Quote:
Originally posted by footlocker
I don't know if I will ever be in similar trouble or not but I haven't thus far. I watch a lot of officials go notify the coach. Typically, they get about 2/3 of the way to the huddle, put a finger up and say something about half of the time.
My partner and I jog all the way to the huddle like we are an uninvited guest at a party, put a finger up and let the coach know, "First horn Coach."
Then I stand there. "Let's go, bring 'em out coach."
Now it may seem like I have nothing else to say or no other reason to be there. Wrong. "White ball coach, on the side." "Let's go." By then, the ususally have it and the players and I come out together. If they miss it, the coach can't complain that I failed to get them ready.
Obviously this is no gaurantee that I still won't end up in your situation. But I thought I'd share how I do it.
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I don't agree with this for two reasons:
1. An official has no business in a coach's huddle. That is their area. Just as you don't want coaches coming out onto the floor or over to your huddle at midcourt after the 2nd quarter ends. After the first horn, get close enough to give the necessary message; that's all.
2. By improperly staying there you think that you are speeding things up, but you are actually delaying the game.
This is the case, since, if I am administering the throw-in and the other team is properly ready to play at the second horn, I want to put the ball in play now, but I can't because, you, my partner, are out of position as you are still standing over by this team's bench.
Now that may seem harsh, but I have never had to put the ball down more than once in any game, and I will only do it early. If there is 2 minutes to play, I'm not going to hose somebody. Putting the ball on the floor once is what speeds up the game, not standing over by the huddle begging the team to come out.
Lastly, here's the correct procedure:
From the NFHS officials manual: 274 pg. 45
"At the warning signal (first horn),
the officials will step toward the team huddle and notify the coaches/bench by raising an index finger and saying "first horn." The officials should then move toward their proper positions to resume play. Officials shall see that each team has five players on the court. After the second horn to end the time-out, the administering official shall sound his/her whistle to indicate play is ready to resume. Signal when the clock is to start."
The bold is mine.