Quote:
Originally posted by Mlancaster
I do not agree that a time out is a courtesy, but is a right. You have an obligation to grant a time out if it is called.
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Ok, I'm gonna nit-pick. Obviously, you're going to grant the TO if it's called. . . b/c only the official can call a TO. The coach can request it, yadda, yadda.
Now to my real point. All I meant to say in using the word "courtesy" is that looking at the coach is always,
always a second priority to looking at the players on the floor.
Maybe we just have a difference of opinion, but I don't think the coach has a "right" to having an official watching the bench at all times for a TO signal. If there intense action in front of the closest official, and nobody can hear a verbal request, then you know what? You don't get the TO b/c I'm not taking my eyes off this play. Hopefully, your player is smart enough to run to me with the request.
IF I can check the bench without sacrificing court coverage, then I will check the bench. And let's face it, most of the time at least one of the three officials can sneak a peek
But there will be times -- especially in 2-whistle mechanics -- where it will not be possible. In those situations, the coach is basically in the same boat as s/he was 5 or 6 years ago when coaches couldn't request TOs at all.
As always, just my opinion.