[Old School]

Originally Posted by Ignats75

Lets think about this scenario a little bit. First off, this rarely happens. True and I stated that. But when a team is late coming out, what are we as officials doing? Are we standing on our blocks waiting? Are we conferring together? Are we talking about what bar we are going to after the game? You should be conferring about where the other team is at, or the R is at table finding out.

First thing I will do when I recognize this situation is happening is go to the table and ask if the offending team was notified at the 3:00 mark. (Because its usually the scoreboard operator that has this duty) If that person says, "Oh crap! I forgot!" I'll have him go and get the team right away and hold off with the heavyhandedness. (Virtually every time I've seen this situation happen, this was the reason). Don't forget to stop the clock at the 1 minute mark. Start it the minute they walk in.

However, if the team was definitely notified, then, and only then, will I enforce the letter of the law. If the home team failed to notify the visitors, and I whacked them for failure to come out timely, I'm pretty sure that a fairly unhappy coach would complain about me to the league office and I would be hearing from the commissioner.

Bingo, my point exactly! There are enough things that can happen that can get us in trouble, no need going out looking for it.