Aw, is that a micrometer in your pocket, or are you just happy to see me?

(And I start all my sentences with a capital letter...:p)

The reason I stopped taking my gauge with me was what Camron mentioned - as long as I feel the ball bounces within what I feel is the proper amount, I'm not worried if it has 5.7 lbs. or 7.1 lbs. of pressure in it. I've had balls that were within the stated range stamped on the ball, but still didn't bounce right, for whatever reason.

But, I am jealous of the leather pouch. I still keep my gauge in the little bubble-wrap bag it came in.

Thank you for all of your posts.

It seems that this issue goes on a ref by ref basis. I would think that this is something most referees would not worry about, but I have heard stories (in Volleyball in particular, also loose "3/4 Width Rule") where teams have been required to forfeit due to number width.

Most manufacturers (including Nike and Reebok) offer 4" and 6" front numbers for basketball. Almost all of the 4" variety are illegal by the "at least 3/4 wide" rule.

I am worried I will run into a letter of the law ref and the other team will be shooting techs.

I know, from my standpoint, (and as JRut mentioned before), this is not something high on my priority list. But that might not prevent a well-meaning younger official from seeing this as an opportunity to enforce every possible rule.

Is there a way you can get a verification from the manufacturer or printer that the shirts and numbers are considered legal under HFHS rules? I would think most would take that into consideration before offering that product.

Yeah, can't trust those younger officials. They should have age limits.

btw, I don't know what level or in what leagues you coach (not you, the OP) but one way of ensuring you don't get run over by some overly officious official is to take your concern to whoever assigns officials to your games. Also, most officials associations have an interpreter, discuss with him or bring it up at your yearly interpreter's meeting if you attend such a thing.

I am with JR here... who cares... the rule is ther so you can see the numbers

that being said. I used to do uniform numbering... Any of the standard 4" numbers that are heat applied or embroidered meet the legal size.

I would bet that most numbers on the front of jersys are 6" or more. I dont think I have seen 4" numbers for a long time...

I once lived in a remote area of Alaska where we would travel by plane to some of the villages to officiate the year end tournaments. One of our officials travelled with a tape measure and would always measure the height of the baskets as well as the distance to the free throw lines.

Why? What are you going to do about it if it's a little off? You're still going to play the game, right? At most, you're going to write a report to the state association. Or am I missing something?