Thirty Second Timeout ...

[BillyMac]

BillyMac's Question: Are substitutes and coaches allowed to stand during a thirty second timeout?

5-11-3: A single 30-second charged time-out shall not exceed 30 seconds and players shall remain standing within the time-out area. A warning signal for teams to prepare to resume play is sounded with 15 seconds remaining. No oncourt entertainment should occur during this time.

It appears that 5-11-3 only puts restrictions on the five current players (they must stand). The rule doesn't place any restrictions on the coaches and substitutes, in fact, they are not even mentioned in the rule. 10-4-4 states that bench personnel shall not stand at the team bench while the clock is running or is stopped, and must remain seated, except during a charged time-out, as in 5-11. I believe that substitutes and coaches have the option, by rule, to stand or sit down, and that only the five players must stand.

Mr. Webb's Email Answer:

A commendation for your interest and for sharing it in question form.

Your understanding of the rule is accurate. The bench personnel made stand, they are part of the team. Additionally, the Coach's sharing may be meaningful to them and conceivably of importance to their potential participation as a player.

You have also cited appropriate Rules References.

NOTE: Simply FYI. Very often accurate rules book terminology has an affect on communications and understanding. You question includes a reference to "substitutes." There are no "substitutes" located on the bench. All individuals located on the bench are "bench personnel." Specifically, the "bench personnel" who in team uniform are "team members."

Best wishes And Happy New Year!

For IAABO,

Peter Webb

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by Nevadaref

I recall an interpretation a few years ago on this topic.

Thanks Nevadaref. You are certainly the king of the Forum archives!

2001-02 Rule Book, Comments on the 2001-02 Rules Revisions, page 72: Requirement To Stand During A Thirty-Second Time-Out (5-12-5): "Additional discussion reflected concerns about whether or not substitutes should be permitted to join the conference with coach(es) and players. Because of instructions that may be given, the interpretation has been that team substitutes should be able to participate in the time-out meeting."

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by BillyMac

Thanks, but I was hoping for something with more pizazz.

Originally Posted by BillyMac

I really need a caseplay, interpretation, or a test question, to be convincing.

Originally Posted by BillyMac

2001-02 Rule Book, Comments on the 2001-02 Rules Revisions, page 72: Requirement To Stand During A Thirty-Second Time-Out (5-12-5): "Additional discussion reflected concerns about whether or not substitutes should be permitted to join the conference with coach(es) and players. Because of instructions that may be given, the interpretation has been that team substitutes should be able to participate in the time-out meeting."

Thanks guys. The citation above (rediscovered by Nevadaref) finally convinced the local powers that be that substitutes, and coaches, are allowed to stand during a thirty second timeout. Thanks for the help.