiter account periodically.  MACBOA has the capability of running reports to research member activity. Members are also reminded to keep their personal information (e-mail address, home address, all phone numbers) and closed dates current and update personal calendars in the Arbiter system. Once the schedules are posted, members will have 48-hours to Accept or Decline an assignment or reassignments will commence.  Game assignments will be made via the Arbiter system. Delaying to provide all required documentation, will delay your ability to receive consideration for game assignments.
• Staff are requested to review their Arbiter.net information and use the following format in listing phone numbers: 012-345-6789 and not use parenthesis symbols: (012) 345-6789.
• All questions or problems that you may encounter with the Arbiter should be sent to me at: dgray@macboa.org. The Arbiter hyperlink has been placed on the www.macboa.org web site for easy access.

CLOSED DATES: "ALL Division I, II & III officials" get your closed dates into www.thearbiter.net  ASAP.  For IT security purposes, the initial Arbiter username and password issued is different from your MACBOA “Members Only” site login.  If you have questions about your Arbiter login information, please contact me at dgray@macboa.org. 

Reminder: *No LATE ARRIVAL TO GAME SITES!!

• A neat professional appearance to and from the game site is required. MACBOA crews are required to wear business attire (shirt and tie, business suit/dress, mock turtleneck with jacket) to and from the game site.
• Travel to Games: As each of you know, with the major construction projects and security concerns in and around the metropolitan area (i.e. highways 70, 270, 395, 495, and 695) traffic congestion is extremely heavy. Please consistently plan travel time in accordance with mileage, weather, and TRAFFIC. None of these are considered valid excuses for missing or being late to an assignment.  Two lateness’ and your contract will terminated.
• It is mandatory for the Crew Chief to contact your assigned crew 48-hours before a game assignment to confirm game time, location, directions and car-pooling. You may leave messages as well as e-mail, but you must receive a verbal confirmation.  In addition, the Crew Chief must call the host institution and verify the game time and communicate any changes to his/her crew and the MACBOA office. All officials should have their cell phones "ON," especially on game days in the event the MACBOA office and or crew members need to contact you regarding changes or news of any kind. If you are assigned and you have not been contacted by your Crew Chief within 24-hours of the assignment, you are required to call Donnee Gray, Willie Jones and/or Vedia Gray. Failure to do so will result in a fine.
• All officials must follow the "Emergency Procedures" if a problem comes up!! The Emergency Procedures should be put into effect 60-minutes prior to game time if the entire crew is not at the game site.
• Every crew MUST have a pre-game, half time discussion, and a post-game. Failure to follow this procedure will result in a fine.  Communication is crucial! Besides going over rule changes, points of emphasis, and play situations, officials are reminded to use authorized mechanics. “Home made mechanics will incur a fine.
• Officials will wear lanyards.  Failure to do so will incur a fine.
• Fill out Game Reports, Completely!! Crew Chiefs must complete a Game Report online.  Failure to follow this process will result in a fine.
• Don't Gossip, communicate to help!! Treat coaches, players, and fans with professionalism and respect at all times.  
• Choose your words wisely; saying inappropriate things to coaches, players, fans and others will meet with corrective action. 
• Get into the Rule Book! The 2007-08 Rule Changes have been posted in last month’s newsletter.  A link will be provided on the web site under “New Items”
• All officials must get together before any player is ejected for fighting!!! Annotate that the player or players ejected for fighting in the scorebook. Each official and Observer must call Donnee Gray immediately (301-775-4088) after the game assignment and report the ejection for fighting and then follow-up with a written report the next day.  Upon review, corrective action may include a 3-game suspension to the entire crew if the fighting incident was not properly adjudicated.  Get plays right!
• If a technical foul, ejection or unusual incident occurs, all 3 officials and the Observer must call Donnee Gray at (301) 775-4088.  Please be prepared to detail time of play or incident, player(s) or coach(es) involved.  Take care of administrative matters.
• Regarding Flagrant Technical Fouls: If an official calls a flagrant technical foul, the penalty is two free throws and the ball awarded to the offended team at the division line on either side. The player IS ejected.  Crew Chief must fill out the ejection form.  The form must be complete and legible.
• The Crew Chief must have a pre-game with the table crew.  Be proactive to head off potential table issues.
• Don't call the office line after 10:00 p.m., this also includes not calling Mr. Willie Jones' residence after 10:00 p.m. Exceptions: Game-related problems, fights, Coach/Player ejections, family or an employment emergency!
• There are three (3) ways to terminate your contract with MACBOA, 1) Late Twice, 2) Being untruthful to the Supervisor of Officials, 3) Tent pitching, as Wainwright Jackson says, Officiating is  a great business, but we, officials, make it ugly.”
• As Supervisor of Officials, and to assess staff development, MACBOA did not renew 25% of the staff for the 2007-08 season.  Some indicators used in the decision process include, not demonstrated improvement in skills, not taking care of administrative matters, not conforming to established proper dress guidelines, poor mechanics, tardiness and sustained below average officiating performance, etc.  As stated by me and for the record, it is up YOU where you land in our out of the organization.

