[Mark Padgett]

Originally posted by rainmaker
So coach B is on the floor dealing with injured player B1, and coach A signals for a time-out. (I don't know why, but we've all seen coaches do stupider things, haven't we?) I don't just stand there ignoring him, do I? I say okay coach, when the sub is in, we'll give you a time-out. Then as the injured player is being carried off, and the sub steps onto the floor, then do I blow my whistle, and signal the table?

If coach B is on the floor, it is because you beckoned him and there is an official's timeout going on. Coach A may not have a timeout start during an ongoing timeout, so you should ask him if he wants one at the end of the current timeout, which will end when the substitute reports into the game, assuming you don't let that happen until the injured player has left. In other words, your procedure (except for ignoring the coach) is correct. The correct procedure for ignoring a coach is different - just ask Dave

On a regular time-out, substitutions must be reported before the warning buzz, right? But on a dq the "time-out" is over as soon as the sub reports, right? Then a that point, one coach or the other could call another time-out, right?

Almost perfect, Juulie. The coach could, at that time, request a timeout. Only you or your partner(s) can call a timeout

If a coach, requests a time-out, and I grant it, even though I shouldn't, it happens anyway, doesn't it?

Yes.

What if I thought the coach requested, but he insists he didn't? Can I put the ball back and not give the time-out? Do I have to call a time-out and give it to one coach or the other?

This gets a little trickier. If you are sure the coach clearly requested a timeout, either verbally or by signal, you grant it despite protests. Maybe he changed his mind and is trying to get out of it. Many of us have had coaches who call out play numbers like "nine out" that sound like he is requesting a timeout. If I hear something I think is a request, I call it. If he claims he was calling a play, I tell him to change the name of his play, or this is going to happen again.

I once had a game where a coach absolutely asked for a timeout, then realized he was out of timeouts and tried to change it. You know me - WHACK!

How much discretion am I allowed in granting or not granting a time-out when the in-bounder is having trouble? If the coach requests, but just then the ball goes in-bounds, do I look over and see if he still wants it, or do I just give it? At what point is it too late to change his mind? [/B]