[JRutledge]

Larks,

My understanding is anytime the ball is at the disposal of the team; someone has the opportunity to pick up the ball. Now if they choose to not pick up the ball, that is there problem, but you should start the count when the ball is at the disposal of the team. I personally have taken my time before starting a count. Now if the team blatantly runs away from the ball, then I start the count. Early in my career I was starting the count almost as the ball was going through the hoop. Now after seeing the Simplified and Illustrated rulebook and the picture, I am much slower with the start of my count.

Peace