Scrimmages:  For the 2007-08 season, Donnee and Willie Jones will coordinate scrimmages.  Starting October 12, officials should contact Donnee Gray: 301-775-4088 or Willie Jones: 202-360-9915, regarding their availability for scrimmages assignments.  Officials not working a minimum of two (2) scrimmages will not be considered for 2007-08 assignments.

Coaching Box/Bench Decorum: Officials should be conscious about severe coaching box infractions and address this issue with specific emphasis on travesty of the game or abuse of officials in mind. If the Coach is 1 step to 2 steps outside the coaching box calling out instructions out to players, then DO NOT assess a technical foul.  If a coach is one step out of the coaching box or in the coaching box and not abiding by the bench decorum rule then it is a technical foul.  Be respectful.  LISTEN, FIRST!  And answer reasonable questions.

We have 3 officials on the court and I will not tolerate losing a shooter or having a wrong free throw shooter on line, missing a goal tending or basketball interference call or putting the ball in play with the wrong number of players on the court (and then calling a technical foul on a team).

Before a decision is made to eject a player for fighting, all officials must confer and share their view of the play.  Then communicate the result to each Head Coach and annotate the ejection clearly in the official scorebook.  Each official and observer must call the Supervisor of Officials (301-775-4088) as soon as possible after the game assignment.  Before leaving the game site, the crew must gather player(s) information involved for documentation purposes.

TO OBSERVERS:

Thank you for your time and the expertise you bring to MACBOA. Please have your MACBOA sweater/vests on when you arrive at your assignments.

Observers should be in the arena no later than one (1) hour prior to the scheduled tip-off.

As discussed, please introduce yourselves to game administration before the game, and if time permits, introduce yourselves to the Head Coaches and staff before, but certainly by half time.

Please email me (dgray@macboa.org) at the end of every month and include:

• Dates of games observed, Game Site, Type of Game:  Men vs. Women and Teams Involved

TO ATHLETIC DIRECTORS and COACHES:

• Welcome to all new Athletic Directors, Head Coaches and Assistant Coaches to MACBOA and Region XX.
• As discussed with your Head Coaches at the Clinic, it is the responsibility of each institution to notify the MACBOA Supervisor of Officials of last minute site changes, game time changes, and or postponements at least 6 hours prior to game time, the day of the game.  The will allow sufficient time for MACBOA to contact officials and observers and make necessary adjustments.  Regarding postponements, we ask each institution to speak personally to someone at the MACBOA Office (Donnee Gray: 301-775-4088, Willie Jones: 202-360-9915, or Vedia Gray: 301-775-4089).  We would like to prevent officials and observers from traveling unnecessarily to a site, particularly in the event of inclement weather.  Once MACBOA officials are en route to the game site, they have to receive the game fee.
• At the conclusion of each game, please encourage Head Coaches to take the time to complete the Coaches Game Report.  This information is very important in the evaluation process of all MACBOA officials.
• The Observers work for MACBOA and are an integral part of the evaluation process of MACBOA staff.  They should be treated as professionals at all times.
• Athletic Directors and/or Coaches are not allowed in the Officials locker room without the approval of the MACBOA Observer. If permission is granted, the Observer must be present. Dialogue must be held to rules clarification and not judgment.
• There is NO scratch list.  Please consult with Donnee Gray regarding any issues you may have.
• Bench Decorum – Head Coaches may stand and are confined to the Coaching Box area.  Assistant Coaches must remain seated.
• If a game site has a monitor for purposes of media broadcast (real time or delay) the monitor must be made aware to the officials to properly adjudicate game ending situations.
• Uniform shirts must be worn inside uniform pants/shorts.

BOA:  Congratulations to:

I'm looking forward to a successful 2007-08 season. If you have any questions and need clarification on any issues, please contact me at 301-775-4088 or via e-mail at dgray@macboa.org. 

Statement from NCAA President Myles Brand

"In light of recent developments in the alleged gambling case involving a National Basketball Association referee, the NCAA, along with our counterparts in the professional leagues, takes very seriously our responsibility to sportsmanship and integrity. Sports wagering is a serious matter and unfortunately, there are rogue individuals who may put games at risk. We're reviewing our officiating and gambling education programs to ensure integrity is paramount. Currently, we conduct officiating clinics for both men's and women's basketball and gambling is specifically covered as part of the curriculum. We require all officials to provide extensive background information and we run random background checks prior to the start of each championship. As a result of an extensive study conducted several years ago, we also work closely with the gaming industry and local, state, and federal agencies to monitor potential illegal gambling activities. This recent development is a reminder of how dangerous sports wagering can be. We will continue to work diligently to ensure all involved--student athletes, fans, coaches and officials have confidence in the integrity and fairness of the game. "

   NCAA Rules Changes and Points of Emphasis (2007-2008)

Courtside Monitor.  Rule 2-5.1a (page 42).  The officials shall use the monitor to assess the situation when a fight is declared.  Rationale.  Officials are currently allowed to use the monitor, but this will require review of a fight situation to ensure that all unsportsmanlike behavior is addressed.

