“Lobsta”, “Chowda”, and the Rules: Portland Makes It Happen

October/November 2010
Volume 62, Number 415
“Lobsta”, “Chowda”, and the Rules: Portland Makes It Happen
IAABO Fall Seminar attendees were treated to a great
weekend in Portland, ME, combining excellent presentations,
good camaraderie and fun activities that put a dent in the lobster
population in that area. Once President Mark Byron gave his
welcome remarks, it was all business.
Roger MacTavish and Paul Behr met with the Rules
Examination Committee and completed the candidate’s exam,
always a fun meeting with only a few small squirmishes regarding
a few questions.
As the first presenter Peter Palermino (Bd 6 CT) started the ball
rolling with “The Role of the Interpreter as the Hub of Training
and Education.” He was very informative and he gave some ideas
to the Interpreters for their consideration.
IAABO was extremely fortunate to have Barry Mano, President
of NASO and Editor and Publisher of Referee present, “The 23
Most Powerful Lessons of Officiating.” He brought some new
perspectives to our audience and his talk was very well received.
He has certainly seen it all from every area of officiating.
Our well respected attorney Alan Goldberger (Bd 33 NJ)
discussed the concussion rule and how it is to be handled. He noted
that some states have established their own procedures regarding
this rule and it is important for Interpreters to find that out for
their own interpretation
meetings.
Ray McClure (Bd200
GA) got our attention
with”Performance
without
Compromise”
and challenged us to be
consistent with rulings and
not be affected by time,
score or coaches and to
officiate the rules as stated.
Terry
Moore
(Ind
Member) rounded out the session by providing information
regarding USA Basketball and FIBA, and how the rules seem to
be getting closer and closer to becoming one set of rules for every
level. He also provided information on the requirements and steps
to take if you are interested in becoming a USA basketball official.
Friday’s sessions was followed by an evening dinner cruise in
Casco Bay that departed from the docks in old Portland.
Saturday’s program was jump started by TJ Halliday (Bd 20
ME) as he tackled “Contact and Continuous Motion”; he utilized
plays and slides to illustrate the correct
(continued on page 3)
Officiating the New “Concussion” Rule - What You Need to Know
As all IAABO members know,
in recent years the NFHS rules
required the removal of a student
athlete who was determined to
be “apparently unconscious”
from the game until cleared for
return by a physician. As public
attention becomes more and
more focused on the specter of
traumatic brain injury in sports,
rules makers in all sports have
responded accordingly. For the new season, both the NHFS and
the NCAA rules makers have instituted a “new look” concussion
rule – changing the rules governing removal of a player and returnto-play guidelines across all sports. As with any significant rules
change, some enhanced mechanics are necessary to effectively
officiate these rules.
IAABO has been hard at work developing an appropriate
mechanic for officiating the new rule for basketball officials at
all levels. The goal of our “new” mechanics is consistent with
the IAABO official’s first responsibility: the safety of the athlete.
At the same time, all IAABO members need to get on board with
managing the risk of traumatic brain injury during a basketball
game. This requires a little study and a lot of effort. Let’s begin.
The Rule
Let’s start out with the basics. The 2010 NFHS version of the
Rule is a dramatic change from years past. So is the related Point of
Emphasis (POE) to support the new rule. The Rule and the Point
of Emphasis are further expanded by yet another document: the
“NFHS Suggested Guidelines for Management of Concussion”
which is contained in Appendix D to the Rules. All three of these
areas of the rule book must be fully digested by every IAABO
official as we prepare for the new season. While the basic rules
revision will be across all NFHS sports, the basketball version of
the Rules involved can be found at 2-8-5 and 3-3-8:
2-8-5.The official shall. . . immediately remove a
player from the game who exhibits signs, symptoms
(continued on page 6)
or behaviors consistent with a
IAABO Sportorials
2
The Tip Off
Fall Seminar - Page 1
Concussion Rule - Page 1
Director’s Court - Page 2
President’s Column - Page 2
Hall of Fame Inductees - Page 3
Holiday Ornament - Page 3
Fox 40 - Page 4
Women’s School - Page 5
IAABO Cruise - Page 5
Make the Ruling DVD - Page 5
IAABO Shines - Page 7
IAA “BOO” - Page 7
Where She Was Meant to Be - Page 8
IAABO Attire - Page 10
Officials’ Schools - Page 11
Rules Comments - Page 12
Emilio Eugene Diotalevi - Page 13
Errata Notice - Page 13
IAABO Ref School - Page 13
Fall Seminar Photos - Page 14
Honig’s - Page 15
IAABO Lines - Page 16
Edited by
IAABO, Inc.
(717) 713-8129
FAX (717) 718–6164
EMAIL [email protected]
WEBSITE www.iaabo.org
Director’s Court
Mechanics - How often have we heard the term
“mechanics” used at our basketball meetings by the local
interpreter, in discussions with fellow officials, or seen it
in our manuals? What does it really mean to us as officials?
What it should mean is that there are prescribed areas on the
basketball floor that refer to our positions of Trail, Lead, and
Center, and that if used properly will help us make correct
rulings. This set of mechanics can be found in the IAABO
manual, and is the guideline to be used by all officials. If
we abide by this set of mechanics and make the proper
rotations based on the movement of the ball, and make the
proper switches after we report the foul to the scorer’s table, then this statement would be
true “Any three officials from different parts of IAABO land should be able to officiate
any high school basketball game because they all would be on the same page as far as
mechanics go.” This is the goal of the instructional materials that IAABO has and will
continue to prepare for use by all of our local boards.
Along with mechanics is the proper use of signals. Let us ALL use the appropriate
signals when we officiate, that is, using those in our manual and the ones demonstrated
live on the IAABO instructional video entitled “Signals”. Please don’t get caught up in
the college signals or the NBA signals. They are different and should not be used in
our High School games. A reminder to those of you who referee both High School and
College, please remember where you are, what game it is and use the appropriate signals.
It is important to send the right message.
Mechanics and Signals was one of the focal points at this year’s Fall Seminar in
Portland, Maine on September 10-12. It is important that all of our board Interpreters in
attendance, and those Interpreters that could not get there to bring these points back to
their members. It is that important!!!!! Tom Lopes, Executive Director, IAABO, Inc.
