Two Four Or Twenty Four ...

[JRutledge]

When I started officiating in the mid-90s, we were told to give each number. Part of is was to slow you down and I cannot think of anyone that did not know what you were saying. So if you had 24, you said "Two, four."

Another part of the reasoning is that people would say numbers like 13, 14, 15 and often not enunciate the numbers well and all would be heard was "teen" part and if you were not deliberate as well, you would be misunderstood. And your accent or loudness of your voice would also be an issue.

I have no problem with the new standard, but it was also silly to act like people did not know what two numbers meant. It usually helped the scorer know what you were saying. The only issue I have with the newer mechanic with two-hands is that officials would be so quick to report they would forget to do basics to report the foul.

Peace