The Write Stuff

This is your forum to post questions, express opinions, or exchange thoughts and ideas that might be of benefit to the entire League. To post, just email the webmaster or snailmail "The Write Stuff", c/o Don Cline, 5800 Boyer's Mill Rd., New Market, MD. 21774. Your input will be online the very next day.

Vikki Darling comments:   (12/8/2008 11:47:30 A.M.)

Time has flown by and here we are at the start of yet another basketball season. This will be my last year since my youngest, Dallas, is in 8th grade. It's been a long run starting with my oldest, Austin, who made the Brunswick JV team in 6th grade. He is a freshman in college this year. I just wanted to write and say thanks to you and the entire devoted Board of Mid Maryland Junior Basketball. Your behind the scenes work does not go unnoticed. The website has always been a source of accurate information whether it is game results, rule changes or directions. It's a fun place to read about our games as well as the other middle school teams. Having served on Board's over the years I am all too aware of the countless decisions and deadlines that must be made and met. To the best of my knowledge no one on the Mid Maryland Board has a child playing in the league which exemplifies unselfish giving to the children of many communities. With sincere appreciation, Vikki Darling

League President comments on our Eligibility Policy:  

Part of the mission of our League has always been to prepare our athletes for the next level - their high school programs. That includes holding them accountable to the same academic eligibility standards that high schools impose. We check that by asking school administrators to sign our Eligibility Form after simply placing an "X" by the name of any rostered player that has not met those requirements - a 2.0 GPA and no "F"s. Some schools are not willing to do this, however, citing a "privacy" law enacted in 2005. Be assured that our League is as concerned about a student's privacy, with regard to grades, as the school system. That is why we do not request any specific grade or even a GPA on our form. Without the schools' cooperation, however, our only recourse is to require a copy of each player's report card. Which method does more to assure a student's privacy? Some programs have put together a "waiver" form that they have parents sign to grant the school authorization to release eligibility information on our form. Others are collecting copies of report cards and submitting them to me for review. We would request that schools rethink their position on the signing of our form. Until then, you can at least be aware of why our methods differ from program to program.

Lucas Petrill comments:   (12/27/2007 10:12:50 P.M.)

This was just an excellent game (Monocacy at Urbana) to watch. THE REFS called a great game. Both coaches did a good job calling plays and making adjustments. Even though the team I was routing for lost, I had a great time. I felt like I was at a college game. The kids were great during the game and after. This is what youth sports should be about, once again thanks to all who participated in the game. GO MUSTANGS

Lilcstinger asks:   (1/8/2008 5:41:36 P.M.)

At the Crestwood vs. Linganore game (Varsity) there was a photographer there taking pictures and they had a website that I dont remember. I feel that your website would be better if you where to have a column that you could look at photos of players around the league. For Ex. you could have a column for each team and when you click on the team all their team photos and game action shots would come up.

      webmaster replies:  

        Programs are invited to submit team photos to be posted on their roster page. As far as additional game photos, this is an entirely volunteer site that keeps a webmaster busy just
        keeping results, standings and highlights up to date. If member organizations have webpages where they post game pictures, we'd be happy to provide links from out League site so
        others could view them.

NPuryear comments:   (3/20/2007 2:09:25 P.M.)

Kudos to Frederick High and MSD for allowing the middle schools to hold their end of season tournaments in their gyms.

t.fossett comments:   (3/5/2007 4:53:52 P.M.)

Mid-Maryland, I would like to thank all the players and coaches for a wonderful year. I had a great time refereeing all your games this year.

Mark Voorhis comments:   (3/9/2007 5:53:42 P.M.)

