[Rob1968]

In several of our discussions, here on the forum, and elsewhere, the understanding that - "If it isn't prohibited, it must be legal." - has been used for justification for points not specifically covered by the written rules.

2-4-4 REFEREE'S PREGAME DUTIES states "The referee shall be responsible for having each team notified three minutes before each half is to begin."

Case Book 2.4.4 infers that the team returning to the dressing room is permitted, with the stipulation that, having been notified three minutes prior to the start of the game, if the team delays the start by more than one minute, with "no excusable reason" a technical foul is charged, with reference to 10-1-5a.

That inference is also used regarding the team "returning to its dressing room" at halftime.

10-1-5b refers to the RoP procedure, as it pertains to a "time-out or intermission between quarters". There is no reference to where the teams must be, during the intermission between quarters, but the designation of a "time-out area" is strong inference that they are to spend a time-out in the designated area.

So, a Technical foul assessed to a team, for not being ready to start a 2nd or 4th quarter would be governed by the RoP procedure, with no consideration as to where the team must spend the intermission between the quarters.
As irregular as it may be, a team going out into the hallway during the intermission between quarters, and not delaying the start of the subsequent quarter, seems not to be prohibited.
JMHO - as wordy (sp) as it may be . . .