Number Guidelines
 

I need some clarification,

The NFHS rulebook on basketball specifies that numbers on the front of jerseys need to be at least 4" tall and 3/4" Wide.

In regards to the 3/4" wide, is that the overall width of the number or the width of the lines used to create the number?

For example:
http://90media.com/joomla/images/numbers.gif

If the second version is the correct one then there are a lot of illegal numbers on high school basketball jerseys.

I am running into this problem on basketball and volleyball jerseys.

Any clarification would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance.

Interesting question.

Except for the number 1, how much sense does it make for a number to be 4" tall and only 3/4" wide? That's an aspect ratio of greater than 5:1

At least 3/4 x 4 for the number 1 makes clear sense. Problem with using a number one in the example is that a 3/4" x 4" 1 has both a 3/4 overall width and a 3/4 (for lack of a better word) thickness.

I think the rule was written as "3/4 x 4" because of the number 1 being thin. I am questioning how this rule affects other numbers, namely the wider ones. The number 2 for instance will be around 2.5" wide when 4" tall. This satisfies the rule about being larger than 3/4", but it still may not satisfy the rule if the characters "thickness" is less than 3/4".

Which way is the rule intended to be interpreted?

I see what you're saying but if we assume the rule is written properly and can only apply to either line thickness or aspect ratio then we must conclude it relates to line thickness. Don't you agree?

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

If you review Article 4 about borders and shadows, it seems clear they are talking about the line thickness, not the width of the whole number, so I would guess that the other references to width would also be for line width.

BTW, illegal numbers were a big issue in the early NYC PSAL season, as a few teams whose uniforms were supplied by Rucker had numbers on the front of their uniforms that were too small, and subsequently each game began with their opponents shooting techs until the teams were able to get the uniforms altered during term finals break.

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?!?

<font size = -3>Nope, I don't either.</font size>

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

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. :p

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.

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.:D

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.

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

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? :D

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?