HC on the floor

[Freddy]

ISSUE: Head coaches' requests for time outs during live ball action vs. the occasional inability of officials wrapped up in the flurry of action on the floor unable to see the request issued from the box, a point of irritation for head coaches claiming that it's our fault that we don't see them making the requests.

PREVIOUSLY PROPOSED SOLUTION: Change the NFHS rule to allow head coaches to legitimately request time outs only while the ball is dead.

NFHS DECISION: Double down of us by issuing a POE telling us we need to train ourselves to be more aware of likely occasions when head coaches will be requesting time outs so that we comply with what they want regardless the conditions.

2016,17 POE #1:
“Granting a time-out is an aspect of the game allowed by rule where knowledge of ball position, player control and dead/live ball criteria can all be factors in awarding the requested time-out. Consideration has been given regarding continuing the opportunity for a head coach to call a time-out. The committee wanted to maintain the current time-out criteria. When a ball is live, player control is required. A player or the head coach of the team in possession may request and be granted a time-out. When the ball is dead, the crew must maintain its coverage areas on the court but also be aware of the opportunity for a head coach to request a time-out. This request can be oral or visual, but must be verified by the ruling official. If the request meets criteria, a time-out should be granted.”