Number Guidelines

[M&M Guy]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

Honestly, this is one of these rules I do my best to know little about. I am not going to measure the length and width of any number. I just want to make sure there are numbers on both sides of a uniform and sometimes that is not important.

Peace

What?!? You don't carry a ruler in your pocket just for things like this, along with an air-pressure guage to make sure the ball has equal pressure from the beginning to the end of the game?!?

Nope, I don't either.

[Dan_ref]

cough cough gauge cough

[M&M Guy]

Originally Posted by Dan_ref

cough cough gauge cough

The whole game, or just for the pre-game festivities?

[Jurassic Referee]

Originally Posted by M&M Guy

What?!? You don't carry a ruler in your pocket just for things like this, along with an air-pressure guage to make sure the ball has equal pressure from the beginning to the end of the game?!?

Nope, I don't either.

I always carried an air-pressure gauge. Used it too. Got nailed too many times by running teams over-inflating the ball and slow-down teams taking the air out of it. We had coaches that were noted for doing this. Old, old trick.

Note that I know how to spell "gauge" correctly too.

[M&M Guy]

Originally Posted by Jurassic Referee

I always carried an air-pressure gauge. Used it too. Got nailed too many times by running teams over-inflating the ball and slow-down teams taking the air out of it. We had coaches that were noted for doing this. Old, old trick.

Note that I know how to spell "gauge" correctly too.

Hey, gauge this.

I do also have a gauge in my bag, but I usually don't bring it out on the floor with me because I do the "bounce" test. I have replaced balls that were either under- or over-inflated many times. I also have a needle in my jacket pocket in case we need to take some air out, because it seems as though over-inflation is more of an issue than under-inflation.

But I've never had the gauge or needle with me during the game to check for consistancy. That, to me, would fall under the same category as measuring the width of numbers on a jersey.

[Jurassic Referee]

Originally Posted by M&M Guy

Hey, gauge this.

well, I do own a micrometer. However, there ain't nowayinhell a micrometer of mine is ever gonna touch that. Eeeewwwww.

Btw, I kept the gauge and needle in my jacket pocket in a little leather drawstring pouch. Saves running around if the game ball seems funny or someone asks you to check it.

[Junker]

Do you carry an air pump as well in case you need to add more air? Possibly a tape measure to make sure the rims are regulation?

[shanis42]

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.

[M&M Guy]

Originally Posted by shanis42

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.

[WhistlesAndStripes]

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.

[Scrapper1]

Originally Posted by Whistles & Stripes

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?

[M&M Guy]

Originally Posted by Jurassic Referee

well, I do own a micrometer. However, there ain't nowayinhell a micrometer of mine is ever gonna touch that. Eeeewwwww.

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...)

Originally Posted by Jurassic Referee

Btw, I kept the gauge and needle in my jacket pocket in a little leather drawstring pouch. Saves running around if the game ball seems funny or someone asks you to check it.

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.

[Junker]

As far as the OP, I guess if I noticed the numbers were significantly different than what they usually are, I might mention it, but I've never seen anything remotely close. This sounds like something the school should be taking up with their uniform providers before they order. I know the rules state exact specifications, but I've never heard of anyone having a problem with the size of their numbers in my area.

As far as the sidebar conversation, I never carry a gauge, but do take a needle along. You can almost always take a little air out of the ball.

[Camron Rust]

Originally Posted by Jurassic Referee

I always carried an air-pressure gauge. Used it too. Got nailed too many times by running teams over-inflating the ball and slow-down teams taking the air out of it. We had coaches that were noted for doing this. Old, old trick.

Note that I know how to spell "gauge" correctly too.

Why bother with a gauge? Isn't the real point how high/low it bounces on the playing court?

I'd think the actual pressure, while it may be within the range stamped on the ball, could still be out of the needed range depending on the floor.