Overall Philosophy

PAL Basketball is not the NBA.  Our referees are typically high school basketball players seeking to provide a community service.  They are giving their time to help our kids learn the game of basketball and keep the game running smoothly and safely.  Their time and efforts should be appreciated and they should be treated with respect.   Player's miss shots, referee's miss calls.  Basketball is one of the most challenging sports to referee!  Negative commentary from the stands within earshot of referees during games will not be tolerated.  We have plenty of whistles and ref shirts for anyone who wants to step up and be a referee.

Referees 

are in charge of the game they officiate.  Referees should not coach players, but should offer explanation or instruction regarding the call, particularly at younger levels.  Coaches are not to confront referees during or after a game.  Any issues regarding officiating should be directed to the PAL Director (Leif Roberg) or Referee Coordinator (Dennis Kiefer).

Time Control

•We need to run the HS and MS sessions on time!  The time slots are fully packed.

•Have your kids ready to go and gathered at some area of the gym while the group ahead of you finishes.

•Do not let the kids warm up by throwing the ball around or attempting half-court shots.  

•Layup lines or some other drill for the first few minutes, then get the game going and keep it moving.

•Teams/coaches will need to recruit scoreboard / clock operators.

Use these rules as a guideline to help control the game and so that we are all on the same page.  However, as the season progresses and you see growth in your teams and players, if you want to modify the rules (ex:  go from no pressing, to trying a game with pressing), individual coaches can agree on a rule modification for their game.  For example, if there are two good squads and they want to be more aggressive with the rules, then those coaches should agree on the modification before their game.