Twenty four or two four?

Mark Padgett

No, this isn't about the old Chicago song, "25 or 6 to 4". It's about how we report numbers of players to the score table. I've always been told the proper way is to say the actual number, such as "twenty four", but ever since the NBA officials started using individual digits a while back (i.e.: two four), it seems most of the officials I work with use that method. One guy told me he does it because "it's cool".

Do your assignors direct you or does your association specify which method they want you to use? Do you just use one or the other for some other reason?

Maybe we should take a poll.

tref

I haven't heard any directives from our association or assignors, but I've been taught to give the entire number as you do.

grunewar

Mark Padgett wrote
Do your assignors direct you or does your association specify which method they want you to use? Do you just use one or the other for some other reason?

Since I began a few yrs back I was always a 2 - 4 person for lack of any direct guidance and I had no problems with it.

However, the other night, one of our evaluators/trainers said to use 24. I was kinda surprised by it as no one had ever differentiated before. But now I go with the flow (shocker). Easy adjustment.

As they say on the ole Forum, "When in Rome......

M&M Guy

For me, it depends on the level. In HS, using NFHS mechanics, I verbalize the individual numerals, two-four, because I display them individually. Using NCAA-W mechanics, I verbalize the number, twenty-four, because I display the whole number at one time.

I know other areas might be different, but the most important aspect is to make sure your scorekeeper understands you. Do what's used in your area, so there's less confusion.

Welpe

The chapter I belong to trains us to say the whole number "twenty-four" instead of the individual digits.

Mark Padgett

The main reason I was given for using the entire number was that there is much less possibility of confusing the book guy (or hot mom). If you say the individual digits, there's the chance they might hear only the first one and give the foul to a kid with a single number. The real only chance that might happen if you use the entire number is when you report number 14 (assuming the teams are using only legal numbers). I guess if you use the entire number, there's still a (very) small chance they might only hear, for instance, "thirty" when you say "thirty one" and give the foul to number thirty, but that's a long shot.

Gargil

I was trained to verbalize the whole number. I started out verbalizing the indivual digits, but was told at 2 seperate camps to verbalize the whole number.

Pantherdreams

I say twenty four because up here a two four means you've just asked for a flat of beer.😉

BillyMac

"Two Four". That's what we've been taught here in our little corner of Connecticut. Been that way for thirty years.

I like M&M Guy's reasoning: "I verbalize the individual numerals, two-four, because I display them individually".

Bottom line: When in Rome ...

jdmara

I've been told both ways at different camps. I actually do both as odd as that sounds.

{Foul is on} "24, {Two fingers} 2, {Four fingers} 4, Contact, Two shots....."

Always worked well for me.

-Josh

APG

I've always been a full number guy. Never had a problem doing that way and never had anyone say anything about it.

Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.

TWENTY-FOUR

MTD, Sr.

bas2456

In my limited time on the court, I've verbalized each individual digit as I display the number with my hand.

I've had a lot of partners who have done both while reporting, and I don't find anything wrong with it. As long as the table is clear on who is to be charged with the foul, it doesn't matter to me how ya do it.

Judtech

I have a very difficult time with the "When In Rome" reasoning. It is bad enough that NCAA -W NFHS/NCAAA Men have different signals. It is hard enough remembering which way to report with out trying to 'figure' out how to report 24 as: XXIV or XX IV or II IV !?!?!?

Nevadaref

jdmara wrote
I've been told both ways at different camps. I actually do both as odd as that sounds.

{Foul is on} "24, {Two fingers} 2, {Four fingers} 4, Contact, Two shots....."

Always worked well for me.

-Josh

YUCK. You give the number to the scorer twice?
Please cease doing that immediately.
Nothing looks more like a rookie.

CMHCoachNRef

I have always used the full number. The main assignor in Central Ohio demands the full number. His reasoning is that player #1 and #2 is at a distinct disadvantage since a foul on 1-2 (i.e. 12) can be erroneously assigned to #1 and/or #2 in error.

Jay R

I have always used the two digits. The main assignor in Anywhere USA demands the two digits. His reasoning is that player #20 and #4 is at a distinct disadvantage since a foul on twenty four (i.e. 2-4) can be erroneously assigned to #20 and/or #4 in error.

tref

jdmara wrote
I've been told both ways at different camps. I actually do both as odd as that sounds.

{Foul is on} "24, {Two fingers} 2, {Four fingers} 4, Contact, Two shots....."

Always worked well for me.

-Josh

Funny how various regions do things differently! Out here "Foul is on" and "contact" are frowned upon.

grunewar

tref wrote
Funny how various regions do things differently! Out here "Foul is on" and "contact" are frowned upon.

And, don't say, "I've got" either..... 😮

Nevadaref

Plus it would be nice if he gave the color too. 😉