I learned something the other night, we went through our meeting, got the captains numbers as we routinely do every game. Well, we had a little toussle that almost escalated. it would have been good to pull captains together or at least mention to each one we need your help out here. I didn't think of it and if I did, I would not have remembered who they were. I like Jeff's idea of writing #'s in book at least it may stick in my memory bank.

Just circle the number of the captains (one from each team) when you sign the book.

Even better.

Do you use washable marker? After all, some teams use different captains for each game. Is the marker color the same contrasting color as the numbers? Or do you just use the basic black Sharpie for all uniforms?

(Oh, wait, maybe you circle the numbers that are written in the book...)

I actually try to remember the numbers during the game, as just a little mental exercise, even if I'm not the R. I ask myself who the captains are before the tip, and at random times through the game. There have been several times I've found the captains are on the bench; many times it's because it's their turn to rest in the rotation, but there have been times the captain is a senior who's injured and may not play, or is just in there to start. So while knowing the captains, or marking them in the book may help sometimes, I'm not sure if I've ever needed them past the opening tip. If there's a problem player, I usually talk directly to that player, or perhaps the coach. If the captain is close, I think I have mentioned something to them once or twice in 20 years. If there's a problem on the court that requires getting both captains together, I'm actually getting both coaches together instead.

The captain designation may have meant more in the past, but it seems like it probably means less during the game now than even the designation of an R on the officiating crew.

Hell, that's easy enough. Use washable captains. Problem solved.

Captain Questions That Need To Be Asked ???
 

Who's the speaking captain? What's your number? Lets' see your number. Are you starting? No? Nevermind.

If one peruses both the NFHS and NCAA Rules Books, one will see that the rules refer to a Captain (singular, not plural). And while we as officials should be willing to commnicate with any player on the court as long as the player is polite and not grinding an ax, because a team has a Captain (singular, not plural), it is customary to ask which player is going to be the speaking captain for the game.

MTD, Sr.

Billy:

Don't you just hate that. :D

MTD, Sr.

Good For A Few Laughs Over Some Adult Beverages After the Game ...
 

No, because I don't ask for speakng captains when I'm the referee. I love it when I'm the umpire and this is asked, and answered, in this manner.