Point of Emphasis - UNIFORMS

As you probably know, there is a rules book for every level of basketball.......high school, NCAA (college) and NBA (pro).  This column is primarily focused on high school boys rules.  In a previous column, we talked about changes that have been made for the 2007 - 2008 season.  This column will deal with one of the "Points of Emphasis" or, things the rules makers want to pay particular attention to.

1.  HOME WHITE REQUIRED - this refers to the rule that now mandates that the home team will wear WHITE jerseys only.  The rule was first changed in 2004 but teams were given up to four years to update their uniforms.  This is the season!  There are no exceptions.  The penalty for violation is a technical foul for EACH starter and EACH substitute who enters.  I doubt we'll see this rule violated.

2.  UNIFORMS WORN PROPERLY - This is an attempt by the rules makers to get all participants to have their jerseys "tucked in" and their pants worn "above the hips."  It isn't asking a lot, really.  They do it on the Pro and NCAA levels, so why should it be any different in High School?   But, since it is new, the enforcement may be another issue altogether, especially early in the season while everyone becomes accustomed to this rule.

Most officials like the rule because it establishes a certain sense of decorum and "uniformity" (no pun intended....)  And, in another sense, it makes the official's job a little easier.  For example, have you ever seen a situation where a defender snags his hand (accidentally....) in the flapping shirt of an offensive player?  It happens, believe me!!  Was it a foul?  Really???  Who can tell for certain?

But, there's also the practical consideration of what constitutes "tucked in" or "above the hips."  If a shirt is "blousing" (but is still tucked in) is that good enough?  What about the shirt that is clearly tucked in at the front and on the sides, but out in the back??  What about pants that are marginally above the hips, but not quite?  There is no specific provision for "warnings" by an official, but I think that most officials will take a moderate approach and caution players, especially early in the game and early in the season.

I would think a reasonable approach might be for an official, as he sees the need, to just say the word "shirt."  That simple word ought to be enough to get a player to respond and, if the player is really sharp, he ought to say "Thanks, Ref!"  Who can argue with that type of cooperation??

But, after 1 or 2 subtle attempts, an official will have to draw the line somewhere and send a player to the bench if he is not responding.  Let's hope those situations are rare and that as the season progresses it will become less and less of a problem.

Do you have a question?  Have you seen a play you didn't understand?   Was there

a controversy you'd like clarified?  Send your questions in and I'll do my best to get you an answer.

                                                            Skip Yutzler

                                                         IAABO Board 127

                             36 Years High School and Junior College Official

                            5 Times NY State HS Championships - Glens Falls

LongIslandBasketball.com

   Your Basketball Home

  # 42

Ask The Ref !