Quote:
Originally posted by Mark Padgett
Quote:
Originally posted by M&M Guy
MP, But do you allow the possibility of some rare game-management type situations where knowing this info could help?
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If you mean the individual foul count below five, the answer is no. In fact, just the opposite. If coaches are aware you have knowledge of the foul count, that just adds to their feelings that you are showing favoritism, especially if you pass on what would be the fifth foul on their opponent's "star" player.
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Remember, I did say "rare" instances. I agree that favoritism, whether it's to a particular player or team, is a definite no-no. It goes back to our credability. We HAVE to be completely impartial when calling a game. In any normal, run-of-the-mill game, this information is not useful to me. In fact, in most cases, even if I know who has 4 fouls I still make a call or no-call based on my reaction to the play. I'm not good enough to be thinking, "Hmm, let's see here, #23, ooh, wait he has 4 fouls, hmm, who else is close, well, there's #15, oops, I can't remember how many fouls he has, oh yea, there's #35, he gave me a dirty look earlier in the game, plus he's ugly, maybe I'll give it to him instead." I can't do that. And I sure hope I'm not working with a partner that does.
However, as I've progressed (however slowly), I've been told that the officials who advance are usually the one who manage the game the best. Managing the game has many facets, not just knowing what is a foul and knowing how to tell a coach to be quiet. It seems like the coach who thanked TerpZebra for not fouling out the opponent's best player might have rated him a little higher for showing "favoritism" to the other team. Why is that?
Like davidw, I'm not entirely sold on this philosophy, but it appears to be something to take under consideration. Going back to the original post on this thread, I have never been told outright at a camp to favor a team's "star" player. But I have been told to be aware of situations during a game, including foul counts. Maybe the key to game management is knowing where that elusive line is of "favoritism", and when (if ever), to cross it. If I ever find it, I'll be happy to post detailed instructions on this forum. ;) In the meantime, I'm still looking.
