When is "Time Out!" a request?

[bainsey]

JV-B tonight. A-1 is being heavily guarded by B-2 and B-3 near the division. Fearing a turnover, Coach A yells "TIME OUT!" just as A-1 loses the ball. I glance over to the bench to make sure it was the head coach, blow my whistle, and grant it. Coach B is not happy with my decision.

Here's what I saw/heard, if you were to look at it on a timeline: A-1 has player control..."TIME"...A-1 loses control..."OUT!" Yes, it was that quick and close.

I never thought about it before, but when is officially a request? Does starting "TIME OUT" while there's player control count, or must he actually complete the quick phrase? I gave the coach the benefit of the doubt.

Thoughts?