Illegal Numbers
 

OK, I need assistance from all the old guys, or at least one. During my game last night, I went to report a foul and the offending player was #1. I reported and at half told my partner that I thought #1, #2 and were illegal numbers (along with 0 and 00 at the same time). I bet my partner and well, I obviously lost the bet and had to buy the beverage of choice after the game. My point is, I know I'm old and memory and eyesight is going fast, but I'm wanting to prove to myself that I'm not crazy. Can anyone confirm that it used to be illegal to wear #1, #2? I'm sure it was when I started this many moons ago but i finally ditched all my old rule books last time I moved.

Roger

BM, You Got an Answer to This
 

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. :o

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

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

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.

That was my initial thought, too.

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

Watch me quote a thread from 13 years ago:

http://forum.officiating.com/basketb...rm-number.html

Ooo, your so skillful! :)