Oklahoma Deserves Three

Just like education reform, Oklahoma is lagging behind when it comes to utilizing three person mechanics for varsity basketball contests. I can count on one hand the number of states that do not utilize three person mechanics at some point during post season play. There are numerous reasons why we should move to three person mechanics, so this post only touches the surface.
 
Is it really necessary to be so stubborn when it comes to change? Are students and athletes located in other states more important than our own kids? The answer to these two questions should be a resounding “No!” However, a lack of action and poor planning has education as a whole in dire straits. High school athletics are merely an extension of the classroom, where lifetime values such as citizenship, sportsmanship, teamwork, and hard work are reinforced.
 
Some coaches are hesitant to jump on board with using three officials as they believe there will be more whistles, which will slow down the game. However, statistics show that the game is not impacted by the number of whistles or types of rulings measured when using three officials. Using three officials actually provides more quality whistles on rulings and better game management. The need to guess is virtually eliminated as every angle can be covered adequately. It is near impossible for even the best two person crew to see everything.
 
In case you have not noticed athletes today are bigger, stronger, and faster than ever before. There are very few officials that can actually keep up with the pace of the game plus have quality whistles using two person mechanics. When the primary focus is on keeping up with the game, quality suffers. The feedback from schools that have allowed the use of three person crews is very positive. Most agree that the entire game atmosphere is improved and there are fewer problems with coaches and fans.
 
The number of officials is declining and it is not entirely due to unruly spectators. Many experienced and veteran officials are retiring from varsity contest because they simply cannot keep up. Using three person mechanics will prolong the careers of these valuable officials and help get younger people started by not feeding them to the wolves each night out.
 
That wraps another 3 Seconds In The Stripes!