all levels. The goal of our “new” mechanics is consistent with the IAABO offi cial’s fi rst 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 offi cial 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 offi cial shall. . . immediately remove a player from the game who exhibits signs, symptoms or behaviors consistent with a

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 return-to-play guidelines across all sports. As with any signifi cant rules change, some enhanced mechanics are necessary to effectively offi ciate these rules.

IAABO has been hard at work developing an appropriate mechanic for offi ciating the new rule for basketball offi cials at

their own interpretation meetings.

Ray McClure (Bd200 GA) got our attention w i t h ” P e r f o r m a n c e without Compromise” and challenged us to be consistent with rulings and not be affected by time, score or coaches and to offi ciate 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 offi cial.

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

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

Officiating the New “Concussion” Rule - What You Need to Know

(continued on page 6)

(continued on page 3)

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 fi rst 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 Offi ciating.” 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 offi ciating.

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 fi nd that out for

October/November 2010 Volume 62, Number 415

Mechanics - How often have we heard the term “mechanics” used at our basketball meetings by the local interpreter, in discussions with fellow offi cials, or seen it in our manuals? What does it really mean to us as offi cials? What it should mean is that there are prescribed areas on the basketball fl oor 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 offi cials. 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 offi cials from different parts of IAABO land should be able to offi ciate 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 offi ciate, 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.

The Tip OffFall Seminar - Page 1Concussion Rule - Page 1Director’s Court - Page 2President’s Column - Page 2Hall of Fame Inductees - Page 3Holiday Ornament - Page 3Fox 40 - Page 4Women’s School - Page 5IAABO Cruise - Page 5Make the Ruling DVD - Page 5IAABO Shines - Page 7IAA “BOO” - Page 7Where She Was Meant to Be - Page 8IAABO Attire - Page 10Offi cials’ Schools - Page 11Rules Comments - Page 12Emilio Eugene Diotalevi - Page 13Errata Notice - Page 13IAABO Ref School - Page 13Fall Seminar Photos - Page 14Honig’s - Page 15IAABO Lines - Page 16

Edited byIAABO, Inc.

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Approved Basketball Offi cials, Inc.All Rights Reserved.

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STATEMENTThe International Association of Approved Basketball Offi cials, Inc. is a nonprofi t organization dedicated to the advancement of basketball offi ciating, through the proper training of applicants by visual and written aids; constant supervision by board proctors and dissemination of rule changes and interpretations.

IAABO Sportorials2

Director’s Court

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 fi rst column What Does It Mean to Be a Member of A Local Board?

As I started to write on this topic, I refl ected 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 offi cial.

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 suffi cient 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 defi nitely make your Board stronger. Mark Byron, President, IAABO, Inc.

President’s Column

3October/November 2010

2010 Fall Seminar (continued from page 1)

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.

Hall of Fame Inductees

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 diffi cult topic “Mechanics, Signals and the need for Consistency” his analogy, graphics and plays were right on. For a fi rst 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 Certifi ed Athletic Trainer, had us change gears and participate in an interactive activity answering health questions. She layed out a plan for offi cials 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 Offi cials 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 offi cials, but some offi cials 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 offi ciating.

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 fi nal 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 offi ciate by the rules. That is what the game is all about, and the game is in good shape, but we need

every offi cial on board and again to offi ciate by the rules.A big thank you to Barry Fuller, Dick Draper and their staff for

putting together a terrifi c 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 offi cials ready for the season. Best wishes for a successful season. The IAABO offi ce stands ready to be of assistance to all of our local boards.

IAABO Sportorials4

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 offi cial.

Most of the offi cials 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.

University of New Haven in Connecticut was the site for the fi rst IAABO School exclusively for women offi cials. Thanks to head coach Jessica Smith for making her team camp available for the training of these offi cials. The school utilized classroom sessions, on the court fi lming 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

5October/November 2010

IAABO Conducts Inaugural School for Women Officials

IAABO is going Cruising. IAABO, Inc. is hosting a fi ve-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 Offi ce at iaabo@iaabo.org 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.