President’s Column
Copyright© 1999-2010
International Association of
Approved Basketball Officials, Inc.
All Rights Reserved.
SPORTORIALS (USPS 255–420) is
published 5 times per year, December,
January/February, March/April, May/
June, and October/November for
$25.00 per year by IAABO at PO Box
355, Carlisle, PA. Periodicals postage
paid at Hagerstown, MD, and at
additional mailing offices.
POSTMASTER:
Send address changes to;
SPORTORIALS,
PO Box 355
Carlisle, PA 17013-0355
STATEMENT
The International Association of Approved
Basketball Officials, Inc. is a nonprofit
organization dedicated to the advancement
of basketball officiating, through the
proper training of applicants by visual
and written aids; constant supervision by
board proctors and dissemination of rule
changes and interpretations.
As your new President, I am pleased to have this
opportunity to share my thoughts with you through this
column. I welcome any thoughts or suggestions that
you may have on future topics that you would like to see
addressed. I have chosen to call my first column What
Does It Mean to Be a Member of A Local Board?
As I started to write on this topic, I reflected back on my
41 years as an IAABO member of four different IAABO
Boards in three different states. Here are my thoughts:
1.
Pay your dues on time. There is nothing worse
for a secretary than to have to chase members for money.
2.
Attend all meetings, even those that are not mandatory. There are always things that
are discussed that apply to you and can make you a better official.
3.
Volunteer for committees. It is too bad when only 10 % of the board does all the
work.
4.
Keep your availability up to date with your assignor. It is a sure way to alienate the
assigner and we all know that making the assigner mad is not a good thing.
5.
Accept your assignments immediately. If you keep your availability up to date,
why do you have to agonize over your assignments anyway?
6.
Notify your board secretary when your address changes. It is simply not sufficient
to notify your assignor. Always keep the secretary in the loop.
7.
Encourage new people to become members of your Board. Every Board can use
new members. Don’t be concerned that they are going to take your games.
I hope that you will all think about what I have written and try to put them into place. It
will definitely make your Board stronger. Mark Byron, President, IAABO, Inc.
October/November 2010
3
2010 Fall Seminar
interpretation of these rules, with both correct and incorrect
rulings. A very well done presentation
Keith Morang (Bd 20 ME) gave meaning to the word
consistency with a great analogy to McDonalds French fries. A
difficult topic “Mechanics, Signals and the need for Consistency”
his analogy, graphics and plays were right on. For a first time
presenter, he hit the mark.
Felix “Rocky” Addeo took center ring next, complete with
boxing robe to share his experiences regarding conducting an
applicant class. Always a treat, you just never know what path he
might take. He provided a common sense approach and provided
guidelines for interpreters to incorporate into their applicant
programs.
“Block-Charge and Post Play” presentation conducted by
Dan Shepardson (Bd 105 VT) was designed to be a blue print
that Interpreters could follow in the teaching of this topic at the
local level. Dan also utilized good power points and video clips to
illustrate these rules.
A newcomer to the IAABO family, Michelle Futrell, a Certified
Athletic Trainer, had us change gears and participate in an
interactive activity answering health questions. She layed out a
plan for officials on the day of a game, (meals, rest etc), and then
what to do post game (stretching, hydration etc), thus keeping
with the title of her presentation, “Keeping Officials Healthy and
on the Court”. Michelle is available on IAABO’s Tips and Taps
to answer any of our member’s questions regarding injuries and
other health issues.
At the Interpreters Roundtable, Tom discussed the role of the
Interpreter and how much we rely on them to turnkey what they
hear from the presenters and to utilize the materials that were
distributed at the meeting. The materials included: an updated
IAABO Trainers’ Manual, the 2010 You Make the Ruling DVD,
updated Mechanics DVD for Crew of Two and Crew of Three that
now contain an index making it much easier to use and contain
a new section on reporting fouls going both opposite side and
tableside, and two DVD’s that contain over 100 plays and are
categorized by types of plays. He discussed and demonstrated
how to use these DVD’S at the local meeting and placed directions
for them in the Interpreters’ packet. He also reminded the group
that IAABO is all about training and that IAABO is only as good
as the interpreter it trains. IAABO has embraced technology
to better train officials, but some officials might not embrace
technology. If one feels that they could use some assistance in
implementing the new materials, please ask for someone to step
up at the local board to assist. The interpreter is the backbone of
the organization. Without his/her full cooperation and assistance,
IAABO cannot improve the quality of officiating.
Mark and Eric Newmark from IAABO Refschool gave a short
presentation on using the program and answered questions. Many
of our Interpreters are using the program for their applicant class
with much success.
The fabulous Lobster Bake followed the meeting and was a fun
and delicious event.
The final touch was the presentation of the “Rule Changes and
Points of Emphasis” presented by Peter Webb the Coordinator of
Interpreters. There were not many changes, however the point of
emphasis is to respect and officiate by the rules. That is what the
game is all about, and the game is in good shape, but we need
(continued from page 1)
every official on board and again to officiate by the rules.
A big thank you to Barry Fuller, Dick Draper and their staff for
putting together a terrific weekend. The cruise and the lobster bake
were outstanding and brought us together both nights for some
good laughs and in the process renewed some old friendships.
Members will be talking about this Fall Seminar for some time.
The 2010-2011 basketball season is upon us, remember as
Interpreters it is our task to have all of our officials ready for the
season. Best wishes for a successful season. The IAABO office
stands ready to be of assistance to all of our local boards.
Hall of Fame Inductees
IAABO Board No. 36 (Adirondack District Board, New York) members,
Bill Varno, (left) IAABO Past President and Life Member, Tom Brennan,
IAABO Life Member, and Jack Cahill, IAABO Past President and Life
Member (deceased), were inducted into the Capital District (Albany,
Schenectady and Troy) Basketball Hall of Fame on June 27, 2010.
