I know we've discussed this before, and I refuse to count out loud on inbounds plays.

Wednesday night in a freshman boys game was the first time I had a player ask me for an oral count. Game was tied with about 6 seconds left, and he was inbounding after a time-out. I told him I hadn't been counting out loud all night and I couldn't give him that advantage now.

I guess if the coach wants to count my arm swings out loud so the player can hear, he's welcome to do that.

Nor should you.
Officials' general duties
The officials shall conduct the game in accordance with the rules. This includes:
2-7-9 ...Silently and visibly counting seconds to administer the throw-in ....

[Edited by Nevadaref on Dec 13th, 2002 at 08:08 AM]

I never do an audible count for anything that requires a count on the court. That includes inbounding, 10-second backcourt, closely guarded, 3-seconds, 10-second foul shot. Actually I've never heard of anyone doing the count audibly.

I had one official, who has done a <i>state finals</i> game here in Indiana, tell me he does oral counts. I've also witnessed a pair of varsity officials do an oral count.

I just don't like it, and I agree that it is contrary to NF rules. Obviously, however, some officials are counting out loud.

I've had several cases this season, where the coach or players will audibly count my arm swings...:D

Sorry Hawks Coach...
 

Can the coaches count all the way to ten?

I don't know. But I do know that they don't think I can count to 5. They always tell me when it's been 5 seconds.

Chuck

I always get startled and have to restart my count when the coaches start yelling 3 seconds (5 seconds/10 seconds). ;)

I also need to reassure myself (sometimes that means starting the count over) when a coach chirps for the call.

Re: Sorry Hawks Coach...
 

We don't have to count all the way to 10 - after we get to 5, we're allowed to scream 10 seconds at the top of our lungs. (that's in our casebook!)

We had a ref once who only had nine fingers - had to take a shoe off to get a back court count.

Inbounds counting
 

I learned a mechanic for inbounds at an IAABO camp ...I think... oh well I learned it somewhere.

I keep track of my count by holding out the corresponding number of fingers (start over for a ten count - that 5+5 deal). Additionally, for a throw-in my first count is slightly below shoulder level; 2 at shoulder level; 3 a little higher; 4 a little higher yet; 5 with whistle blowing is straight up. Nothing audible. It really doesn't add anything for the thrower because he's not watching me. I do feel it helps me show the impending situation and to sell the call.

Re: Inbounds counting
 

I would be surprised if this was taught at an IAABO camp, Tony. As far as I know, that method of counting is not mentioned in the Officials Manual. I've seen people counting with their fingers as they swing their arms, but I quickly cure them of that. I've never heard of raising your arm slightly on every count until you get straight up on 5 (or 10). I would think that would look kind of wierd.

Chuck

I'm new to reffing and when I was at my clinic they said to count with your arm on everything except for three seconds in the lane so the coaches don't get mad at you for seeing your arm go out three times and you didn't call it. They said I can count out loud only when it gets to the last couple of seconds. But, these are 3rd grade through 5th grade games. I can see why you wouldn't count out loud for highschool games.

Chris

Hey Jazz, I'm thinking almost the opposite....

At least 3rd graders can count to 5. High schoolers... who knows?