IAABO is going CruisingIAABO 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 offi cials. The DVDs have been purchased by IAABO board and basketball offi cials 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 fi nd helpful in the training of your offi cials”. To order your own personal copy of the DVD, please contact the IAABO offi ce @ 717.713.8129 or by emailing iaabo@iaabo.org. The cost of the DVD is $24.95 which includes shipping and handling.

You Make the Ruling DVD

WNBA Offi cial and IAABO member Denise Brooks (left) along with Kelly Callahan (middle) provide instruction.

Linda Shields, Bd. 8 CT Kim Smith, Bd. 8 CT Pamela Hodge, Bd. 8 CT Tony Haley, (IAABO President-Elect),left; Barbara Eppley, Co-Chair, Women’s Coordinating Committee; and Bob Bernier, Chair, WCC

“appropriate health care professional” might be before the game starts!

College BasketballAt 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 Offi cial’s Responsibility Every offi cial needs to recognize that the responsibility for

determining whether a player must be removed os often found, literally at the feet of the offi cials. Therefore, when an injury occurs in your game, you need to grab your partner and briefl y 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 briefl y 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 modifi ed 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 modifi ed 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 might lobby to permit the student-athlete to

IAABO Sportorials6 IAABO Sportorials

(continued on page 7)

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 signifi cant 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 defi ned 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 certifi ed athletic trainers. At the end of the day, offi cials continued to be “empowered” to remove players, but need not obtain written credentials of the health-care professional on the sidelines. What all offi cials do need to know is their own state association’s defi nition of “appropriate health-care professional.” Unless you know who qualifi es, 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” amplifi es the rule’s list of behaviors by adding a few items as additional indicators of concussion. These are: fogginess, diffi culty concentrating, slowed thought process, diffi culty with memory, nausea, lack of energy (tiredness), blurred vision, sensitivity to light and sounds, and mood changes (irritable, anxious, or tearful). Offi cials 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 Modifi cations In some states, the rule has been modifi ed to eliminate same day

return-to-play for a player removed because a concussion is suspected. If, under a modifi ed 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 offi cials do not. Know, then, who each team’s

The New “Concussion” Rule (continued from page 1)

Alan Goldberger is a member of IAABO Board No. 33, New Jersey and is the IAABO Parliamentarian. In addition, he is the author of Sports Offi ciating – A Legal Guide.

7October/November 2010October/November 2010

Concussion Rule (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 identifi ed the student-athlete involved, you will need to secure the name and title of the “appropriate health care professional,” physician, certifi ed 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 offi cials.

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 specifi c 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 offi cials, offi cials’ 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 ShinesIAABO was well represented when the National Association of

Sports Offi cials (NASO) conducted its annual Sports Offi ciating 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 offi cials, assigners, local association offi cers and state association leaders in a basketball-specifi c breakout session during the Summit. The session was sponsored by IAABO. Those individuals reviewed a series of edited plays from the IAABO-produced 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 offi ciating,” 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 offi ciating 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.

Barry Mano, president of NASO, expressed gratitude for IAABO’s support and participation in the Summit.

“For the second year in a row, we asked important offi ciating 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 offi cials. It was a wonderful refl ection on IAABO’s long tradition of providing authoritative by-sport offi ciating 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 offi ciating. 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 Offi ciating.’ With the assistance of associations like IAABO, we not only explored those topics in depth, but we helped sports offi cials to better fulfi ll their promise. The problems and issues that offi cials in every sport face are common, and the Summit, with the support of IAABO, helped not only explore those issues, but work for solutions.”

Dennis Herbert, IAABO Executive Committee Member, Region 12, and his mother, Madeleine Herbert, who is 92 years young, ready themselves to go trick or treating dressed as basketball officials.

IAA”BOO”

Kelly Callahan is where she was meant to be. That applies to 2010, and to 1992 when she fi rst took to the basketball court as an offi cial. The game ran in her genes. Her mother and aunt both offi ciated 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 offi ciated 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 offi cials 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 fi rst 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 HerAsk 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 fi rst artifi cial 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 artifi cial 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 fi rst 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 artifi cial 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.”

In fact, Callahan cannot remember her prosthesiscan’t ever remember it being brought up. It doesn’t ahired. There might be other reasons I haven’t gottenmy leg.”

