On the Floor, et al

[Coltdoggs]

Originally Posted by Snaqwells

I got to thinking during my most recent game about things officials say that drive me nuts.

Aside from "reach" and "over the back," I mean.

First of all is "play the rim" or "wait til it hits the rim" on free throws. This is probably just me being an anal rules geek, but the fact that they can come in once it hits the backboard negates this phrase.

Then there's, "Coach, feel free to ask us questions during the game, we'll be happy to answer them."

Of course, there's "on the floor." Similar to "play the rim," it communicates a mistaken rule basis, but generally gets the right point across.

Anyone else have any others?

I ask to see if there's something I'm saying that drives other officials nuts.

I'd much rather my partner communcate to me with "on the floor" rather than "on the ground" as one of my rec leagues partners does....At least if I am in question I now know for sure....

Same with saying "stay here"...I do say that but I say it to the players who may not have their head in the game and see me point and announce the color.

One I hear some guys say is "1 and the bonus"....NO! NO! NO!...it's 1 and 1!

I too fall into the category of not being able to stand officials calling "reach" and "over the back" when reporting...drives me NUTS!

[Scrapper1]

Originally Posted by Coltdoggs

I'd much rather my partner communcate to me with "on the floor" rather than "on the ground" as one of my rec leagues partners does....

Why not simply communicate what actually happened? "No shot!" That says it all. No ambiguity. "On the floor" is slang and communicates different things to different people.

One I hear some guys say is "1 and the bonus"....NO! NO! NO!...it's 1 and 1!

For fouls 7, 8 and 9, it actually is one shot and a bonus free throw if they make the first. I agree it's a little "wordier", but it's actually exactly correct (until you hit the 10th foul), and shows some knowledge of basketball history. (A fouled player used to be awarded one free throw on ANY foul. The "and the bonus" was given after the 7th foul of the half.)

[fullor30]

Just me, but the "two shots, relax" and a ref I know who says on the second attempt "OK gentleman, time to go to work". Another one......."alright here we go"

I may say "line up" if they are tardy and that's about it other than 1-1 or two shots. Not much for chatter from me.

[Dan_ref]

Originally Posted by Scrapper1

Why not simply communicate what actually happened? "No shot!" That says it all. No ambiguity. "On the floor" is slang and communicates different things to different people.

When I'm asked by a coach why his player isn't getting free throws after he's fouled "on the floor coach" always ends the discussion. To me that slang is worth using.

Here's one - you walk into the FT lane, hold up 2 fingers and shout "TWO" then as you're waiting for the first FT the guy standing next to you turns his head and says "how many ref?" While it doesn't exactly drive me nuts it continues to amaze me how often this happens at every level.

[texaspaul]

man to man, I believe was considered as "HUMAN", not boy or girl...

[ABO77]

I'm trying to break the habit of saying "fouls on" and "stay here"...but whats wrong with saying "on the floor"?

[Nevadaref]

Originally Posted by HawkeyeCubP

"That's a..." or "no - no - no" (preceeding a travel, etc.)

You win. That one is clearly the worst.

Originally Posted by ABO77

I'm trying to break the habit of saying "fouls on" and "stay here"...but whats wrong with saying "on the floor"?

Most players begin the act of shooting while they are still in contact with the floor, so saying "on the floor" doesn't distinguish whether the player was in act of shooting or not. It is a pointless comment which communicates no real information.
Think about these two things:

What if a player takes a set shot instead of a jump shot?

If a player jumps into the air and then is fouled while passing the ball, do you say "in the air?"


It doesn't matter where the player was. It only matters what he was doing.

[Coltdoggs]

Originally Posted by Nevadaref

Most players begin the act of shooting while they are still in contact with the floor, so saying "on the floor" doesn't distinguish whether the player was in act of shooting or not. It is a pointless comment which communicates no real information.
Think about these two things:

What if a player takes a set shot instead of a jump shot?

If a player jumps into the air and then is fouled while passing the ball, do you say "in the air?"


It doesn't matter where the player was. It only matters what he was doing.

I disagree that it communcates no real info...

Player who gets bumped while driving, you blast the wistle, as soon as the bump/whistle occurs he throws up a shot that goes in...looks like a continuation. Coach and player both want to know why they are not shooting.

I get that you can say NO SHOT or offer explanation BEFORE THE SHOT but I'm still ok with ON THE FLOOR in this case...especially if I am in question as to when my partner actually saw the foul take place and when he whistled the foul.

[ChuckElias]

Originally Posted by Coltdoggs

I disagree that it communcates no real info...

Well, Nevadaref pretty clearly pointed out exactly WHY it communicates no real info. It is simply slang that is announcer-speak for "no shot". So just say, "no shot".

I get that you can say NO SHOT or offer explanation BEFORE THE SHOT but I'm still ok with ON THE FLOOR in this case...especially if I am in question as to when my partner actually saw the foul take place and when he whistled the foul.

Sigh. But "on the floor" is completely irrelevant to the question of whether free throws will be awarded, regardless of when he whistled the foul.

Look, it's not going to matter to me one bit whether you say "on the floor" or "no shot". My one piece of advice, don't use "on the floor" at camp.

[Dan_ref]

Originally Posted by ChuckElias

Well, Nevadaref pretty clearly pointed out exactly WHY it communicates no real info. It is simply slang that is announcer-speak for "no shot". So just say, "no shot".

If it is slang that is equivalent to "no shot" for most of the community then why not use it? "On the floor" while not precise communicates exactly the message you intend to those not as familiar with the rules as you.

btw...are you opposed to saying you googled something when you really should say you performed a web search?

[Mark Padgett]

In a wreck game I was working between the Sopranos and one of the other "families", a player was dribbling and got shot multiple times from someone in the stands. His body was scattered in a bloody mess all over the court. I looked down at it and declared "on the floor". Obviously, I couldn't rule "before the shot". BTW - Tony hit a jumper at the horn to win, 2-0.

Damn, gotta take those holiday meds.

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by ChuckElias

Well, Nevadaref pretty clearly pointed out exactly WHY it communicates no real info. It is simply slang that is announcer-speak for "no shot". So just say, "no shot".

Sigh. But "on the floor" is completely irrelevant to the question of whether free throws will be awarded, regardless of when he whistled the foul.

Look, it's not going to matter to me one bit whether you say "on the floor" or "no shot". My one piece of advice, don't use "on the floor" at camp.

I have to completely agree with Chuck on this. It might be a term that everyone truly understands, but do not use it at any camp if you want to look like you do not know what you are doing.

Peace