Double Edged Sword ...

[BillyMac]

We had our mandatory new rules local meeting last night.

Our local (not state) interpreter announced that when Connecticut goes to the shot clock next year that we will still (contrary to NFHS shot clock guidelines) always be using a visible 10 second hand count.

I’m not sure that I was pleased to hear that. It’s a double edged sword.

On one hand it will force us to have a more accurate visible count because everybody in the gym will be watching for the shot clock to wind down to twenty-five seconds.

On the other hand, it will allow officials to continue to use the NFHS ten second rule as written (starting on possession) versus using the NFHS shot clock rule (starting on touch). This will be especially relevant on muffed catches of the inbounded ball, with the ball “pinballing” on the floor for a second, or two, before a possession.

Which is best, using the shot clock for ten second violations (starting on touch), or always using a visible ten second count (starting on possession)?