We are two days from our first games and I wanted to send out a few quick reminders. No. 1, if you have been assigned games this Thursday, Friday or Saturday, you should be emailing the home team athletic director to confirm your game. This applies to both lower level and varsity officials. You should confirm at least two days before your scheduled contest. It doesn’t hurt to make contact with your partners, as well. Even if you are working lower level games, communication is vital to us doing a good job. No. 2, please ask for a return email from the athletic director, confirming that they received your email. Let’s make communication a priority this season.
I have watched a few of the Hall of Fame preseason games and I am seeing some things I felt we should address. I do not want us to become the uniform police, but the NSAA directive on matching under garments is something we should be prepared to handle in game situations. If you see players with contrasting color undergarments, I would like you to have your Referee take it to the head coach. Do not go to the players. If you are an Umpire, go to your Referee and inform him of the players that have contrasting sleeves, tights, etc. Remind the head coach of the NSAA directive and let him handle the situation. He can make the decision of who wears what, and who has to remove the items. If a team has on long warmup pants and you do not notice the situation until teams are ready to go on the court, let’s allow the teams to change at halftime. Do not hold up a game to do this! Let’s be proactive early in the season so this is not an issue after the first weekend.
We are doing a good job with the new hand check and contact rules. Our board members went to every Metro school this preseason and made presentations with every team. They should be educated with the new directives. Try to talk players through contact. Tell them to get their hands off and move their feet. If they cannot do this, call the foul. We want to do a good job with this and most of all, be consistent. Discuss it in your pregames. Make sure you are all on the same page when you walk on the court.
I’m excited for another great season of basketball in the Metro Conference. Nebraska Basketball Officials is here to help you if you have any questions, concerns or issues.
It’s time to play!
Al Monaco
NBOSTRIPES 