We have faced the Monocacy Mustangs many times in our joint histories, but never have the games had as much meaning as they have had over the last 3 years. In fact, in the last 3 years we have faced the Mustangs 6 times (splitting those contests), and all of these games carried the same level of anticipation for each organization as this year's tournament final. Each of these years, we have faced each other once in the regular season and again in the league finals. In each of these contests there was much at stake with respect to standings/seedings/championships, and as such there was much team spirit on the part of both organizations. These games were all thrillers in their own right, and much like this year's game all came down to the final seconds. In most of these games, the teams played to packed houses, and they were "roaring" crowds. And to the point of this posting, in every case, the Monocacy crowd, the coaches, and the players demonstrated sportsmanship and respect for our team and our fans. This was true in both victory and defeat. Before and after the game. I cannot emphasize how much this exemplifies the spirit we are all trying to achieve in youth athletics. Monocacy has demonstrated that it is okay to be both very good, while still respecting the game and the people. This is a direct reflection on the persons that run that organization, starting with Coach Boyd and the parents. The players follow the lead of the adults. And in this regard, the adults at Monocacy are leading in the right way. The Monocacy organization is a classy one top to bottom. Our hats in Walkersville are off to the Mustangs for both the quality of there talent as well as the quality of their character.

Perry Baker comments:   (2/1/2007 9:15:42 A.M.)

As both an Athletic Director of Brunswick High School and the Varsity Coach of Brunswick's Mid-Maryland Varsity team, I feel a need to respond to the gym time issue. I have always been very good to the Brunswick Mid-Maryland teams as far as gym time goes. In fact we are hosting the girls Mid-Maryland Tournament this year. However I understand the predicament that the Athletic Directors are in when it comes to the tournament. The Boys Tournament falls right in the middle of the MPSSAA High School playoffs. The State dictates the play dates alternating boys on one night, girls the next night. That would mean that during the boys tournament any given high school could host games on Friday, Saturday, and Monday. Frederick County Public School Use of Facilities states that all school events have first priority over community use. As Athletic Directors our hands are tied. We should be applauding the Athletic Directors for the time they can give our program. In fact Brunswick has allowed their Mid-Maryland programs to use the facilities for free, because I donate my time to open and close the gym, as well as, clean-up. FCPS has changed thier policy and all user groups will pay next year. I have been told that even if I would donate my time, they will still be charged.

Sometimes things seem easier than they are. Let's not bite the hand that feed us!

N Puryear comments:   (2/2/2007 12:55:34 P.M.)

Well done Webmaster. And you are absolutely correct. There are some cases were the high schools just don't want anyone to use their "precious" school (Tuscarora). And the fundraiser issue is just crazy. I have a godson that attends Tuscarora and participate in 2 sports there. Every year since the school opened student athletes roll through the community with fund raiser. This is a public school that is right here in the middle of the community and are hands off until they need the community to support the school, yet they don't seem to want to support the community and the students that will eventually attend the school (as you stated). As a parent who will have a child that will attend high school there next year and another in about 4 more years, I find it verrrrrry dishearten and hard to support the school that doesn't want to return the gesture. Crestwood and Ballenger recently played a game and requested to play the game at Tuscarora High (both schools will feed into Tuscarora). Rumor had it that Tuscarora wanted all of the gate and concession money. That's just crazy. I can see them keeping the concession money because they were supplying the food, but keeping all the gate money. If it sounds like I'm putting Tuscarora on blast...I am. They are (as well as any of the high schools) making it very difficult to support them.

Catoctin88 comments:   (2/7/2006 4:29:12 PM)

I have seen some games to see the kids play and I have noticed that most of the referees are making horrible calls. The refs are doing this towards both teams and it is causing everyone to get a little upset. I know the refs try their best, but on set picks kids lower the shoulder, kids and coaches back talk the refs over and over and over but no warnings, obvious body checks, obvious shooting fouls with slaps that can be heard across courts and some refs go with the team they like more. This has got to stop. I think you guys could make the refs ref better or get new refs for the sake of the kids health. What do you think?

      webmaster replies:   (2/7/2006 5:48:14 PM)

        Our League contracts IAABO officials for all games. These are the same officials they will see at the next level (high school) and we require IAABO refs
         for that purpose. We have no say in who is scheduled for any given game. I appreciate your interest and input.