Keeping Up The PaceCallahan got to the big time in 2001, when she w

college. Since then, she’s moved up to DI Women’spush from IAABO’s Edgar Cartotto.

As he described it to her that fi rst year, “You’re quickly. She went to a July NAIA, DII-DIII campswitched to the men’s side, but luckily Kelly showmoment, but they gave me a look, and I got my chan

Regardless of the level, Callahan has to keep up ware no excuses. They’ll move onto the next person. I

Like other offi cials, and Callahan takes care not to don her speed during the off season. It’s not about comto be ready to go when the season starts. “It’s a challeWith my pants on, people don’t even know about the

The Defi nition of SuccessPeople defi ne success differently. Some offi cials

Division I championship. Others may want to makLike others, Kelly had high level goals when she stthe simpler pleasures of working a game with her loBoard 11 member.

My goals have changed over the years. You knowand the NCAA Championship is your dream. Then working DI conferences and advancing year to yearand be the best offi cial at that level.” “I’ve also realizwith me, I need to share with others. That includescould be reaching the state fi nals or working the remuch, much is expected. I respect and appreciate whwho are coming up.”

Partly that was about offi ciating, but it was also Layne explains about his relationship with Kelly. Butlined up, and they worked games together, he knew t

Now that includes working game together for enjoy

Where She Wa

Kelly Callahan provides constructive

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 offi cials

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 fi rst 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 offi cials may have problems from being away from their families, but we do better spending time together.”

Across The Female SpectrumThough Kelly Callahan offi ciates 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 fi rst-ever “all women’s” offi ciating 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 fi rst-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 offi cial, 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 specifi c situations. It was a fi ve-hour get together out on the patio, eating pizza. We talked basketball and life.”

The experience taught Kelly how other female offi cials “don’t necessarily have other signifi cant numbers of women on their boards to help them. They can’t ask specifi c 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 offi cials 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 davidsimon15@hotmail.com, or going to his blog at justwrite15.wordpress.com.

as Meant To Be

e comments to Valerie Light, Bd. 6 CT

IAABO Sportorials10

11October/November 2010

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 Offi cials’ 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, offi cials attending a classroom session, bottom row, UNC – Greeley – 2010 (The largest number of attendees at an IAABO Offi cials’ School in the history of IAABO).

IAABO Sportorials12

NFHS Basketball - Comments on the 2010-11 Rules RevisionsConcussion 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 offi cials 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. Offi cials, 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 (10-3-6i; 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 offi cially 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 offi cials 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 offi cials allow players to use illegal tactics without penalty, the behavior is condoned and consequently encouraged. When offi cials consistently enforce the playing rules as intended, players and coaches are able to make the proper adjustments – promoting skill development and a level playing fi eld.

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 fl oor, 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 fl oor; 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 fl oor, he or she is starting another dribble (illegal dribble), which is a violation.

4. Closely-Guarded Situations. Well offi ciated closely-guarded situations provide for better balance between offense and defense. When closely-guarded rules are not followed, there is a signifi cant 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 fi ve seconds or dribble the ball for fi ve 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. Offi cials must defi ne and have a clear image of the 6-foot guarding distance necessary. Too frequently, offi cials 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

13October/November 2010

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 closely-guarded 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 fi ve-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 offi cial 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 fl oor or in the air.

D. The defender should not be penalized for leaving the fl oor vertically or having his/her hands and arms extended within his or her vertical plane.

E. The offensive player, whether on the fl oor 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.

NFHS BasketballEmilio 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. 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.

Emilio Eugene Diotalevi Passes

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 CampaignIn 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.

Errata Notice

Emilio E. Diotalevi

IAABO Sportorials14

IAABO Fall Seminar Review

Barry Mano presented the “The 23 Most Powerful Lessons of Offi ciating”

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.

David Ames, Interpreter, Bd. 111 ME, raises his hand to ask a question during the Rules Exam Committee meeting.

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.

The largest number of Interpreters to ever attend a fall seminar were present in Portland, Maine.

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.

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.

Portland Light House

15October/November 2010

IAABO LinesCondolences 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.

P.O. Box 355Carlisle, PA 17013-0355 October/November 2010

IAABO Sportorials16

Periodicals