If you are the R

[just another ref]

Originally Posted by M&M Guy

If the foul count is "uneven", I better know why - is one team driving more while the other is shooting jump shots from the outside? Maybe, just maybe, we are missing something as a crew; perhaps we've called illegal screens on one team and the other is running a similar offense, so have we missed anything? Not to call something that isn't there, not to "even things up", but to be aware of why the count isn't even.

Often the reason that a foul count is uneven is obvious. But, sometimes, there simply is no reason. I have no problem with any official being aware of the team foul count. I do have a problem with an official who is overly concerned about it for the wrong reasons, which have all been beaten to death here. But on the occasion when the foul count is 9-2 in a game where teams are playing similar styles and seem to be evenly matched, we must simply play on and let the foul count take care of itself. I once heard an official remark,
(okay, it was me) "This calling seems one-sided to me, and I'm one of the guys calling it." We must resist the urge to even it up.

[M&M Guy]

Originally Posted by just another ref

Often the reason that a foul count is uneven is obvious. But, sometimes, there simply is no reason.

Untrue - the reason could be...gasp...one team committed more fouls than the other?!?

As long as we know that, we do know the reason. Just don't let the coach surprise you with that fact. If you missed knowing the count, there might be a chance you missed a foul (or two). If you are already aware and have a reason, the coach might be more willing to accept that you are on top of things and probably didn't miss anything.

[TD21]

Originally Posted by M&M Guy

Untrue - the reason could be...gasp...one team committed more fouls than the other?!?

As long as we know that, we do know the reason. Just don't let the coach surprise you with that fact. If you missed knowing the count, there might be a chance you missed a foul (or two). If you are already aware and have a reason, the coach might be more willing to accept that you are on top of things and probably didn't miss anything.

But they told me that having that knowledge doesn't help you in the game it only hurts you and brings baggage you don't want. Are you telling me that you use information to help you prevent other situations that may occur? Can't you just tell the coach "coach, i don't know what the foul count is and I don't care, I call it how I see it"?

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by TD21

Can't you just tell the coach "coach, i don't know what the foul count is and I don't care, I call it how I see it"?

I used to say that, it does not work very well. They just get mad and upset with you over what they are already thinking. Usually an answer of "Coach, you are not playing the same zone as they are..." usually shuts them up. They realize you are into the game and you realize what is going on and they either move on or keep making an issue which leads to them getting a T. Most coaches do not like to give Ts that only make an already bad situation worse. If that works for JAR, then more power to him.

Peace

[M&M Guy]

Originally Posted by TD21

But they told me that having that knowledge doesn't help you in the game it only hurts you and brings baggage you don't want. Are you telling me that you use information to help you prevent other situations that may occur? Can't you just tell the coach "coach, i don't know what the foul count is and I don't care, I call it how I see it"?

There are many officials that are at the level where that knowledge becomes baggage. For them, the better option is to use that response, instead of thinking about foul counts and worrying about why things aren't even. But as you progress, you will see that the knowledge becomes important for other reasons.

[just another ref]

Originally Posted by M&M Guy

Untrue - the reason could be...gasp...one team committed more fouls than the other?!?

You got me there. Hard to argue with that one.

As long as we know that, we do know the reason. Just don't let the coach surprise you with that fact.

The main thing is not to act surprised. "Mr. Ref, we have 11 fouls and they have 3." "Yes, Coach, and your point is?"

"If you missed knowing the count, there might be a chance you missed a foul (or two).

Whether you know the count or not, there is an excellent chance that you missed some fouls on both teams. I don't know what you mean by this.