The direction of the AP arrow must always be known by at least one official on the floor 100% of the time and the table/scoreboard must properly reflect this.
Scorers and timers often forget...even in the big games. This is an essential part of game management and every ref should keep track. I use a paper clip in my pocket (right pocket-home team, left pocket-visitors). Every change I verify the arrow at the table/scoreboard has been changed and expect my partners to do the same. (pregame)
By doing this, everybody is on the same page and you don't get that embarassing dead ball moment...you know when a coach freaks out cause he thinks it's his ball and the crew isn't sure so they huddle and check with the table, the fans are wondering what's going on, everybody is watching you and you're attracting all kinds of unwanted attention.
It's not hard to do...and it avoids a potentially embarassing situation.
Other embarassing situations due to poor game management:
1. Failure to award merited free throws and all the other correctable errors..
2. Allowing a player to continue w/ 5 fouls.
3. Handing the ball to the wrong team for a throw in.
4. Letting the wrong player shoot free throws.
feel free to add to the list......
