Thanks, everyone!

I was hoping the game would be on the site for viewing today, but it isn't posted.

Although there's some difference in opinion about a few habits I've picked up in the last year or so, I will put into practice many of the tips you've all offered. I need to re-read the posts to absorb everything, but here are some thins that stick out. (by the way, I'm too competitive to give up the stripes just yet, I have to get better at this first):

1. Stand tall when at the reporting area;
2. Consistently hustle to the reporting area (I watched a game last night where the officials reported fouls from the end lines);
3. Get better at knowing the foul situation and when bonus is about to take effect;
4. Get better at keeping track of the AP rather than relying on the table or the extra whistle I rotate from pocket to pocket; and
5. Raising my hand before I hand or bounce the ball to the thrower (hadn't thought about this before but it makes good sense).

There was also many good tips pertaining to three person mechanics. I'll study those suggestions, too, althouugh I don't think I'll work any more of those this season. I can see why some officials like it over two person.

Again, thanks.

IMO, it isn't always necessary to signal "two" on a shooting foul. If everyone in the building knows it was a shooting foul the communication is worthless. Other times it is needed.
Whether NFHS, NCAA or NBA I find value in doing things for a particular reason instead of just following what others do. Most of the time, we should be able to explain why we do certain things.

I'm still relatively new to reffing
 

And EVERY ref in our association asks that we communicate two/three shots on a shooting foul. The reason: they know whether it is shooting or on the floor and then know to get the players ready during the report of the foul. How else would one communicate this info to their crew?

Be Ready
 

Oh, Oh! Duck. Here it comes.

Bring It!!
 

Yea, whatever, bring it. I got broad shoulders today.

For what is it worth in the CCA Men's Basketball Manual it says on page 77 under Article 2. The Calling Official, it says: "Before reporting the foul to the scorer, it is the responsibility of the calling official to inform the player who is to attempt the free throw(s) and to tell a partner the shooter's number. If two free throws are to be attempted, visually and verbally notify your partners.

For the record I seem to always say "two shots" (one or three when appropriate) and signal two shots when I am calling any shooting foul. I have never been told not to do it that way. I do not see why this is a problem. I guess this is just one of those things that get people all riled up in one area and is not an issue in another.

Peace

I agree with you JRut, if one would follow the manual it wouldn't be an issue. HN's memo was addressing those that signal two immediately at the whistle and go running at the table. I know I've seen it on TV. That can get you in trouble.

Sounds like...
 

"In these situations, do not signal two free throws until it is clear that there is no goal tending or basket interference."

This and other quotes imply that the 2 finger signal may need to be delayed but not dispensed.

You always signal the number of shots to be awarded. Yes, there are different timing issues but it should never be ignored.

I just don't see the value of calling out the fouling player's number on a foul where everyone knows which team has fouled. I know it's in the book. I don't see the value of it OR the preliminary signal. As far as I'm concerned, they could call all of them (holding, pushing, etc.) cheating and eliminate the signal entirely, even the one at the table.

I can stand there and "Red 34 foul, white 22 shooter while making a preliminary signal" or I can make sure I have the only whistle, communicate whether we're shooting, and go to the table while my partners get the shooter to the line. I have the shooter's number as well as the fouler's numbers. Not certain how it helps the game to stay there and make announcements.

Mental Block
 

It's not my age, because I've always had trouble doing this, but whenever I try to remember the numbers of both the "fouler" and the "foulee", I can confuse them on the way to the table, so at the site of the foul, I make eye contact with my partner, verbalize the color and number of the "fouler", and, if shooting, point to the "foulee", and take a quick peak at what the "foulee" looks like. I know it's not by the book, but it's the best I can do.

During the rare instances that I call a double foul, I really have to concentrate on the way to the table to make sure that I don't confuse the two colors and two numbers.

Billy boy..........

We share the same 'disease' Another problem I have if there is a double whistle on a foul, I hold my call and confer with partner, by then I have no idea who fouled. A matter of focus perhaps.

That is a focus issue for sure. I had a similar problem, now I just ask to make sure my partner had the same number that I had on the foul. Just simply slow down and do not be in a big hurry to report the foul. That is what helped me to not lose the number.

Peace