Technical foul averages

[Mark Padgett]

I was talking with my partner during halftime the other night and he commented that as he worked more over the years, the number of technicals he gives out each year has gone down. He wasn't referring to Ts for delay, administrative, etc., but for true unsportsmanlike conduct by both players and coaches.

It got me thinking if the same was true for me. I reflected on my career and decided that in my very early years, I was reluctant to call them somewhat, but after about my third year, I had the confidence that my judgment was good enough to call them if necessary. However, the past few years, my average per season has gone down. I think that's mostly because most of the coaches in the leagues I work, know me, and they have learned not to give me any crap (not necessarily because I have gotten better)

I really can't remember specific numbers of technicals before last season, when I actually started noting them in my PDA, but last season, based on the number of games I did (132 - which was really low for me compared to prior years) and how many so far this season (as of this minute - I say that because I have 3 more later today after 3 I did this morning - 45), my "T average" was 20.5% last year (27 Ts) and 15.6% so far this season (7 Ts).

Anyone else want to venture a guess on theirs? I suppose you could state this as a probablility number as to the likelihood of whether you will call a T in a game or not.

This really has no scientific basis, but you can use it to draw conclusions about your ability to maintain control of your games - or not.