[fiasco]

This case play tells us what we can do in this type of situation, but what should you do?

Team B is down by four points with time expiring in the fourth quarter. B1 scores a goal with 4.9 seconds left on the clock and Team B is now down by two points.

A1 has the ball at his disposal for a throw-in on the end line when the timer mistakenly stops the clock.

You notice the stoppage of the clock immediately.

Do you:
a) Blow your whistle immediately and inform the timer that the clock must run; then put the ball in play with the clock to start upon the inbounding of the ball
b) Wait two seconds to see if the timer will start the clock; he doesn’t, so you blow your whistle and reset the clock to 2 seconds, with the clock to start upon the inbounding of the ball
c) Use your visual count to count down 4 seconds on the clock and then blow your whistle to indicate the game is over

Scenarios A and B give an advantage to team B by stopping the clock and forcing Team A to inbound the ball, thereby allowing a chance at a steal and layup.

Scenario C opens up the possibility that, a few seconds into your count, Team B players and coaches are going to wonder what the heck is going on and stand around and demand something be done about it. When you blow your whistle and end the game, you’ve opened up a hornet’s nest.

What do you think?