[Bobby]

Here's a new one.

I'm running the timers for a pickup game between two churches in a friendly game, and there is a 30-second shot clock. Players called their own violations, two volunteer "officials" call out of bounds and timing questions. (The three-portable system uses a portable scoreboard on the scorer's table, and a set of NBA-grade game shot clocks on each end -- the device contains red lights so that if hearing impaired people play in church leagues, the lights would be used. After one year of play many players have praised the setup because the one center board / two game shot clock setup is easier for officials.)

The game is close at the end when controversy erupts, and in each case, the pastor of one church is the player victimised. First, a 10-second violation is called for failing to clear the ball in the backcourt. The shot clock shows "19" and I put two hands up to show the violation. The pastor complains about the 10-second violation.

But the second problem gets him steamed at me. The shot clock is winding down, and the players forget about the 30-second device. 5, 4, 3, 2, 1. The players don't even see the clock, and the big red number registers "0". The buzzer for the shot clock goes off and the pastor is steamed in front of my face for the 30-second device.

It was heated and the game, thanks to the two defensive stops, runs into overtime. Sometimes calling your own fouls doesn't always work because the 10 and 30 second violations have to be called.