4
IAABO Sportorials
October/November 2010
5
IAABO Conducts Inaugural School for Women Officials
University of New Haven in
Connecticut was the site for the first
IAABO School exclusively for women
officials. Thanks to head coach Jessica
Smith for making her team camp available
for the training of these officials. The
school utilized classroom sessions, on the
court filming with comments on the DVD,
video sessions, and teaching stations all
provided by the exceptional IAABO staff
of observers and clinicians. The highlight
of the school was guest speaker IAABO
member Denise Brooks of the WNBA and
Linda Shields, Bd. 8 CT
WNBA Official and IAABO member Denise Brooks (left)
along with Kelly Callahan (middle) provide instruction.
Tony Haley, (IAABO President-Elect),left; Barbara Eppley, Co-Chair,
Women’s Coordinating Committee; and Bob Bernier, Chair, WCC
IAABO is going Cruising
IAABO is going Cruising.
IAABO, Inc. is hosting a five-night
Bermuda Cruise aboard Royal
Caribbean’s EXPLORER OF THE
SEAS. The dates are May 21 –
26, 2011. Bermuda is only 600
nautical miles off the coast of North
Carolina and this island is known for its pastel painted houses,
brilliantly colored gardens, cricket matches and charming shorts.
Its pink-sand beaches, excellent shopping and proximity to the
U.S. make it an ideal destination for a getaway cruise vacation.
To learn more about this exciting trip contact the IAABO Office
at [email protected] or phone, 717.713.8129. This does not take
the place of the regularly scheduled IAABO Spring Meeting in
Virginia Beach, which will be held in April.
NCAA who traveled from Atlanta to be
with the group. She stressed the need for
training, the utilization of correct signals
and mechanics, and understanding the role
of an official.
Most of the officials had between 1 and
5 years experience and were enthusiastic,
eager to learn and make changes as
suggested by the staff. Many of the
attendees commented that it was a very
successful experience and that they would
be returning next summer to continue with
their improvement.
Kim Smith, Bd. 8 CT
Pamela Hodge, Bd. 8 CT
You Make the Ruling DVD
IAABO has created a new DVD series titled,
“You Make the Ruling”. The series in its second
year. Each DVD contains approximately 30
minutes of high school basketball plays with a
voice over and animation throughout the entire
DVD to highlight several areas of concern for
high school basketball officials. The DVDs have
been purchased by IAABO board and basketball
officials nationwide. After viewing the DVD, Mary Struckhoff, Rules
Editor for the National Federation of State High School Associations
(NFHS) stated, “You Make the Ruling -2010, is a good instructional
tool that you will find helpful in the training of your officials”. To order
your own personal copy of the DVD, please contact the IAABO office
@ 717.713.8129 or by emailing [email protected]. The cost of the
DVD is $24.95 which includes shipping and handling.
6
IAABO Sportorials
The New “Concussion” Rule
concussion as in 3-3-8. (See NFHS Suggested Guidelines
for Management of Concussion in Appendix D on page
75).
3-3-8. Any player who exhibits signs, symptoms or
behaviors consistent with a concussion (such as loss of
consciousness, headache, dizziness, confusion, or balance
problems) shall be immediately removed from the game
and shall not return to play until cleared by an appropriate
health care professional. (See NFHS Suggested Guidelines
for Management of Concussion in Appendix D....).
What has changed from last season? For one thing, the words
“apparently unconscious” are gone: replaced by a laundry list of head
trauma: headache, dizziness, confusion, balance problems, and, by
reference to other NF publications, a variety of other signs, symptoms
and behaviors discussed below.
Another significant change in the rule is the elimination of the
requirement that a physician authorize a return-to play in writing.
Beginning with this season, the “physician” is replaced with the
“appropriate health care professional.” And, the requirement of a
written authorization is gone. If the team’s “appropriate health care
professional” determines that the player is not concussed, he or she
may return to play.
Identifying the “Apprpriate Health-Care Professional”
Wait a minute. Who is an “appropriate health- care
professional”? In the Point of Emphasis (POE), t h e
“appropriate health-care professional” is defined by the state
association and/or the school district – depending on “state laws
and local preferences.” In the POE examples are given of those
professionals who “may” qualify for the designation of appropriate
health-care professional: medical doctors, osteopathic physicians, and
certified athletic trainers. At the end of the day, officials continued
to be “empowered” to remove players, but need not obtain written
credentials of the health-care professional on the sidelines. What all
officials do need to know is their own state association’s definition
of “appropriate health-care professional.” Unless you know who
qualifies, you won’t be able to tell if you have one in the house, or not!
What to Look For - Signs, Symptoms and Behaviors
A virtual scroll over to the “Suggested Guidelines for Management
of Concussion” amplifies the rule’s list of behaviors by adding a few
items as additional indicators of concussion. These are: fogginess,
difficulty concentrating, slowed thought process, difficulty with
memory, nausea, lack of energy (tiredness), blurred vision, sensitivity
to light and sounds, and mood changes (irritable, anxious, or tearful).
Officials also need to be aware that, the NFHS brochure amplifying the
guidelines adds an item to our list of signs, symptoms and behaviors
that are consistent with concussion:
“Unusual behaviors,” such as combative, aggressive or actions that
are atypical, are highlighted as further indicators of concussion.
Local Modifications
In some states, the rule has been modified to eliminate same day
return-to-play for a player removed because a concussion is suspected.
If, under a modified rule, the player is not permitted to return-to-play
the same day or evening by rule, the role of the “appropriate health
care professional” is somewhat diminished for our purposes. Still,
the “appropriate health care professional” may determine that an
athlete is displaying signs, symptoms or behaviors consistent with
concussion – even if the officials do not. Know, then, who each team’s
(continued from page 1)
“appropriate health care professional” might be before the game
starts!
College Basketball
At the NCAA level, the rules makers have been hard at work as
well. Here is the recommended rule for college sports:
• “An athlete who exhibits signs, symptoms, or behaviors
consistent with a concussion (such as unconsciousness,
amnesia, headache, dizziness, confusion, or balance
problems), either at rest or exertion, shall be immediately
removed from practice or competition and shall not return
to play until cleared by a physician or her/his designee.”
