Quote:
Originally Posted by BktBallRef
In my opinion, ignoring what two 16 y/o's are doing at the scorer's table because "it keeps me out of trouble" is not the best way to manage a game. .
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When was the last time you saw "two 16 y/o's" running books at a college game? (I believe that was the game in the OP)
In fact, I can't remember the last time anyone but an adult has done the Varsity books around these parts.
Having said that...an inexperienced adult, running the books, can really get you in trouble. (If you are not actively "managing" them...I'm with you there BBR)
We had one of those inexperienced adults the other night....
It was her FIRST time EVER keeping score. And this was for a Varsity game!
The clock operator was also inexperienced. Actually, this was a nightmare table crew.
Fouls were recorded wrong on the board...Score was recorded wrong on the board...TO's were not kept up to date on board...Disqualified player showed 4 fouls on board (player talked his coach into putting him back in the game because the board showed he only had 4 fouls)
...that is a whole different story...
MORAL OF THIS STORY:
Quiz the table crew, when you are signing the books, just to get a feel for how knowledgeable they are.
i.e.
* When do you start the shot clock after the made basket?
(Some start it when it is at the throw-in teams disposal...some start after ball goes through hoop...some start when ball touches player on court)
* When do you start the play clock? (on our CHOP)
* When do you activate the first horn after TO's or a disqualification?
(Most get this, 15 seconds before the end of TO,...but, many do not know to activate the horn 5 seconds into a disqualification) [I usually count to 5 after I tell the clock operator to start the clock for a disqualification...then instruct to activate 1st horn, if they look confused] I stress to them that for TO's and disq. activate horn with 15 seconds left...no matter what length TO or disq. is...here is where you have to let them know 20 seconds for disq. replacement.
* I even ask the book to let us know when we are in the bonus. (I stress to them we don't want a correctable error situation)
* I ask them to give us a nice visible 5 for a disqualification...and a horn.
* I will ask the table crew when it is too late for a substitute to check in during a TO.(after the 1st horn...a player can check in after 1st horn...just won't get in right away)
I like this time with the table crew...I become familiar with the table crew and their knowledge...and best of all...
it gives me something to do during the
"worst 15 minutes of basketball"