Getting the fouling player's number

[Snake~eyes]

Originally posted by MJT
The most important thing is to keep officiating after the foul. On most plays you can get the number, but if as a result of the play does not allow you to, it is not the end of the world. I would say may be once a game or two it may be difficult to get the number, but if not more than that, you need to be more cognizant of the fouling player. One thing you can do is if you do not get it right away, as you continue officiating, try to pay attention to the fouling player in your peripheral vision until the play ends and then look back to get his number. Another thing is if you can get one of the numbers, and kind of know what his position was, which can again help you after the play.

I think coaches are just as satisifed when you give them the position, just as long as they know who it was.

Originally posted by MJT
Whatever you do, DO NOT make up a number if you are not sure. It seams as though anytime you do that, the coach says "it cannot be #64, he is standing here beside me!" They usually understand pretty well when you say, "coach, I couldn't see the number at the time, and had to keep officiating." Just try to not let that happen more than once in the same game, if at all possible.

Well duh! If you're going to make up a number you need to atleast pick someone in the game!