Free Throw Count

[Blackhawk357]

Two of the eight officials that worked my tournament this weekend (in a "mixed crew") were from the same association (different than mine). Both stood right at the FTL Extended, and used a visible count on free throws, that started at their hip and extended above their shoulder. Neither wanted anything to do with a discussion about a less distracting count. My guess is that they are being tought this in their local association.

Is this something anyone else sees, and am I being too "persnickety" in asking our guys not to distract the shooter like that?

Blackhawk

[BktBallRef]

Just a wrist flick is all that's needed.

Why are they standing FT line extended? How can they possibly see FT lane violations on the opposite side?

[canuckrefguy]

I've seen others do this, but parallel to the floor, similar to their 10-sec or 5-sec count. I think it's a bit distracting too, but so far, no one seems to care.

My count consists of the opening and closing of my left hand as my arm rests by my hip.

I think you should be as innocuous as possible with these counts, but to each his/her own, I guess.

[Blackhawk357]

BktBallRef~

That was almost exactly my comments to them. The only response was "That's the way we do it".

Luckily I didn't have to work with either of them. I think one could be a very good official if he would just loose the attitude. The other, IMO there isn't much hope for.

Blackhawk

[Mark Padgett]

Do they realize that the more visible their count, the more someone will want them to actually call this violation if they get to ten???!!!!

[firedoc]

I tend to stand at the top of the free throw circle and my count is a very inconspicuous flickof the wrist.