[M&M Guy]

Don't scoreboard-watch, but the it is good to know everything on the scoreboard for your own information. For example, you do need to watch the clock to see if it's running (or not) when it's supposed to be. It's nice to know the team foul count so when we get close to the 7th or 10th we will be ready to administer the proper FT's. Knowing the score is good for a variety of reasons. If you know A had 31 points, and there was a foot on the line on a 3-pt. shot, and you see the scoreboard now shows A has 34, you can get it corrected immediately. Also, if B is way ahead, you may need to watch A a little closer for frustration-type fouls. Or, late in the game, when A gets closer, you might want to watch for A fouling to stop the clock (which, of course, brings its own set of problems...). And, of course, being aware of the end of quarters and games can keep you being surprised when the horn does go off.

So, being aware of as much information as possible will help avoid some sticky situations. You would be surprised at how many officials don't even look.