Dell Ahalt, President IAABO Board 214 Basketball Officials replies:   (2/10/2006 7:32:01 AM)

        IAABO Board 214 Basketball Officials have an agreement as mentioned with MMB and MMG programs in Frederick County. This board has been officiating
         these programs for over 20 years. The officials that are doing most of the games are officials that are in the first years of officiating, and are
         learning the same as the kids are learning. Yes we understand the importance of keeping control of a game, but at the same point we also
         understand advantage vs. disadvantage. This is something that not everyone in the stands can understand. We train, and work hard in maintaining a
         balance with all of this, and at the same point make sure that no one gets out of line and or hurt. We know there are violations and some fouls that
         are not called, and for a reason. At this level, you could, based on the rules call a violation and or a foul every time down the court. I do not
         think that this is something that the fans want to see, and probably there would be several foul outs each game which takes away from the kids.
        

         This level of play is difficult to do, based on the maturity of players, and or coaches and also our officials. We are all learning, and have to
         start somewhere, and MMB and MMG have been our customer for several years and we work together to accomplish a 1 common goal, to let the kids play,
         have fun, and learn as they progress with their ability. This is a learning ground for all, winning is important, but fundamentals need to be
         taught, and I think most coaches are trying to do so. On many nights, there will be a veteran official with a younger official. We do this to
         help our younger officials learn, what to call, when to call, and when not to call. Each official in our group goes through extensive training, has
         to pass a 50 question rules exam and each day continues to work on their games at not just the MMB and MMG levels. We appreciate your comments and
         would love to have you as one of our members when the next season starts. Our training program for 1-3 year officials start in early September and
         run for about 2-3 hours each Monday night until December.

hilift comments:   (1/7/2006 9:49:33 AM)

There is a admission charge to high school level as well as college level teams and I think the admission charge is fair. I don't feel like we are subsidizing other leagues/teams. You pay to come to my school, I pay to go to yours. In the end, it all equals out. If each player on jayvee and varsity paid an additional fee of $25.00 as proposed by an earlier poster, that would equate to approximately $600.00. During our last three games, the average of our door collection was $176.00. The $176.00 times 10 homes games equals $1760.00. That money goes to pay the refs, entry fees for tournaments, uniforms, gear bags, end of year parties, etc. but the bottom line is that it's for the kids. Your kid, my kid, their kid...it's for all the kids and this is not the NBA. I don't think the coaches or volunteers are mismanaging the funds.

Bill Davis comments:   (1/3/2006 11:53:16 AM)

I was impressed with my first visit to the Mid-Maryland web site, but at the same time dissapointed. As a parent of a cheerleader in your League, I was suprised that I saw nothing about them. These girls work just as hard as the players on their game. They should get a little recognition.

      webmaster replies:   (1/6/2006 2:24:26 PM)

        Can't argue your point, Bill, but the cheerleaders are not affiliated with the League, per se. Their affliation is with their individual sponsoring
         organizations. It might be time that they form an actual cheerleading League and, as the Mid-Maryland Girls basketball League did, create their own
         website for the purposes of information and recognition.

Bill Hunsberger comments:   (12/17/2005 10:11:46 AM)

I would like to address the "at the door donation" process. It would seem to me that there is an easier solution than having families pay at the door for each game. I would much rather write a $25.00 check to my league than to have to pay at the door under the cover of a donation. I think it is unacceptable for teams to be forced to subsidize other teams. I haven't done the math but an additional $25.00 per family would provide more funds than most families are likely to "donate" as the season goes on. By asking a one time payment from the families teams would not have to help develop other teams. Who controls whether one team forces the donation process while other teams stick to the true definition of a donation. Who controls one team forcing other teams to pay while their team members walk in without paying. It has happened and will continue to happen. If I'm the visiting team I am now helping to pay for their program whether it be for the refs or uniforms. A check from every family should provide a far better return and be easier to manage. I have no problem with teams selling concessions to assist their program but have noticed that many teams are basically forcing admission at the door to offset the ref fees. My only problem is once they hit their target for the increased fees the extra money is put into their program. I would prefer having my money go into my kid's program. That way I can get a true accounting of the funds and hold people accountable if the funds are mismanaged.