• “Athletes who are rendered unconscious or have
amnesia or persistent confusion shall not be permitted to
continue for the remainder of the day. These athletes shall
not return to any participation until cleared by a physician.”
So, under NCAA rules, it’s clear that the “go-to” person for a return
to play decision is a physician, a person designated by the physician.
The Official’s Responsibility
Every official needs to recognize that the responsibility for
determining whether a player must be removed os often found, literally
at the feet of the officials. Therefore, when an injury occurs in your
game, you need to grab your partner and briefly visit with the injured
student athlete to observe his or her behavior and demeanor. If, after
careful observation, you note that the student athlete is exhibiting any
one or more of the signs, symptoms, or behaviors that are consistent
with a concussion, then, when removing the player from the game you
will need to advise the head coach that the player needs a substitute
because the player is exhibiting one or more signs, symptoms, or
behaviors that are consistent with concussion. If one particular sign,
symptom or behavior is prominent, you might also briefly outline to
the coach or trainer the sign, symptom or behavior observed. If you do
not observe any signs, symptoms, behaviors that are consistent with
a concussion, should the coach or trainer determine otherwise, the
student athlete must still be removed from the game,
In either case, it is vitally important that you inform the head coach
of the team involved that the player is removed under the rule as a
result of displaying one or more signs, symptoms, or behaviors that are
consistent with concussion.
As we discussed, some state associations have modified the NFHS
rule to mandate that, after a student athlete has been removed from
the game under the new rule, he or she may not return to play for
any reason for the remainder of the day or night. If you are working
under a modified rule as above, you cannot permit anyone – not even
a doctor or other health care professional -- to override the rule under
any circumstances.
Good mechanics also dictate that you need to make a note of the
time of game and uniform number of any injured player for whom a
substitution is made. You may need it later. Do not indicate to anyone
that the player had a concussion; or that he or she may have had a
concussion – only that you observed a sign, symptom or behavior
consistent with concussion. Do not become involved in an discussion
with anyone other than team personnel. And, with these folks your
comments will be limited to directing that the player be removed
because he or she exhibits signs, symptoms or behaviors consistent
with concussion. Period.
Do not be led into a discussion by any coach or administrator who
(continued on page 7)
might lobby to permit the student-athlete to
October/November 2010
Concussion Rule
7
(continued from page 6)
“walk it off” and remain in the game. To repeat: do not discuss the
injury with anyone other than team personnel. Do not be swayed by
any arguments to the contrary. And, while enforcing your decision,
continue to supervise both teams at all times.
What about re-entry? Be careful here. Since you already have
identified the student-athlete involved, you will need to secure the
name and title of the “appropriate health care professional,” physician,
certified athletic trainer, or other designated person who clears the
student-athlete to return. And, while you are at it, it would not hurt to
note the time of re-entry. Do not ask anyone to sign anything; or delay
the game or the substitution for a protracted period of time. If possible,
the short conversation should include at least two officials.
Mechanics, Mechanics, Mechanics.
Before you work another game, then, it’s a good idea to sit down
with your partner(s) and review your injury mechanics with a specific
emphasis of observation of any student athlete who is injured or
becomes ill during a game or match.
In situations where the new concussion rule is implicated, be sure
you practice your best “injury mechanics” that you and your partner(s)
will have reviewed during your pregame. These mechanics include:
• Avoid any attempt to treat the player yourself.
• Do not discuss the cause of the injury with anyone.
• Do not permit anyone to move the injured player so that you
can get the game started again. It does not matter if the delay
is one minute or four hours. Only the medical personnel, once
you’ve called out the coach, can and should determine if the
player can be moved and when.
• Keep opposing teams separated.
• Continue to supervise both teams, including bench areas.
In view of the increased complexity of the new rule and
interpretations; and the liability implications for all officials, officials’
injury mechanics are now more important than ever; so make the
above procedures a part of your game plan every time you work this
upcoming season.
IAABO Shines
IAABO was well represented when the National Association of
Sports Officials (NASO) conducted its annual Sports Officiating
Summit. The event took place July 25-27 at the Minneapolis Marriott
City Center in Minneapolis, Minn.
On hand for IAABO were Tom Lopes, Donnie Eppley and Alan
Goldberger (in addition to a host of other members from across the
country). They led a session to more than 85 officials, assigners,
local association officers and state association leaders in a basketballspecific breakout session during
the Summit. The session was
sponsored by IAABO. Those
individuals reviewed a series of
edited plays from the IAABOproduced training DVDS. Plays
were viewed and reviewed for the
panelists which lead to tremendous
discussion and teaching.
Lopes lead the breakout session
and was joined by panelists Eppley, Mary Struckhoff (NFHS/NCAA
Women’s) and Bill Kennedy (NBA).
“The basketball breakout session gives IAABO a chance to interact
with a group of folks who might not know much about our organization,
and we can establish common ground through our passion for
basketball officiating,” said Lopes. “The networking provided by the
Summit has proven to be an invaluable recourse for IAABO in several
facets, from technology to philosophy to legal issues.”
IAABO member Alan Goldberger also was part of the Summit,
participating in a legal forum and a breakfast workshop that allowed
attendees to hear and ask questions about the ever-increasing range of
topics in officiating subject to litigation and legal authority. Goldberger
also led a bonus session on the important topic of concussions at the
high school level.
And IAABO’s booth in the exhibition area highlighted the numerous
training materials and video available to IAABO members.
Alan Goldberger is a member of IAABO Board No.
Barry Mano, president of NASO, expressed gratitude for IAABO’s
33, New Jersey and is the IAABO Parliamentarian. support and participation in the Summit.
In addition, he is the author of Sports Officiating –
“For the second year in a row, we asked important officiating
A Legal Guide.
organizations in respective sports to take the lead in presenting the
Summit sport breakout sessions,” Mano said.
“The groundwork we laid in 2009 with four associations sponsoring
sessions blossomed into all seven sessions being sponsored in 2010.
For the second year in a row, the representatives of IAABO made
the basketball breakout session a highlight of the entire Summit for
officials. It was a wonderful reflection on IAABO’s long tradition of
providing authoritative by-sport officiating information.”
