Summer Observations...

It has been a busy summer thus far and we have participated in and watched a TON of basketball. Here are just some random things that i have noticed and thought could create some interesting discussion:

1. The modified time formats of summer games can be really, really maddening. Sometimes I wonder if these tournaments/leagues intent is to help teams prepare for the upcoming season or is it just a money making deal. Certainly, I understand the need to fundraise...but running clock 40 minute basketball games are not very useful, especially in our style of play. I mean, I know it is important to be on time, stay on schedule and/or fit in as many games into a day as you can, but are tournaments really making that much more money by going to this modified format...heck, last year we played in a tournament where the clock would run during time-outs...and no, I'm not joking.

I can see a tourney having 7 minute stop clock quarters or 14 minute stop clock halves, but these weird formats i.e. 2 quarters 8 minute stop clock, 2 quarters 9 minute running clock, is really silly. We hosted a summer tourney last year and played regulation games and found that games moved along much quicker than we thought they would. I can understand the modified format for lower levels, but to me, the modified summer formats for Varsity games make very little sense.

2. Since I'm whining, I might as well continue...hey summer league and summer tournament directors...try getting competent individuals to work the clock and score books. There is nothing worse than watching the clock continue to run during a time-out during a 40 minute running clock game...or having the scorekeepers at the table short you on time outs, POINTS, and/or give the wrong players/team fouls. I don't expect perfection, but I also believe it is an unwise practice to simply have lower level players(or other unqualified personnel) handle these duties, even if they save the tourney a few bucks.

Especially in a situation where a scorekeeper's error effects the game...it is tough sell to our players. We try to have them take these summer games seriously, but if the tournament personnel does a poor job of handling their responsibilities, it sends a mixed message.

3. One last vent...officials...not necessarily how they are calling games(although I think there is room for improvement there)...but I don't like their approach to summer games. I realize they are probably not getting paid all that much and they are doing a bunch of games in a short period of time...but c'mon, at least get up and down the floor and ACT like you are interested in doing your job. It really goes back to my 2nd observation...we as coaches are trying to maximize our players effort and intensity...but when officials aren't doing the same, it is really frustrating.

I understand that summer basketball is a bit more informal than the regular season...but still, especially for those who are doing "the system" or some other form of extreme fast break basketball, the typical format of summer leagues and tournaments are not the most ideal.

What is the solution? Simple...run our own tourney. Which is what we intend to do...unfortunately we could not make it work this year because of MASSIVE renovations to our gym. We did it last year and it was terrific...we made some $$$, the tourney was well organized and we played full regulation games...can't wait until next summer when we can do it again(maybe more than once).