Olympic officials

[SmokeEater]

Originally Posted by Altor

I can't give you an answer as to why, but I will point out that is seems to be common in international competition in many sports to limit the players' numbers to the low end of the number line. FIFA requires teams to use the numbers 1-23, and 1 must be a goalkeeper. They mentioned the water polo players are numbered 1-13, and 1 must be a goalkeeper.

I was told its because all the numbers can be communicated by using either one hand alone or max 2 hands. Over 15, official would then have to use one hand again to communicate the 6 in sixteen. Also, the numbers 1,2 and 3 are not allowed so not to confuse with number of free throws.

[Camron Rust]

Originally Posted by SmokeEater

I was told its because all the numbers can be communicated by using either one hand alone or max 2 hands. Over 15, official would then have to use one hand again to communicate the 6 in sixteen. Also, the numbers 1,2 and 3 are not allowed so not to confuse with number of free throws.

That, obviously, is solved by the NFHS/NCAA limits on numbers to used only the digits 0-5....allowing 54, which is no more difficult to indicate than 12.

Allowing only 4-15 does reduce the chance of miscommunication as only 4 and 5 are used in two different numbers, the rest being entirely unique (per team). It does increase the odds of confusing a number on the two teams as both teams would use all the same numbers.

[APG]

Originally Posted by SmokeEater

I was told its because all the numbers can be communicated by using either one hand alone or max 2 hands. Over 15, official would then have to use one hand again to communicate the 6 in sixteen. Also, the numbers 1,2 and 3 are not allowed so not to confuse with number of free throws.

Well then they could go the NFHS/NCAA route with their numbering system. And who's going to get confused with the number of free throws vs. number of the player? The scorer? Well they'll figure it out real quick after the appropriate amount of free throws have been shot.

[Adam]

Originally Posted by SmokeEater

I was told its because all the numbers can be communicated by using either one hand alone or max 2 hands. Over 15, official would then have to use one hand again to communicate the 6 in sixteen. Also, the numbers 1,2 and 3 are not allowed so not to confuse with number of free throws.

NFHS has the same reasoning (except for the free throw confusion part), but it doesn't preclude such numbers as 33 or 52.

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by Snaqwells

NFHS has the same reasoning (except for the free throw confusion part), but it doesn't preclude such numbers as 33 or 52.

Many years ago, back in the twentieth century, didn't the NFHS define the numerals 1, and 2, as illegal? I'm sure that Mark T. DeNucci, Sr. will be moseying along shortly to confirm, or deny, my statement. Remember Mark, since the Forum's merger with Twitter, all posts must be limited to 140 characters.

[brainbrian]

In my high school conference we had even numbers for our home jerseys and odd numbers for our road jerseys (or vise versa, I don't remember specifically). It helped prevent scorers from accidentally giving fouls or points to the wrong team.

[Adam]

Originally Posted by brainbrian

In my high school conference we had even numbers for our home jerseys and odd numbers for our road jerseys (or vise versa, I don't remember specifically). It helped prevent scorers from accidentally giving fouls or points to the wrong team.

That was the norm at one time.

[brainbrian]

Originally Posted by Snaqwells

That was the norm at one time.

Any idea why they got rid of it? Was it an official rule or just one of those unwritten standards?

[Adam]

Originally Posted by brainbrian

Any idea why they got rid of it? Was it an official rule or just one of those unwritten standards?

I don't remember it being a rule, but someone older and smarter than I am may correct me. I'm not even sure everyone did it everywhere.

[icallfouls]

Did anyone see the intentional fouls that were called early in the 1st quarter.
One went against Patty Mills when the Aussie's were inbounding and committed a turnover. Mills put a hand on the player that had stolen the ball and they called an intentional. It was so weak. Feeble Refs!

[JugglingReferee]

Originally Posted by icallfouls

Did anyone see the intentional fouls that were called early in the 1st quarter.
One went against Patty Mills when the Aussie's were inbounding and committed a turnover. Mills put a hand on the player that had stolen the ball and they called an intentional. It was so weak. Feeble Refs!

Please, tell me more about the situation.

[constable]

Originally Posted by icallfouls

Did anyone see the intentional fouls that were called early in the 1st quarter.
One went against Patty Mills when the Aussie's were inbounding and committed a turnover. Mills put a hand on the player that had stolen the ball and they called an intentional. It was so weak. Feeble Refs!

FIBA has a "clear path" rule. Without having full knowledge of the situation that could be a factor.

[BigBaldGuy]

Originally Posted by constable

FIBA has a "clear path" rule. Without having full knowledge of the situation that could be a factor.

I saw the play...it was a "clear path" rule enforcement.

[BigBaldGuy]

Do the olympic referees work both mens and womens games? Bill Kennedy worked the France/Australia womens game yesterday.

[APG]

Originally Posted by BigBaldGuy

Do the olympic referees work both mens and womens games? Bill Kennedy worked the France/Australia womens game yesterday.

Bill Kennedy (and I want to say Marat Korgut as well if we're naming NBA officials) have worked on both sides during the tournament. And I've definitely noticed, at least Mr. Kennedy, using some NBA mechanics lol