Mano said IAABO’s presence on site added to the prestige of the
event. “The Summit is the ‘industry event of the year’ for officiating. To
be able to count IAABO among the supporters and participants in the
Summit simply puts an exclamation point on that statement,” he said.
“Our theme for 2010 was ‘Rights, Responsibilities, Risks: The Shared
Responsibility of Officiating.’ With the assistance of associations like
IAABO, we not only explored those topics in depth, but we helped
sports officials to better fulfill their promise. The problems and issues
that officials in every sport face are common, and the Summit, with
Dennis Herbert, IAABO Executive Committee Member, Region 12, and
the support of IAABO, helped not only explore those issues, but work
his mother, Madeleine Herbert, who is 92 years young, ready themselves
for solutions.”
to go trick or treating dressed as basketball officials.
IAA”BOO”
Where She Wa
Kelly Callahan is where she was meant to be. That applies to 2010, and to 1992 when she first took to
the basketball court as an official. The game ran in her genes. Her mother and aunt both officiated local
CYO ball in Delaware. Kelly tagged along. As a little kid, she sat spellbound, wanting to get on the court,
knowing that someday she’d get the chance.
Both her parents, Marie and Tom, coached basketball. Marie added volleyball, and also officiated the
sport. “I was born in the gym. It was natural for me to ref. I wanted to do it as soon as I was old enough,’
Kelly explains.
Basketball officials begin for different reasons:
They fall into it; they want to stay in shape;
there’s a desire to give back to the game; they
like the sport. Kelly felt it from being in the gym,
watching her parents and aunt. “I wanted to do it
as soon as I got old enough.”
When that day came, she was anxious, excited,
a little nervous. “I was with a CYO vet. I’d been
around the gym so long that expectations were
high. I thought, ‘Now’s the time to do it.’ I loved
it from the very first day.”
Kelly’s love was clear, her desire evident to
those who watched. “I just love sports, especially
basketball and volleyball. I wanted to be involved
in any way possible. I still get excited for games
today. There’s more that goes along with it as you
advance. But it’s still about being part of
the game, participating in big moments, watching
great players do great things.”
Marie remembers Kelly being in the second or
third grade, bringing a friend along and sitting on the sidelines. “They’d sit behind the scorer’s table and
not move. She looked up to all the females. She saw what it took to be good on the court at an early age.”
Nothing Stops Her
Ask around, and you hear that “nothing stops Kelly.” Her mother Marie best describes it. Kelly was
born without her left leg, below the knee. It’s all she’s ever known. It’s also never stopped her from doing
things athletically.
“When she got her first artificial leg when she was one, she ran out of the place, even though her
leg was 20 percent shorter and cumbersome. It’s much better now. We learned to sit back and watch her.
At age three, she climbed to the top of a swing set. She tried everything that other kids did.”
Today, Kelly, who works out of IAABO Board 11 in Wilmington, DE, slides her stump into her
prosthesis. It’s second nature. She doesn’t think about it. “My parents never said there was anything I
couldn’t do.” At an early age, she saw other kids in a similar position, and realized it was “no big deal.”
Marie and Kelly mimic a line: “Everybody had to put their shoes and socks on every day. She (I) had
to put my shoes, socks and artificial limb on. It was no big deal.”
“The kids laughed,” according to Kelly, “when she had to dump sand out of the limb” after she’d been
playing on the playground. “We made it into a show and tell, then moved on. Everybody knew me, so
they understood what it was about.”
“Kelly is remarkable. She helped a lot of people through show and tell. She always adapted well. She
was an amazing child, and has become an amazing woman.”
Marie relates a story when Kelly’s first grade teacher heard a thump while she was working on the
board. “Kelly said, ‘Don’t worry, Miss Sacca, it’s just my leg’.”
Yikes! What’s That?
Marie and Kelly both keep Kelly’s prosthesis in perspective, poking fun at it, telling stories. One
of Kelly’s revolves around new partners. The folks she’s worked with regularly know her, and aren’t
surprised in the shower room. That’s not true for new teammates.
“Showering, if folks don’t know me, I make sure to tell them beforehand,” she explains. “I’ll tell them,
‘I’ve got an artificial leg, and I’m going to lean it up over there. Are you good with that?’ I don’t want
to scare them with a ‘What the heck is that over there?’ response,” she jokes. “My partners don’t have a
second thought about it.”
Kelly Callahan provides constructive
In fact, Callahan cannot remember her prosthesis
can’t ever remember it being brought up. It doesn’t a
hired. There might be other reasons I haven’t gotten
my leg.”
Keeping Up The Pace
Callahan got to the big time in 2001, when she w
college. Since then, she’s moved up to DI Women’s
push from IAABO’s Edgar Cartotto.
As he described it to her that first year, “You’re
quickly. She went to a July NAIA, DII-DIII camp
switched to the men’s side, but luckily Kelly show
moment, but they gave me a look, and I got my chan
Regardless of the level, Callahan has to keep up w
are no excuses. They’ll move onto the next person. I
Like other officials, and Callahan takes care not to d
on her speed during the off season. It’s not about com
to be ready to go when the season starts. “It’s a challe
With my pants on, people don’t even know about the
The Definition of Success
People define success differently. Some officials
Division I championship. Others may want to mak
Like others, Kelly had high level goals when she st
the simpler pleasures of working a game with her lo
Board 11 member.
My goals have changed over the years. You know
and the NCAA Championship is your dream. Then
working DI conferences and advancing year to year
and be the best official at that level.” “I’ve also realiz
with me, I need to share with others. That includes
could be reaching the state finals or working the re
much, much is expected. I respect and appreciate wh
who are coming up.”