Bob Light, Hagerstown, MD. comments:   (12/15/2005 9:58:57 AM)

As a three-sport official, I see officials fees rising. We are not getting any new officials in any of the sports. The price of gas. Unsporting fans and teams. There are so many leagues in all sports, youth sports in particular, that we do not have the officials to cover the games. If we cover the high schools, some officials do not want to work the weekends and do 2 and 3 games in a day. This is happening all over the country. Leagues may have to officiate the lowest level games to supply officials for higher level games.

      webmaster replies:   (1/30/2005 2:24:26 PM)

        Safety is, of course, a number one concern but I think you sell a lot of adult volunteers short by implying they are
        not capable of making wise decisions within the framework of our existing snow policy. Operating across such a
        wide geographic area (four counties), conditions certainly differ from one game location to another. No policy is
        going to suit everyone on every occassion, but this one has served us well for dozens of years.
        

cabrennan@hotmail.com asks:   (1/30/2005 11:02:49 AM)

Why doesn't someone use good judgement with game cancellations. Leaving the decision to the coaches is like leaving it up to 2nd graders, they will risk life and limb to play a game. Today is the perfect example. Since almost every county is under a winter weather advisory, common sense should say cancel. It is not worth the risk. Too many coaches wait until the very last minute to decide and only see what is out their backdoor. Safety to all should be the main priority. Thanks

      webmaster replies:   (1/30/2005 2:24:26 PM)

        Safety is, of course, a number one concern but I think you sell a lot of adult volunteers short by implying they are
        not capable of making wise decisions within the framework of our existing snow policy. Operating across such a
        wide geographic area (four counties), conditions certainly differ from one game location to another. No policy is
        going to suit everyone on every occassion, but this one has served us well for dozens of years.
        

MomOfAllStar comments:   (1/30/2005 12:16:33 PM)

This weather must be very distressing for you. I can't imagine the nightmare of trying to reschedule last weekend's games as well as most games scheduled for today. Just wanted to say I appreciate all your efforts to provide services for the entire league. God bless you for all your contributions. Keep your chin up, hopefully the rescheduled games will happen. I know (my son's) team is eager to get back on the court. Thanks again for everything.

Anonymous states:   (11/2/2004 4:38:55 PM)

I think it is horrible having a division A and a division AA end of the year tournament. This doesn't give smaller schools a chance to beat higher enrolled schools which is stupid. I am glad I don't play in this league anymore.

      webmaster replies:   (11/2/2004 5:06:00 PM)

        That was certainly a consideration in the decision, Anonymous. It basically came down to the fact that no single
        organization had sufficient gym availability to host a "single" tournament that would require 30 games in seven
        days. Besides, I think you'll find that the MPSSAA (Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association)
        awards state championships in four different classifications, the NCAA in three, and so on. Growth and expansion
        has taken our League to that next level.
        

flagatorsbb asks:   (10/26/2003 12:00:17 AM)

Who was the most dominant player ever to play in Mid-Maryland and who are the top three players ever in the league?

      webmaster replies:   (10/27/2003 3:02:35 PM)

        Tough question there, Gator. There have been many. Let's see what our other readers have to say!
        

Karen Sapp comments:   (01/11/2003 1:59:50 PM)

I commend the league for having academic eligibility. It has made a big difference in my son's school work. The E he had in Spanish that led to his probation (ineligibility), is now an A+. All of his other grades have raised as well. He is now an A/B student with just two C's instead of a straight C student. Thank you for making him learn the lesson of the importance of education.

PRcotto10 comments:   (12/31/2002 11:00:27 AM)

It is hard to find a team's score, summaries and top scorer for a certain game. I think you should have a certain page for every team so that it is easy to find a score, summary and top scorers.

      webmaster replies:   (01/01/2003 4:36:31 PM)

        Separate pages for each team would be very time consuming. Try this to help you find what you
        are looking for...click on "Schedule, Results" in the home page's left column menu. All results
        are provided there along with the date the game was played. Then go back to the home page and
        select "Boys Recaps" or "Girls Recaps" in the BONUS SHOTS section (right under the scrolling
        scoreboard). Each of the headlines has a date at the end that corresponds directly with the
        "Schedule, Results" page and the date the game was played. Hope that helps!

