2024 2025 IAABO Manual June20_2024

Foreword

Page 1

Foreword The rules of basketball are written in an effort to allow two teams to play so that neither team has an unfair advantage. Before rule changes are made, consideration is given to tall players versus short players, offensive players versus defensive players, etc. The effort is there to keep the game “balanced.” The role of officials is to monitor the actions of the players and to enforce the rules. Proper mechanics are used to ensure that each official is in the proper position at the proper time to better monitor these actions, and to guarantee that proper rulings are made. Proper signals, required by the Rules Book are used to communicate with the scorer and timer, partner, players, coaches, media, and spectators. As the Rules Guide and this Manual are the constant to which all IAABO officials have access, the officials should enforce the rules as written and follow this manual as written. This manual was developed in an effort to improve the effectiveness of each official as they perform their respective duties before, during and after the game. The objective is to maintain uniformity of performance and rules interpretations by all officials. Officials should only use proper and recognized floor mechanics, procedures and approved signals, while making rulings based on the principle of: “One Rule–One Interpretation.” The prerequisites for becoming a qualified, certified, competent and accepted official, must be through a thorough knowledge of the rules, use of proper floor mechanics and approved signals. This manual is an endeavor to better achieve the goal of required uniformity. This manual was written and drawings prepared by the best minds of basketball officiating from the past half century. Their contributions are recognized and greatly appreciated. “Excellence is never an accident.”