Live Ball Timeout, Or Not ???

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by ilyazhito

I would have granted the timeout request. The player had control of the ball and was the one who made the request. I would have blown the whistle, said, "Timeout, white", designated the spot, and sent the teams to their benches.

Easy to do if you weren't the trail official who made the incorrect call. Trail didn't see it that way. That can't be undone, unless ... Maybe he needs a little help.

Two realistic possibilities here. Trail, thinking that he sees the player touch the ball with two hands makes the "travel" call. Both partners invite him to a discussion to take place away from the irate coach. "What did you see? Player touched the ball with two hands and dribbled. That's not a travel, that's an illegal dribble, but the penalty is the same. Did you get a good look at the two hand touch? Not really, what did you guys see? I was the lead, had a great look, and I saw her bring up that second hand, but she never touched the ball. You may have been straightlined at the last split second. Thanks for the help. Inadvertent whistle. White had team control, so White ball. Do you still want the timeout coach?".

Another realistic possibility. All three officials gather away from the coach. Lead (or center) says, "I heard your whistle, and saw your stop clock and travel signal, but the player and/or coach request for timeout clearly came before your violation. Sounds good. White ball. Timeout White".

No overturned calls here, just the Trail being offered help, and accepting help, from his partners.

The crew is only as strong as its weakest link, unless the weakest link has great partners.