🟡 Reduce as an Official 🚦
🟡 WHAT CAN YOU DO AS AN OFFICIAL TO PREVENT CONCUSSIONS IN BASKETBALL? 🏀
There are certain actions in the game that if not called early by the officials can lead to situations that promote an unsafe head environment later on as players adapt to the more physical play. Many of the below items can be seen with video examples on the PLAYER and COACH pages.
CLICK OR TAP THE DOWN ARROW AT THE RIGHT SIDE OF EACH OF THE BELOW SECTIONS TO EXPAND THE INFORMATION
🏀 UNDERCUTTING
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.
🏀 BLOCKING OUT
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.
🏀 REBOUNDING
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.
🏀 JUMP BALLS
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.
🏀 ROUGH PLAY
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.
🏀 SCREENING
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.
🏀 SAFE ENVIRONMENT
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.
🏀 COMMUNICATE
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.