Partly that was about officiating, but it was also
Layne explains about his relationship with Kelly. But
lined up, and they worked games together, he knew t
Now that includes working game together for enjoy
as Meant To Be
e comments to Valerie Light, Bd. 6 CT
s ever being an issue, regardless of the situation. “I
affect my mobility or pace, getting hired or not getting
n hired by a conference, but it had nothing to do with
was 22-years-old. The big time for her was reaching
s games, starting in the Northeast Conference with a
gonna get your cup of coffee,” but things changed
p and a new supervisor was introduced. Edgar had
wed her stuff and got her shot. “I was unsure at the
nce. I got three DI games that year.”
with the pace of play. “I played my whole life. There
I’ve always had decent speed.”
differentiate her position from others, she has to work
mpensating. She hires a personal trainer. She needs
enge for me getting back in shape, like everyone else.
e leg.”
s feel like a failure if they don’t work the NCAA
ke the conference tournament at the end of the year.
tarted out. But those have changed, and adapted to
ong-time boyfriend Layne Drexel, a fellow IAABO
w, when you start out, you want to be the best ever,
your goal may be to make DI. Now it’s to continue
r. I want to work at as high a level as I possibly can,
zed the importance of giving back. What was shared
s training, and helping others realize their dreams. It
ec league championship.” “To those who are given
hat I’ve been given, and want to give back to officials
about life. “Initially we didn’t think about dating,”
t as he realized how much their personal philosophies
they had something special.
yment. “We probably worked our first game together
at the high school varsity level, before we were dating. Some couples choose not to work together. We
enjoy working together and work well together.”
“We see the game in similar ways. Sometimes we’ll go to watch a local high school or college game,
though not very often because we don’t have the time. Other officials may have problems from being
away from their families, but we do better spending time together.”
Across The Female Spectrum
Though Kelly Callahan officiates NCAA Division I Women’s basketball, she doesn’t think about the
fact that she runs the court with a prosthesis. She also, until this past summer, didn’t think about the
unique experiences that women encounter, and the need to share them. Then she attended IAABO’s
first-ever “all women’s” officiating camp. Held in late July in New Haven, CT, Kelly was honored to be
one of the four women clinicians, along with Rosanne Christopher, Barbara Eppley and Mary Bradbury.
“Tommy Lopes asked us to participate a few months beforehand.” As a member of the IAABO
Women’s Committee, Callahan was interested. Though she had attended multiple camps in the past, she
found this “one of the best times I’ve ever had in basketball.”
“It was just this large group of enthusiastic women anxious to know more about the game and each
other. They were soaking up information, and just listened and learned. They didn’t challenge the
clinicians, and they inspired me. It reminded me of why we do what we do. I learned so much from
them, and they rejuvenated and re-energized me.”
Callahan still loves walking on the court. She
knows summer camps are hard, and the campers
work hard. But participating in IAABO’s Women
camp, she felt something special and unique. “I
was able to just sit back and enjoy the experience.
There were a lot of first-year women, and it
reminded me of what it was like to get started.”
Denise Brooks, who started in IAABO
and ascended to a high level DI and WNBA
official, spoke to the campers. She got a lot of
“why’s” from the campers. “You learn from the
questions,” Kelly observes. “You can’t just say
‘because.’ You have to think through why you do
what you do.”
There were a lot of highlights, both in the
classroom and on the court. Saturday night,
there was a large get together. “We talked about
a whole bunch of issues that might not have
come up if men were around – where to handle
equipment, how to deal with specific situations.
It was a five-hour get together out on the patio,
eating pizza. We talked basketball and life.”
The experience taught Kelly how other female officials “don’t necessarily have other significant
numbers of women on their boards to help them. They can’t ask specific questions.”
“The questions can be really common, like where to buy pants. Or they can be unusual, like how to
deal with a locker room showering situation when your two partners are men. You have to ask game
officials if they have another showering facility.”
The women felt more comfortable in this camp environment, able to raise issues that might not have
come up in a mixed sex camp. “Women do talk with guys, but on some issue we’re more comfortable
talking with women. Some of the IAABO boards don’t have that many women, so this was a great
opportunity for them to feel free to ask anything they wanted and get an honest answer. It wasn’t about
excluding men, but about providing opportunities for women.”
Kelly Callahan is about taking that opportunity, and running with it.
Dave Simon has been an IAABO member since 1984. He currently resides in
Grapevine, Texas, and writes a weekly newspaper column that can be accessed at
www.coastalmonroe.com, by contacting him directly at [email protected],
or going to his blog at justwrite15.wordpress.com.
10
IAABO Sportorials
October/November 2010
11
IAABO Completes Successful Season of Officials’ Schools
Top Photo - Bryant University – 2010, 2nd Row, left to right, Jack Sweeney, Executive Committee member, IAABO, Inc., instructs school
attendees, Rick Stains, Bd. 70 PA, and David Punzi, Bd. 119 NY, Jim Dorsey, Bd. 4 CO, gives a classroom presentation at the IAABO Officials’
School at UNC – Greeley, 3rd row, Rutgers University – 2010, 4th row, left to right, Chris Ray, Bd. 4 Colorado give the thumbs up sign, David
Price, Bd. 4 Colorado focuses on a play, officials attending a classroom session, bottom row, UNC – Greeley – 2010 (The largest number of
attendees at an IAABO Officials’ School in the history of IAABO).
12
IAABO Sportorials
NFHS Basketball - Comments on the 2010-11 Rules Revisions
Concussion Procedure Revised (2-8-5; 3-3-8): Any player who
exhibits signs, symptoms or behaviors consistent with a concussion
must be immediately removed from the game and shall not return
to play until cleared by an appropriate health-care professional.
The previous rule directed officials to remove an athlete from play
if “unconscious or apparently unconscious.” The previous rule also
allowed for return to play based on written authorization by a medical
doctor. The new rule requires that any player who exhibits signs,
symptoms or behaviors consistent with a concussion, such as loss of
consciousness, headache, dizziness, confusion or balance problems,
shall be immediately removed from play and shall not return until
cleared by an appropriate health-care professional. Officials, coaches
and administrators should be looking for signs of concussion in all
athletes and should immediately remove any suspected concussed
athlete from play and make every effort to ensure a concussed athlete
does not continue to participate.
List of Legal Head/Wristband Colors Expanded (3-5-3a): In
2008-09 the rules stated headbands and wristbands must be a single
solid color of white, black, beige or a color similar to the torso of
the jersey. The rule has been revised to state that headbands and
wristbands shall be white, black, beige or a single solid school color,
provided all team members are wearing the same color for each item
for all participants. This rule change will now allow team members
to wear headbands and wristbands of school colors.
