Illegal Numbers

[Freddy]

Originally Posted by Mregor

OK, I need assistance from all the old guys . . . .

Sorry. I have an answer to your question, but cannot answer because I, in spite of age, do not feel that I qualify to give it.

[BktBallRef]

Years and years ago, 1, 2, and 3 were illegal numbers.

[Zoochy]

I only remember 1 and 2 being illegal. I am guessing the change occurred for them to be legal was 16 years ago.

[stiffler3492]

What was the reasoning for them to be illegal?

[Mark Padgett]

Originally Posted by stiffler3492

What was the reasoning for them to be illegal?

I don't know for sure, but here's my best guess. It had to do with reporting numbers to the table. One, two and three are used to indicate how many shots on a foul. I guess the rules committee thought there could be some confusion on reporting fouls.

Reporting was really tough when I started officiating, since people hadn't evolved enough to have opposable thumbs.

[stiffler3492]

Originally Posted by Mark Padgett

I don't know for sure, but here's my best guess. It had to do with reporting numbers to the table. One, two and three are used to indicate how many shots on a foul. I guess the rules committee thought there could be some confusion on reporting fouls.

That was my initial thought, too.

[Rich]

Originally Posted by BktBallRef

Years and years ago, 1, 2, and 3 were illegal numbers.

1 and 2 changed to be legal in 1999-2000. 3 has always been legal.

Watch me quote a thread from 13 years ago:

Is "1" a legal uniform number?

[Camron Rust]

Originally Posted by Rich

1 and 2 changed to be legal in 1999-2000. 3 has always been legal.

Watch me quote a thread from 13 years ago:

Is "1" a legal uniform number?

Ooo, your so skillful!