Best way to report numbers

[junruh07]

A couple of years ago when I was at my first clinic, the first guy I called a foul on was number eleven. I reported it as one-one. The clinician quickly told me to always report the number, not the digits. For most numbers it probably doesn't matter, but it sure makes double numbers a lot clearer in my opinion. The table crew might stop listening after hearing the first one, and not hear the second.

[stiffler3492]

For numbers like 11, 12, and the teens, I can see that. But for 22 or 32 or whatever, the scorer could get equally mixed up with hearing "twenty-two". Could hear twenty but not two.

Guess it's best to wait until you have the scorer's full and undivided attention.

[Adam]

Originally Posted by junruh07

A couple of years ago when I was at my first clinic, the first guy I called a foul on was number eleven. I reported it as one-one. The clinician quickly told me to always report the number, not the digits. For most numbers it probably doesn't matter, but it sure makes double numbers a lot clearer in my opinion. The table crew might stop listening after hearing the first one, and not hear the second.

While I agree that it makes more sense to use numbers instead of digits, I don't know that this is a valid reason. If the table crew is that bad, this will be the least of your worries. And as stiffler pointed out, they're just as likely to stop listening at "twenty" as they are at "four."

[M&M Guy]

When I first started, I was told to report the numeral with each digit shown. It kinda made sense, since the table only sees one number at a time when reporting with one hand. In the case of #11, I always wondered how it should be spoken as I show each digit - "e", "leven"? "elev", "ven"? Maybe say it all at once before showing the digits? Or say it after showing the digits? ...sigh...so many choices not covered by the manual...

Remember, this is all about communication - we are communicating to the table the number of the player charged with the foul so it can be properly recorded in the book. It doesn't matter if we say it the "proper" way, but don't speak loud enough for the table to hear. Or, I could be doing all of the "proper" mechanics, but my partners are doing it differently, and the table gets confused because of the differences. Usually the best way to communicate is through consistency, and the NFHS (or NCAA) has set up a reporting procedure so table personnel have a better chance of receiving what we are trying to communicate. But the bottom line is we still need to be able to communicate with the table.

[Rufus]

I once had a clinician explain it this way - "When you get change back at a store do they give you two-five cents or twenty-five cents?" That cleared it up but also speaks to what people are expecting to hear, especially at the scorer's table.

As has been said, though, do as they do/expect in your part of the world and there shouldn't be an issue.

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by Rufus

When you get change back at a store do they give you two-five cents or twenty-five cents?

They usually just give me a quarter.

[grunewar]

When I first started I was taught to say one-two (vice twelve). Then I went to games and training and watched the senior officials in my association and changed.

Hey, when in Rome.....

[Adam]

Originally Posted by grunewar

When I first started I was taught to say one-two (vice twelve). Then I went to games and training and watched the senior officials in my association and changed.

Hey, when in Rome.....

Me too.

[Rufus]

Originally Posted by BillyMac

They usually just give me a quarter.

As I was typing that I was thinking I might want to use two-three, er, twenty-three cents as an example.

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by Rufus

Twenty-three cents as an example.

If the cashier gives me twenty-three cents change, then I'm going to hitch up my belt to keep my pants from falling down. I'll check for "Wheaties" as soon as get home.

[Texas Aggie]

3-2. If you say, "thirty-two", what do you say for 14? "Four-teen?" To me, that would cause more confusion than 1-4. Also, what about 00?

I have been doing 3-2 for almost 25 years and never had any table person with a problem related to that. If they didn't hear me, they weren't going to hear thirty two either.

I have to wonder if those writing these manuals saying "thirty-two" have ever actually officiated.

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by Texas Aggie

3-2. If you say, "thirty-two", what do you say for 14? "Four-teen?" To me, that would cause more confusion than 1-4. Also, what about 00?

I have been doing 3-2 for almost 25 years and never had any table person with a problem related to that. If they didn't hear me, they weren't going to hear thirty two either.

I have to wonder if those writing these manuals saying "thirty-two" have ever actually officiated.

Totally agree. Probably not on the last comment.

Peace

[Scrapper1]

I've done it both ways. For the first half of my career, I did individual digits. Bktballref then convinced me that reporting the number meant a number, not individual digits. I haven't had any significant problems with either approach. If you speak clearly and give strong signals, it probably doesn't matter which way you do it.

But just so I can say I'm following the manual, I now say "twenty-five", rather than "two-five".

[Nevadaref]

Originally Posted by Texas Aggie

3-2. If you say, "thirty-two", what do you say for 14? "Four-teen?" To me, that would cause more confusion than 1-4. Also, what about 00?

Yep, "Four-teen" while showing the 1 and then the 4.

"Double-zero" while showing first one closed-fist and then doing it again.

[TimTaylor]

I use the full number when reporting - never had an issue with it.

My biggest challenge in reporting numbers is going to be switching from the volleyball version of "3" back to the basketball version......might take me part of a game.....