Players and Team Members Required to Remain on the
Court/In the Bench Area While the Game is in Progress (10-36i; 10-5-5): A player leaving the court for an unauthorized reason
to demonstrate resentment, disgust or intimidation will be added
to the list of unsporting behaviors by a player with a technical
foul penalty assessed. The committee hopes this rules change will
further reduce the likelihood of individual players demonstrating
unsporting behavior. In addition, a similar rule will be added
requiring team members to remain on the court and in the bench area
while the game is in progress until each quarter or extra period has
officially ended. This includes free-throw attempts by an opponent
with no time remaining on the clock. Since the Head Coach is
ultimately responsible for the conduct of all team members, the
penalty will be a technical foul assessed directly to the Head Coach.
2010-11 Points of Emphasis
1. Rules Enforcement. There appears to be continued movement
away from consistent enforcement of NFHS playing rules. Personal
interpretations of the rules by individual officials have a negative
impact on the game. The rules are written to provide a balance between
offense and defense, minimize risk to participants, promote the sound
tradition of the game and promote fair play. Individual philosophies
and deviations from the rules as they are written and interpreted by
the NFHS, negatively impact the basic tenets and fundamentals of the
game. Illegal tactics that are permitted – are promoted. When officials
allow players to use illegal tactics without penalty, the behavior is
condoned and consequently encouraged. When officials consistently
enforce the playing rules as intended, players and coaches are able to
make the proper adjustments – promoting skill development and a
level playing field.
2. Sporting Behavior. Teams entering the gymnasium prior to the
contest should not run through the area occupied by the opposing
team or under the basket where opponents are warming up. Teams
should only enter, jog and warm up on their half of the court.
Gatherings intended to motivate a team after the warm-up period,
during or following player introductions and post-game celebrations
should be performed in the area directly in front of the team bench.
If during the pre-game or half-time warm-up period one team leaves
the floor, the other team may not use the entire court; teams may
only warm up on their half of the court. Only authorized personnel
(cheerleaders, athletic trainers, managers, administrators, etc.) should
be permitted on the floor; all spectators should be in designated areas.
3. Perimeter Play. Two illegal actions are taking place on the
perimeter of the court that are particularly problematic. First,
defensive players are illegally using their hands to “check” the ball
handler/dribbler. Secondly, offensive players are palming the ball to
elude the defender. Both of these illegal tactics are going uncalled,
which in turn, promotes further illegal actions (see Point of Emphasis
#1).
A. Hand checking.
1) Hand checking is any tactic using the hands or arms that allows
a player, on offense or defense, to control (hold, impede, push, divert,
slow or prevent) the movement of an opposing player.
2) Hand checking is a foul and is not incidental contact.
3) Defensive players shall not have hand(s) on the offensive player.
When a player has a hand on, two hands on or jabs a hand or forearm
on an opponent, it is a foul.
4) When a player contacts an opponent with his or her hands as
an aid in starting, stopping, driving around, defending a screen,
controlling or anticipating the opponent’s next move, it is a foul.
Players may not place their hands on an opponent with or without
the ball.
5) Much of the roughness in the interscholastic game today is a
direct result of not assessing the proper penalty when illegal contact
with the hand(s) occurs.
B. Palming.
1) When the hand is in contact with the ball and the palm of the
hand is beyond the perpendicular position (more than a handshake),
tilted in a skyward position so the ball has come to rest on the hand,
the dribble has ended.
2) When the player then pushes the ball to the floor, he or she is
starting another dribble (illegal dribble), which is a violation.
4. Closely-Guarded Situations. Well officiated closely-guarded
situations provide for better balance between offense and defense.
When closely-guarded rules are not followed, there is a significant
advantage for the offense. The following areas are to be emphasized:
A. Rule basics. A closely-guarded situation occurs when a player
in control of the ball in his or her team’s frontcourt, is guarded by
an opponent who is within 6 feet of the player who is holding or
dribbling the ball; the defensive player must obtain a legal guarding
position. A player shall not hold the ball for five seconds or dribble
the ball for five seconds while closely guarded in his or her frontcourt.
A player can legally hold the ball while closely guarded for four
seconds, dribble the ball for four seconds and hold the ball again for
four seconds before violating.
B. Measuring 6 feet. Officials must define and have a clear image
of the 6-foot guarding distance necessary. Too frequently, officials
require the defensive player to be within 3 to 4 feet prior to the count
being initiated. Good visual examples of this distance can be found
on the court as: the distance between the free-throw line and the top of
the semi-circle; from the division line to the jump circle; two adjacent
October/November 2010
13
NFHS Basketball
Emilio Eugene Diotalevi Passes
marked lane spaces. Failure to properly judge the 6-foot distance and
require the defender to be within 3 or 4 feet of the dribbler before
beginning the count puts the defensive player in an unfair position.
C. Ending the count. A closely-guarded count ends when no
defensive player is within 6 feet. The count also stops when a closelyguarded player: completes a dribble anywhere in the team’s own
frontcourt; starts a dribble in the team’s own frontcourt and ends it
anywhere in the frontcourt (a new five-second count will start if the
player holds the ball); loses possession of the ball for any reason in
the team’s own frontcourt; or has his or her dribble interrupted. If
a closely-guarded player beats the defender(s) by getting head and
shoulders past the defensive player, the count has ended.
D. Multiple defenders. The count should continue even if there is a
defensive switch, provided the 6-foot distance is maintained. There is
no requirement for the defensive player to remain the same during the
count as long as the offensive player is closely guarded throughout.
E. Counting mechanics. The official begins a visible count when
the 6-foot distance is established and must switch arms when going
directly from one counting situation to another.
5. Principle of Verticality. The committee is concerned that the
principle of verticality is not being applied consistently, especially
in situations that involve blocked shots. Verticality applies to a legal
position. The following are the basic components of the principle of
verticality:
A. Legal guarding must be obtained initially and movement
thereafter must be legal.
B. For this position, the defender may rise or jump vertically and
occupy the space within his or her vertical plane.
C. The hands and arms of the defender may be raised within his/
her vertical plane while on the floor or in the air.
