Rainmaker,

I have not read Rumploe. What is it?

Find it at the library, if you like dry, dry humor. Rumpole is a barrister (and later, a judge) in the British court system, who finds humor in his work. The first one I think is called "Rumpole of the Bailey". The author is John Clifford Mortimer. There are videos, too. But they're even drier!

Rainmaker,

Thank you for the insight, I will look into this.
Now you have to make me a promise. After I read some of his work and I use some of his humor, you will not take it personally!!!!

Clay

Try inserting one of these -> :D

;)

Clay -- It's hard to take it personally when it starts with the word, "Kelvin..." I just completely missed the light-hearted nature of your heavy sarcasm. Next time, I'll just shrug -- and hope that Kelvin shrugs, too.

asking about player foul trouble
 

How does everyone feel about the suggestion to ask the table if there are players in foul trouble? I personally see it as not a very good idea. If someone on either team hears this information being passed, they will assume the worst: either "You are out to get him!" or "You are protecting him!" Also, I prefer to not have a call subconsciously affected by the knowledge that a certain player has 4 fouls. Often enough, everyone knows, especially if it is a team's star, and that cannot be helped, but I would suggest that this is one case where too much information can be a dangerous thing.

I am fortunate in that most of our scorebaords show both the players number and number of fouls so it is right there for me and everyone to see. I do not see it as a big deal to ask the table if anyone is in foul trouble,(I don't, I only check on time outs left and that the books agree), but usually I am aware of those who are getting close anyway EXCEPT in a game where everyone is fouling like crazy and we are in double bonus in the first and third quarters. In those games I can't keep track of the number of fouls for anyone.

...and in situations where the coaches are subbing like crazy. It's IMPOSSIBLE to keep track of fouls in such a sitch. Fortunately, the fouls are being spread out, so you don't have to worry as much about a player fouling out.

I don not go to the table and ask who is in foul trouble.