TimDaQB14 and LIL IVERSON 3 TH ask:   (01/01/2003 3:20:58 PM)

Will there be player of the week this season?

      webmaster replies:   (01/01/2003 4:21:47 PM)

        Thanks for the question! Many have asked about the "Players of the Week" feature and I haven't
        yet had the chance to reply. The expansion of both the boys and girls Leagues has made it very
        difficult to keep up with the existing demands of reporting scores, standings and highlights.
        The time I have to devote to the web site this season just doesn't allow for this additional
        feature. It might possibly be resumed in a future season.

Byron Moore comments:   (03/03/2002 7:45:14 PM)

I would like to take a few seconds to thank all of you who were involved with this league. Thank you for the committment, organization and time that was needed to run such a terrific league. For the most part, every team involved was a solid representation of their schools. The players handled themselves with sportwomanship and a competitve drive that made each game a pleasure to coach and watch.

This was my first experience with travel basketball. I have been associated with a travel league of some sort for the past six years...and my only regret is that our program didn't put two teams in this league the last two years. Thank you also for creating this web page for all of us. My girls would come to practice very excited about their knowledge of how the league and standings were changing. Please keep up the good work.

It is leagues like this one that help shape our girls into better athletes and players but, more importantly, better people. They learn how to win and, just as importantly, how to lose. This league offered a safe and secure place to acheive both.

Sincerely, Byron Moore, Westminster Lady Owls girls varsity coach

David Micol comments:   (02/24/2002 9:56:28 PM)

I just thought I'd drop a line to say "thanks" for the great job with the Bball web site. My daughter plays on the Ballenger Creek girls jayvee team. I like how up-to-date the scores and schedules are.

Robert9612 comments:   (02/23/2002 8:33:18 AM)

I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you for all of your hard work on the Mid-Maryland website. As a coach, it is a wonderful tool and very informational. I can't imagine the time you have dedicated to the upkeep of this website. Keep up the great work and, once again, thank you!!!

Robert9612 asks:   (02/09/2002 4:50:31 PM)

Why are there so many jumpballs called during games when they should be calling fouls? For example: a player has the ball in their hands and the defender, from behind, wraps arms around the players body to tie the ball up. In my mind, that's a foul, not a jumpball. What's the rule here?

      Randy Shank replies:   (02/09/2002 5:54:00 PM)

        A jump ball is referred to in the rulebook as a "held ball". The National Federation Rule 4 -
        Definitions, Section 25 defines it as follows:

        A held ball occurs when:

        Art. 1...Opponents have their hands so firmly on the ball that control cannot be obtained without
        undue roughness.

        Art. 2...An opponent places his/her hand(s) on the ball and prevents an airborne player from
        throwing the ball or releasing it on a try.

        I would agree that at times, a foul should be called instead of a jump ball. Your example of someone
        reaching around an opponent with both arms to grab the ball is certainly one of those times. One of
        the reasons it is called quickly is to prevent rough play from occurring which could result in fouls
        and/or injuries. If play is allowed to continue, players will try harder to get the ball away, and
        sometimes a skirmish will break out after the whistle blows due to high emotions. Of course there is
        no way to address specific situations here, but hopefully this gives you an idea of what we are dealing
        with and why we handle it that way.

        Thanks for your question.

Stanley Sokolofsky asks:   (02/09/2002 1:57:02 PM)

If the other team has more than seven fouls and your team is in the bonus, does a charge on the other team put your team in the bonus on the foul line for a 1-and-1?

      Randy Shank replies:   (02/09/2002 5:23:44 PM)

        The answer is no.

        The proper terminology of what most people call a "charge" (offensive foul by the ballhandler) is
        a player control foul. In high school basketball, a player control foul never results in foul
        shots by the offended team, regardless of whether the team is in the bonus (7-9 team fouls) or
        double bonus (10 or more team fouls). The offended team is simply given possession at the spot
        of the foul.

