When to call the Technical

[johnsonboys03]

A1 fouls out of the game. The proper order was done and a substitute checks into the game. Play resumes and I notice the player that just fouled out leaves the bench and heads to the locker room. But the resumption of play was with the opposing team with the ball and trying to score. I decided to delay until the opposing team had their opportunity to score. After successful shot, I blew the whistle and called the T. My question is would you have waited or called it immediately?

[OfficialBFish]

You handled it correctly. You dont want to put a team at a disadvantage for a violation committed by their opposition.

[SC Official]

I wouldn't have called it at all. All A1 did was leave the bench? Did he demonstrate disgust on his way to the locker room?

The way you described it, there's no way this is a T.

[bballref3966]

Did you charge this T to the player? Because then not only do I strongly disagree with giving a T at all in this instance, but you misapplied the rule as well.

NFHS 10-5-5: “The head coach shall not permit team members to leave the bench area and/or playing court for an unauthorized reason.”

This is the only rule reference that justifies a T here, and if you're going to go there, you have to charge it to the head coach. Or you can just not go there at all...going to the locker room is an authorized reason to leave the bench.

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by bballref3966

Did you charge this T to the player? Because ...

... he's not a player, he's bench personnel. He was disqualified with five fouls.

[JetMetFan]

To add to the other comments: Before handing out the technical did you know whether the HC told the player to go to the locker room or whether the player asked and was given permission by his HC?

Sometimes it's better to leave well enough alone.

[bballref3966]

Originally Posted by BillyMac

... he's not a player, he's bench personnel. He was disqualified with five fouls.

Yes, correct.

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by johnsonboys03

... the player that just fouled out leaves the bench and heads to the locker room ... I blew the whistle and called the T.

A technical foul for going to the men's room? That's rather harsh, don't you think?

[BlueDevilRef]

Most locker rooms are within about 25 feet of their bench, so why is this a big deal to anyone? Inform coach of the issue (blood, illegal undershirt, whatever) and tell coach to make sure they change in locker room. I'm in the camp that this takes care of the issue. And if for some oddball reason they go shirtless right there, pretty much the easiest T you would ever have to write up.