Back Panel of Uniform.  Rule 3-5.1 (page 69).  When a back shoulder panel is used, it shall extend no more than 3 inches from the shoulder seam and may be arched or horizontal.  Rationale:  This allows another area for creativity in uniform designs without affecting the visibility of the number.

Uniform Patches.  Rule 3-5.7 (page 70).  Any commemorative/memorial patches worn on the uniform shall be a maximum of 2 ¼ inches.  Rationale:  No size restrictions currently exist.

Uniform Patch Placement.  Rule 3-5.7 (page 70).  A single commemorative/memorial patch, flag, institutional or conference logo or mascot may be worn at the center of the neckline or apex on the back of the game jersey.  Rationale:  No patch, flag or logo is currently allowed on this area.

Hair Control Devices.  Rule 3-5.15 (page 72).  Any item that goes around the head, including headbands or hair control devices, shall be of a single solid color, no more than 2 inches wide with only one institutional or manufacturer’s logo and the dominant color of the game jersey or white, black or beige (women only).  Hard items including but not limited to barrettes, beads and bobby pins are prohibited.  Rationale:  This make hair control devices consistent with the headband rule and adds beige and black as possible colors.

Throw-In Ends.  Rule 4-65.5 (page 102).  A throw-in shall end when a passed ball is touched inbounds or out-of-bounds by another player on the playing court, before going out-of-bounds.  Rationale:  This makes the end of the throw-in consistent.

Men Only:

Three-Point Line.  Rule 1-7 (page 29).  Effective for the 2008-09 season, the three-point line distance be changed to 20 feet, 9 inches.  Rationale:  This will allow for better court spacing and open up the lane for a free-flowing game.

Free-Throw Alignment.  Rule 8-1.4 (page 248).  To eliminate the first lane space nearest the basket on each side of the lane and using the present second, third and fourth space on each side of the lane as an alignment for free throws.  Rationale:  The players will be further from the basket during a free throw and will help eliminate the defensive player from ending up under the basket.

Courtside Monitor.  Rule 2-5.1 (page 42).  The officials may use the courtside television monitor, when available, to determine whether or not a flagrant foul occurred.  Rationale:  The official is not allowed to go to the monitor for a flagrant foul now if the situation has been deemed a fight.

Table Mechanic.  The calling official shall report the infraction and move opposite the bench.  Rationale:  This was the previous protocol.

Women Only:

Delay of Game.  Rule 9-5.4 (page 157).  If an opponent of the thrower-in has any part of her person over the inside place of the sideline or endline, a delay of game warning followed by an indirect technical foul will be assessed.  Rationale:  Currently, this is a violation.  The loss of possession for a violation is ineffective because the other team already has possession of the ball.

Fouls and Penalties.  Rule 10 (page 156).  The rule regarding fouls and penalties (Rule 10) will be reorganized into four areas:  personal fouls, administrative technical fouls, player/substitute technical fouls and bench personnel technical fouls; with the proper penalty to immediately follow.  The rule will also be changed to consistently count technical fouls toward the categories of team-foul count, the five fouls toward disqualification and the two fouls toward ejection.  Rationale:  This will make the rule consistent. 

Legal Guarding Position.  The officiating guideline that made it an illegal guarding position when a defensive player’s head is under the cylinder and a dribbler becomes an airborne player has been revoked.  Rationale:  This will make the legal guarding position rule the same for the entire court.

Significant Editorial Changes:

Play-By-Play.  Rule 2-14 (page 59).  Allow the use of the play-by-play to correct a scoring or book-keeping mistake.

Digital Stopwatch.  Rule 2-13.7 (page 58).  A digital stopwatch shall be available at the scorer’s table.  Rationale:  A stopwatch is required.  This will specify that it shall be digital. 

Double Technical Foul.  Rule 7-4.1.i (page 131).  Add a double technical foul to the list of situations after which the ball shall be awarded out of bounds.

Indirect Technical Foul.  Rule 10-2.16 (page 160).  An indirect technical foul will be assessed for placing a hand(s) on the backboard or ring to gain an advantage. 

Case Book.  A case book separate from the rules book will be created for collegiate basketball.  The publication is expected to be issued in September.

Men’s Points of Emphasis:

Charge/block – particularly near the goal
Coach’s behavior and enforcement of the box
Rough post play
Palming

Women’s Point of Emphasis:

Displacement
Traveling
Unsportsmanlike Behavior
Legal Guarding Position

Approved by the NCAA Playing Rules Oversight Panel; May 25, 2007

REGIONAL CLINICS

For staff that want to attend a 2007-08 REGIONAL MEN'S BASKETBALL OFFICIATING, see below:

Registration: 8 to 8:45 a.m.
Clinic: 8:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

For staff that want to attend a 2007-08 REGIONAL WOMEN’S BASKETBALL OFFICIATING, see below:

CLINIC SCHEDULE – UPDATED
REGISTRATION: 7 – 7:45 a.m.
GENERAL SESSION: 8 a.m. – Noon
BREAKOUT SESSIONS (Optional): 12:45– 3 p.m.

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.

Your Full Name:
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Paste Entire Article Below:

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

MACBOA does not share its email lists. We value and respect your privacy.

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