[Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.]

If we read the orginal post we see that the clock was stopped in a timely manner. Therefore, under NFHS rules the period ended when the clock's horn sounded. From the information given in the original post I really can't say if the officials left the court too soon. But this is a good example for the need for good pregame conferences as well as short meetings during time outs late in the game. From the original post it appears that the officials did meet immediately after the horn sounded and made the correct decision that the game was over.

By rule the game was over and the officials were incorrect to go back on the court and put 0.2 seconds back on the clock. Hypothetically, if the officials were not sure what to do at the time the horn sounded, they would have been well within their jurisdiction to adjourn to their dressing room (this would not be considered leaving the visual confines of the court) to check the rule book and casebook and then returned to the court and announce their ruling.