I appreciated that Blum column very much. His columns are always an enjoyable read.
However, I disagreed with his thoughts on 3 seconds in that piece. More than any other call, I think having a knowledgeable fan courtside to yell 3 seconds is extremely helpful. It is an area where the refs rarely look, but I know that I have personally influenced games in the past when I yelled "3 seconds" or "watch the lane" when it was quiet. The refs aren't typically looking at the lane or a player's feet in the lane. But, once it's yelled, watch the ref look at it and he'll start counting. It's the most effective way for a fan to pick up an extra turnover or two per game for the team and that can make all the difference!
Plus, I've reffed games before where a fan (parent) did that and it influenced me. There are so many moving parts in a play that you don't always have time to watch a big man's feet in the lane. However, if someone is yelling it in your ear, then you can't ignore it and are practically forced to look.
Thus, keep yelling 3 seconds ISU fans! Dont' be discouraged by the Blum article, or embarrassed to do it. I don't think there's any call in the game you can influence more than the 3 second call. It's got the least amount of "discretion" as any call. It is entirely objective - watch the lane - count to 3. Keep doing it!
