Although not a rookie but....
Yes - a time out can be requested and granted even if the team is out of TO's - at the expense of a T Foul.
Had this happen in a game last week. It was a 2 man crew and I was the U. My R didn't want to give them the TO - said they weren't authorized since they were out. Fortunately I stepped in and granted the TO and gave them a T.
He questioned me again after the game as to why I over ruled him. I took out my rule book (which I always carry to the games) and I showed him in the rule book why I did. His response? "Oh I guess i didn't know that". No joke Sherlock
