Identical numbers

[jTheUmp]

We make sure there are no duplicate numbers at lower levels here... at a certain point though (9th grade and below, usually) other uniform issues are ignored.

At least for me, this is usually for foul-counting purposes... if you have three players wearing #32, and they pick up 7 fouls combined (say, 5-2-0), we don't have a good way to tell which player has fouled out of the game.

Four strips of athletic tape (one on each side of the jersey) quickly turns 3 #32s into #2, #3, and #32. If #2 or #3 are already in use, we can create #82 and #38, which is good enough for me in a lower level game, despite those technically being illegal also.

Other sports (football) don't have this issue (save flagrant fouls and unsportsmanlike fouls, but I've yet to see that be a problem).

If you have a crew and a an official book/table crew worth a darn, this won't even be an issue.

Having a table crew that's worth a darn is a fairly optimistic ask at these levels.

[SD Referee]

Originally Posted by jTheUmp

We make sure there are no duplicate numbers at lower levels here... at a certain point though (9th grade and below, usually) other uniform issues are ignored.

At least for me, this is usually for foul-counting purposes... if you have three players wearing #32, and they pick up 7 fouls combined (say, 5-2-0), we don't have a good way to tell which player has fouled out of the game.

Four strips of athletic tape (one on each side of the jersey) quickly turns 3 #32s into #2, #3, and #32. If #2 or #3 are already in use, we can create #82 and #38, which is good enough for me in a lower level game, despite those technically being illegal also.

Other sports (football) don't have this issue (save flagrant fouls and unsportsmanlike fouls, but I've yet to see that be a problem).


Having a table crew that's worth a darn is a fairly optimistic ask at these levels.

I understand your take and don't necessarily disagree with you.

Luckily for me, where we work, the table crew is the same that works the varsity game(s). Identical numbers are not an issue.

[bainsey]

Originally Posted by jTheUmp

We make sure there are no duplicate numbers at lower levels here... Four strips of athletic tape (one on each side of the jersey) quickly turns 3 #32s into #2, #3, and #32.

And for that reason, local supervisors will not allow duplicate numbers, at any level. I reached out and got confirmation here. When in Rome...

[SD Referee]

Originally Posted by bainsey

And for that reason, local supervisors will not allow duplicate numbers, at any level. I reached out and got confirmation here. When in Rome...

Well said my friend!

I still think you and your assignor are being a little over the top, but if that's protocol in your area then more power to you guys.

In my area, identical numbers are not an issue as we have really good table workers. Nobody in our area seems to mind. I suppose the first time there is a huge problem that could change. Then again, it's JV so how huge could a problem be?

[Eastshire]

Originally Posted by SD Referee

Well said my friend!

I still think you and your assignor are being a little over the top, but if that's protocol in your area then more power to you guys.

In my area, identical numbers are not an issue as we have really good table workers. Nobody in our area seems to mind. I suppose the first time there is a huge problem that could change. Then again, it's JV so how huge could a problem be?

I love these magical lands where no one gets worked up over JV games. Every where I've worked JV is 80-90% as intense as varsity. Heck, the game where my partner was assaulted was a sophomore game.

[SD Referee]

Originally Posted by Eastshire

I love these magical lands where no one gets worked up over JV games. Every where I've worked JV is 80-90% as intense as varsity. Heck, the game where my partner was assaulted was a sophomore game.

Nothing magical about it. We have mostly good kids in our area and good coaches. They understand it's not the state championship and know the talent level on the floor.

If there are any problems it's with the parents that think it's the state championship and their kid is the next Michael Jordan.