        One interesting note, if the player with the ball is shooting, they are considered an "airborne
        shooter" until they touch the floor after releasing the shot. This means that even if the player
        has released the ball before they foul the defensive opponent, the basket cannot count and no foul
        shots would be attempted as a result of the foul. In NCAA Men's basketball, the player control ends
        upon release of the shot, therefore if a ballhandler jumped to take a shot, released the ball, then
        fouled their opponent, the basket would count (if it went in) and the defensive team would then
        shoot foul shots if they were in the bonus. The NCAA Women's rule is the same as the high school
        rule.

        Hope this clarifies the rule for you.

Leslie Baugher asks:   (02/07/2002 10:36:41 PM)

When you have a coach and an assistant coach, the assistant coach is given a technical foul, is the head coach still allowed to stand and coach his/her team? This question is in response to a call made during a recent game where both teams received very poor officiating. If you could please give me an answer to my question, it will be greatly appreciated.

      Randy Shank replies:   (02/09/2002 1:52:59 PM)

        The coaches box is included in the National Federation Basketball rules as an option that can be
        adopted on a state-by-state basis. Maryland does utilize the box which previoulsy started at a
        point 28' from the endline and extended 6' towards the endline, but beginning this season has been
        expanded to 14' wide.

        The National Federation included the coaches box and bench decorum as their Number 1 Point of
        Emphasis this year. Specifically, they state: "With rules permission to increase the size of the
        optional coaching box, the committee again stresses the importance of the coach to properly conduct
        him/herself. Coaches must stay within the confines of the optional coaching box and are only
        permitted to give instructions to players and substitutes. Coaches using the optional coaching
        box do not have implied permission to roam the sidelines, attempt to influence the decision of
        an official, or conduct themselves in an unsporting manner. Officials are directed to properly
        enforce the bench decorum rule."

        In reference to the technical foul situation, the head coach is responsible for all bench
        personnel on his/her team. The term bench personnel means anyone on the teams bench, including
        assistant coaches, substitutes, statisticians, etc...

        Rule 10 - Fouls and Penalties, Section 5 - Coaches Rule states "When the optional coaching box
        is being utilized, then the first technical foul charged directly or indirectly to the head
        coach results in the loss of the coaching-box privileges and the coach shall comply with the
        provisions of Articles 1 and 2 for the remainder of the game." A direct technical would be when
        the head coach is given a technical. An indirect technical is when one of the individuals listed
        as bench personnel is given a technical. Only one "T" is called, and only two shots taken, but is
        indirectly charged to the head coach. Because of that, use of the coaches box is lost for the
        remainder of the game.

        Many times, officials will allow the coach to "stretch" the coaches box, and further may allow
        assistant coaches to occasionally stand, as long as they are coaching the players. When they begin
        harassing the officials and draw attention to themselves, then those privileges can quickly be
        taken away, including the use of the coaching box altogether if a technical foul is warranted.

        Hope this answers your question.

Anonymous asks:   (1/8/02 9:06:12 PM)

One of the most contested calls that I have seen at all levels is the "over and back" across the half court line. My understanding of the rule (as written) is that both feet and the ball must be across the line at the same time before a ruling can be made.

Just putting a foot on the line or anything else does not constitute a violation. However, I have never seen any consistency in the call. What is the real rule and how should it be called?

      Randy Shank replies:   (1/9/02 12:14:28 PM)

        National Federation Rule 9 - Violations and Penalties, Section 9 - Backcourt, reads as follows:

        A player of the team in control shall not:

        Art. 1. Be the first to touch a ball after it has been in the frontcourt, if he/she or a teammate last
        touched or was touched by the ball in the frontcourt before it went to the backcourt.

        Art. 2. While in the backcourt, cause the ball to go from backcourt to frontcourt and return to
        backcourt in team control, without the ball touching a player in the frontcourt and be the first
        to touch it in the backcourt.

