Local opinion: Scorekeepers need to pay better attention, or go sit in the stands with their friends

By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on December 18, 2014 1:48 PM

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While the electronic age has certainly improved the statistic keeping process for every sport played, it's also presented some problems.

Particularly cell phones.

And their use at inappropriate times.

In just the past three weeks, I have witnessed several basketball scorekeepers secretly texting underneath the table while games are in progress. These same scorekeepers have to be nudged to look up from their phones and record a foul given by the referee.

Once they write it in the book, they're back to texting.

On three occasions, at the same school, a scorekeeper has allowed players to remain in the game after they've committed their fifth foul. One of those players scored two baskets that should have never counted.

When officials walk over to the table before the game, they spend at least five minutes discussing the importance of keeping an accurate book. They remind the scorekeepers -- especially the home book because it's official -- to mark the running score first, keep proper track of the fouls and jump ball possessions, and do not cheer for your team at the table.

At halftime, the referees ask if the books are correct. The scorekeepers nod their head in agreement.

But, to no one's surprise, I constantly hear them arguing over fouls or who has the ball to start the second half after the referees head to the locker room. It's all because they're too busy texting their friends, who on most occasions, are in the stands.

They just don't pay attention.

So, what can be done to alleviate the problem?

The school's athletics director or the clock operator, who is usually a faculty member, should confiscate the phones before the game. Once the game has ended, the scorekeeper can ask the AD for their phone back.

The opposing team's coach should follow the same guideline.

If the problem continues, the referee could assess a technical foul to the scorekeeper who uses their phone. Maybe then they'll get the message that what's happening on the court is more important than having a conversation with someone that can take place after the game.

Or, just replace the scorekeeper with someone who is more responsible and attentive.

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Before each boys' game, either someone sings the national anthem or it's played from a CD over the school's PA system.

Everyone is asked to stand and remove their headgear.

That means headphones attached to iPhones, too. At two different games, I've witnessed players from opposing teams either text or listen to music as they stood during the anthem. One coach observed their player behaving in that manner and did not say a word.

It's the national anthem -- a symbol of our country that deserves your respect and undivided attention.

Put the phone away.

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We're keeping an eye on three basketball players -- all girls -- this winter.

Juniors Tyona Moses of Goldsboro and Zaria Atkins of Southern Wayne are approaching the 1,000-point plateau in their respective careers. Moses has 972 points, while Atkins has 925.

Rosewood junior Lexi Mercer has 1,328 career points.

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Talk about heart.

Charley Cox deserves recognition for a career-best, 30-point night against James Kenan on Tuesday.

The Princeton point guard had allergy shots and breathing treatments that morning. She took two hard falls during the game, including one that cut open her chin. Once the trainer bandaged her injury, Cox returned to the court and buried a 3-pointer.

She needed three stitches after the game.

The Bulldogs won, 50-45.