Communication with Table

[Rufus]

I've worked as the R for sub-varsity only but always make a point of introducing myself and explaining to them the timing on horns. Just this past weekend we discussed the 20 seconds for players who fouled out and he diligently gave a horn at 15 seconds left and when it was done.

The point about checking to be sure they have a timing device is a good one too. This weekend the clock operator didn't have a watch but he pulled out his phone that had a stopwatch app.

I'll also go check the official book at the end of every period to make sure the books agree with each other as well as with the scoreboard. That's a great time to crack a joke with them (something like, after completing the review, "Thanks, and you guys are doing great, I don't care what my partner says about you"). Obviously you need to be judicial in using humor but I've found it a good way to make the table feel like part of the team.

Anything that can build rapport with the table crew is good in my opinion and will pay dividends during the game.