Losing number of fouling player

[ChuckElias]

Originally posted by Daryl H. Long
When I teach new officials the mechanics of the game I make them practice reporting fouls to me. I will not let them say anything to me until they have FIRST said what happened out loud to themselves, and SECONDLY told their partner who fouled (# and color), Who is shooting (# and color), or if no shots verbally state where ball will be inbounded. If ball is to be inbounded and switching means calling official will also handle the inbound, he must also tell his partner he will come back to administer the throwin.

Communication is indeed important, but this seems a little overboard to me. State the color and number of the fouler, and the number of the shooter. Anything beyond that is ok, I guess, but not necessary. If you don't say the shooter's number, then we're not shooting, which means that (by the book) you indicate the throw-in spot; and usually, your partner will know where to inbound the ball.

Tell your partner you're coming back to administer the throw-in? I guess I just don't see the point of that. If you come back to the spot, then s/he'll probably figure it out pretty quick.

None of what you require is "bad", just seems unnecessary to me. My verbalization at the spot of the foul is either "White 23. 15's my shooter", or "White 23," (while pointing to the designated spot for the throw-in).

You would be surprised how many veteran officials I have worked with who balk at this kind of communication when I mention it in my pregame.

No I wouldn't

If they object I tell them they will not get past me to report as I will intercept them on their way to the table.

If you intercept me so that I "will not get past" you, then we will have a problem. That makes us both look bad, and you will get an earful at halftime. Maybe it's just me, but that would piss me off.