NCAA Bulletins

MEMO TO: NILOA Officials

FROM: Charlie Philips
National Coordinator of Officials

DATE: March 13, 2000

SUBJECT: BULLETIN #2


With the season underway, there are a few situations which need clarification.

Play 1
Team A has possession of the ball in their defensive half of the field. Team A coach tells the Trail official that he wants a time out when his player crosses the midline. As Team A player gets to the midline, but not over
it, the Trail blows his whistle to award the time out.

Ruling: Since the coach of Team A had not yet requested the time out, this is an inadvertent whistle and Team A should retain the ball (official's mistake).

NOTE: If the coach of Team A verbally requests the time out and the official blows his whistle with the ball in the defensive zone, then Team A will lose the ball. See AR 122, page 52.

The key is whether the coach or a player on the field actually asks for the time out or not. When a coach mentions that "they will want a time out" at a future time is information only. The request actually must be made before a time out can be granted. Good officiating technique is to remind the coach that he'll have to ask for it at the appropriate time.

Play 2
With 10 seconds left in the first half, Team A scores a goal. As teams line up for the ensuing face off, Team B has only 9 men on the field. The officials do not see this and start play. Team A wins the face off when the officials recognize that Team B is short a man and therefore is offside. A flag is thrown and as the period ends, the officials assess a technical foul.

Ruling: This is an official's mistake as it is their responsibility to start the game or face off with the proper number of players. The penalty should be wiped out and the second half begins with a face off.

Other items to consider include:

1. Time Outs
If a coach is calling for a time out and they are not eligible to have one, officials should not say anything to the coach such as "coach you have to be in the offensive zone" as this is coaching. You have two options - ignore the first request and play on; or if the coach is insistent, stop play and give the ball to the other team. By warning team A verbally, the coach of Team B could get upset as he knows he could get the ball if you stop play or if the coach continues to ask for the time out.

No assistant coach can call a time out. Officials are not to grant a time out unless the head coach or a player on the field requests one. Do not make exceptions to this rule.

2. High Hits - Illegal Back Checks
The emphasis again is to call personal fouls. In early games, the calls are being made, which is great. You must make these calls. Some incidents where the back check is not being called is being noted by coaches. Make the call.

3. Mechanics
It has been observed that officials are using a "spread hands" signal to let single side know that a player has not stepped into the offensive box and that the 10 second count should continue.

NOTE: This is NOT a mechanic and should not be used. If the single side does not see the "one arm up" and point signal, the 10 second count continues. Situations occur where the spread arm signal is given just as a personal foul flag goes down. The offended coached will say "how come one official indicated no foul?" Don't
allow yourself to communicate poor information.

Good luck through the remainder of the season.


cc: USILA Executive Board
Warren Kimber
DAAs