Ensure players are allowed to land. If a player undercuts an airborne player, this should be called an Unsportsmanlike Foul. Talk to the defender and the coach to ensure understanding and to prevent possible future injuries.

Similar to undercutting. If a defensive player blocks out while the shot is in the air, and then moves into his/her landing zone, an Unsportsmanlike Foul should be called. Talk to the defender and the coach to ensure understanding and to prevent possible future injuries.

Do not allow excessive swinging of the elbows by a rebounder. If no contact is made, a Technical Foul should be called. If contact is made, an Unsportsmanlike Foul should be called. If contact is excessive, a Disqualifying Foul should be called. Talk to the defender and the coach to ensure understanding and to prevent possible future injuries.

Call a ‘jump ball’ between two players who are fighting for the ball sooner as opposed to waiting too long which may see a player injured especially if there is a size difference between the two.

Set the tone early in a game if players are being over physical with each other. What might start as a chippy play may lead to intentional elbows being thrown or worse and may lead to an out of control situation.

If a player’s elbows are outside the cylinder and contact occurs on the elbow, an Unsportsmanlike Foul may be called if the screen is blind and contact is excessive. At a minimum, a foul should be called. Talk to the defender and the coach to ensure understanding and to prevent possible future injuries.

Ensure the playing area is safe. Ensure that there is adequate padding (2+ inch thick, 6+ feet tall, 10+ feet wide) on the walls under each basket (including cross courts if using them), that all volleyball/badminton holes are securely covered, any other obstacles near the playing surface are removed or padded (bleachers, benches, chairs, score table, stage, climbing apparatus, etc), unused basketballs are not left on the court during the game, and the floor is swept and dry of any dust or liquids.

Advise the head coach of the team if you feel a player in the game is showing signs of a concussion or one is suspected. Don’t assume the coach sees everything. Work as a team to ensure everyone involved does so in a safe environment.