        There are two exceptions to this rule:

        Exception 1: It is not a violation when after a jump ball or a throw-in, a player is the first to secure
        control of the ball while both feet are off the floor and he/she then returns to the floor with one or
        both feet in the backcourt.

        Exception 2: It is not a violation if a defensive player who jumped from frontcourt, secures control of
        the ball while both feet are off the floor and he/she returns to the floor with one or both feet in the
        backcourt.

        You are correct in stating that when dribbling, both feet and the ball must all be in the frontcourt at
        the same time before frontcourt status is obtained. If someone is walking along the line and the ball is
        hitting frontcourt but the player is backcourt, or any combination of those three occurs, then no
        backcourt should be called. Of course everybody in the stands will be yelling "Backcourt", but it
        isn't. An example where backcourt could be called is if the player stops dribbling with one foot in
        the frontcourt and one in the backcourt. If he pivots on his backcourt foot, it doesn't matter what
        he does with the other, but if he would lift his backcourt foot, he has now achieved frontcourt status
        since nothing is touching backcourt (and he is not dribbling). In this example, if he touched any part
        of the ball or body to backcourt, a violation would occur.

        It's somewhat complicated, but hope it clears up your question.

Jim Brown asks:   (1/9/02 11:39:29 AM)

What portion of the backboard is considered to be inbounds? We have always thought that the top was out-of-bounds while the sides and bottom were inbounds. Please clarify.

      Randy Shank replies:   (1/9/02 12:29:20 PM)

        Parts of the backboard that are in play are the rim, front face, sides and top. A ball may
        roll along the top of the backboard and, as long as it does not touch any supports, wires,
        etc...and falls off the front or side, remains in play. The back is out of play so if, on a
        shot or throw-in, it touched the backside of the backboard, it would be out of play.

        Interestingly, on a fan-shaped backboard, the ball remains alive if it goes over the top of
        the backboard and does not strike any supports or the back of the backboard. That is not true
        with the rectangular backboard as any pass or shot that passes over the top, regardless of
        direction, is a violation.

        On another note, if a ball stops on the top edge or wedges between the rim and backboard, a
        "held ball" occurs which results in using the possession arrow to determine which team will
        get the ball. Thanks for the question!

epstein & bondy ask:   (12/18/01 5:22:08 PM)

What are the rules on fans while teams are shooting foul shots. What do they have to do to get kicked out of the gym?

      Randy Shank replies:   (12/18/01 5:42:36 PM)

        Occasionally fan behavior becomes a problem, but luckily that is not the norm. When it does, the
        referee has several options. Some of them are:

        1) Request the fans to refrain from further improper behavior. Home management should be
        encouraged to handle this before the referee's need to get involved.

        2) Eject the fan(s). No warning is necessary.

        3) Call a technical on the team of the fans causing the problem. This is not recommended,
        but can be done.

        4) Clear the gym of all spectators.

        5) Suspend the game.

        Hope this answers your question.

webmaster explains:   (12/15/2001 8:14:18 AM)

Interim reports go home to students in Frederick and Montgomery counties next week and that always brings about questions as to exactly when a player can regain eligibility. As boys League president, I offer this as an explanation of our policy:

Ineligibility is in effect for a set, and consistent, number of days League-wide. It's done as a matter of fairness - first and foremost, fairness to the kids that worked hard from the start of the year to STAY eligible. Secondly, to be fair to all those who were ineligible.

It would NOT be fair if ineligible players could regain eligibility solely at the discretion of an individual school, or teacher, etc. Some would be out for a matter of days, others for weeks. Therefore, the timeframe of the ineligibility has been set such that all players are out for the same number of days.

In Frederick County: report card date was 11/19, interim date is 12/19 - players are ineligible for 30 days

In Montgomery County: report card date was 11/20, interim date we impose is 12/20 - players are also ineligible for 30 days.

So, as a matter of fairness, players that regain eligibility can participate in League games beginning the 19th (Frederick) or 20th (Montgomery), not before. It is also League policy that players failing to regain eligibility, or becoming ineligible once again on the next report card, are not allowed to participate in the League the remainder of the season.

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