Two years ago in a college game, the referee (D1 offical) had this in his pre-game and I've included in mine ever since. When there is a whistle, the non-blowing official(s) are to make sure they immediately get a quick look at the clock to make sure it stops and then, subsequently, the non-administering official(s) on a throw-in or missed free throw make sure the clock properly starts. If there is a problem, we go with what was on the clock when first observed because that is definite knowledge. I askd him, if we see a second or more click off, how do you want it handled? His response was if a second or less clicks off between the time you look up and the clock stopping, we do nothing. If more than a second clicks off, we are going to have a correction back to the time that was first observed. In the case of the clock not starting, the official's count is definite knowledge of time elapsed. In all cases, the calling or administering official should also observe the clock but in case of dispute, the partner's judgment is controlling. This has served me well over the last two years and I will continue to use it in my games.
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