D. The defender should not be penalized for leaving the floor
vertically or having his/her hands and arms extended within his or
her vertical plane.
E. The offensive player, whether on the floor or airborne, may not
“clear out” or cause contact within the defender’s vertical plane; this
is a foul.
F. The defender may not “belly up” or use the lower part of the
body or arms to cause contact outside his or her vertical plane; this
is a foul.
G. The player with the ball is to be given no more protection or
consideration than the defender in judging which player has violated
the rules.
H. Misunderstanding of this rule generally results in the defensive
player being charged with a foul when actually his or her vertical
plane has likely been violated.
Emilio E. Diotalevi, 70, of Milford, MA passed away on August 10,
2010 in Milford, Massachusetts.
He was born in Milford, MA, the son of the late Emilio and the
late Gemma E. (DePasquale) Fusco
Diotalevi and was a life-long Milford
resident
He attended Milford public schools
and graduated from Milford High
School in 1958. He later attended
Babson College and Northeastern
University.
He was a member of the Mass. State
Police Assoc. and the Mass. Police
Chiefs Assoc.. He served as constable
for (9) years before being re-elected in
April 2010 for another (5) year term.
Emilio E. Diotalevi
He was also a town meeting member of
Precinct #2.
Mr. Diotalevi served in the US Army National Guard from 1963 to
1964 and owned Mar-Jen Associates.
He served (2) terms on the Milford Board of Selectman from 1971
to 1977. He also served a term as a State Representative from 1973
to 1974.
He served as a lobbyist at the State House for many years and
served as an aide to the late and former Speaker of the House of
Representatives, John F. X. Davoren. He was a communicant of
Sacred Heart of Jesus Church and was president of the Marchegiano
Club for many years. He also belonged to the Hoboken Club and
the Itam-Vets.. He was a life-member of the IABBO and was the
basketball rules interpreter for over (30) years as well as being an
instructor. He was also past president of the Central Mass. Baseball
Umpires Association.
Mr. Diotalevi also served for many years as the local radio station’s
(WMRC 1490AM) “political analyst.”
He is survived by (2) daughters, Marissa E, wife of Matthew Boss
of NYC, NY and Jenna M., wife of Anthony Rizzo of No. Grafton,
MA; (1) grandson, Luke Rizzo; (3) sisters, Emilia M.Donahue and
Albina M. Grillo both of Milford and Gemma Bresciani of Hopedale;
several nieces and nephews; a dear friend, Patricia Koloski of Milford.
Errata Notice
The May/June 2010 issue of Sportorials erroneously listed George
Rooney as a fifty year member. The correct spelling of George’s last
name is Roney. The Sportorials staff apologizes for this error and
congratulates Mr. George Roney on being a 50 year member of IAABO.
OFFICIALS vs. CANCER Campaign
In addition to the board listed in the May/June issue of SPORTORIALs,
the following board also contributed, Board No. 52 NY, Board No. 404
SC, and Board 50 MD.
The Sportorials staff apologizes for this error and extends their
thanks for their generous contributions to the campaign.
14
IAABO Sportorials
IAABO Fall Seminar Review
Barry Mano presented the
“The 23 Most Powerful Lessons of Officiating”
The largest number of Interpreters to ever attend a fall seminar
were present in Portland, Maine.
Bill Varno, IAABO Past President, Peter Webb, IAABO Past President,
Dick Draper, President, Bd. 21 ME, and David Ames, Interpreter Bd.
21 ME. (left to right) – Peter Webb was presented a Foundation Chair.
IAABO President Mark Byron, Bd. 20 ME, presents a plaque to the family of the late IAABO
Past President George “Pete” Sheehan, Bd. 95 MA, which names the annual IAABO golf
tournament, George ‘Pete’ Sheehan Memorial Golf Tournament. Shown in the photo with
President Byron (right) are Pete’s son, John (left), wife Jackie and daughter Linda Sheehan.
Members of Maine IAABO Boards enjoy time on the Cascoe Bay Cruise
(Left to Right) IAABO Board No. 21 members - Dick Gordon, Wes Sirois,
Reggie Grant, Dick Draper, Wayne Drown, Larry LaRochelle.
IAABO Vice-President Mike Hammond, Bd. 27 MA (left), IAABO Life
Member Jim Palmer, Bd. 175 MA (middle) and IAABO Executive Committee
Member Jeff Benedict, Bd. 67 PA (right), discuss fall seminar topics.
David Ames, Interpreter, Bd. 111 ME, raises his hand to ask a
question during the Rules Exam Committee meeting.
Portland Light House
October/November 2010
15
IAABO Sportorials
16
P.O. Box 355
Carlisle, PA 17013-0355
October/November 2010
Periodicals
IAABO Lines
Condolences to Richie Harris, Bd. 12 DC, on the passing of his brother; Condolences to Board No. 168, NJ, on
the loss of their longtime member, Gene Schmid; Condolences to Greg Moore, Bd. 152 MA, on the passing of
his father; Condolences to Tom Kelly, Bd. 152 MA, on the passing of his mother; Condolences to IAABO Board
No. 8 CT, on the loss of their member, John “Jack” McDonald; Condolences to Patrick Price, Bd. 119 NY, on
the passing of his mother, Ann Lewin Price; Condolences to IAABO Board No. 38, NY, on the loss of long time
member Bob Felasco. Bob was a past president of the board as well as the secretary-treasurer for many years;
Condolences to IAABO Board No. 119 NY, on the passing of Jerry Keane, Board Past President; Condolences
to Bob Masterson, Bd. 152 MA, on the passing of his mother; Condolences to Herb Kennedy, Bd. 12 DC, on
the passing of his mother; Condolences to Jim Dexter, Bd. 8 CT, on the passing of his mother; Condolences
to IAABO Board No. 6 CT on the passing of their member, Craig Pepin; Condolences to Ed Corbett, Sr., Bd.
52 NY, on the passing of his father, Alfred and Ed Corbett, Jr., Bd. 52 NY, on the passing of his grandfather;
Condolences to Rozier Collier, Bd. 134 MD, on the passing of his mother.