Double Edged Sword ...

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by BillyMac

Of course for the past century, fans could have been using the game clock to check the accuracy of an official's visible ten second count. The shot clock just makes it a easier for math-impaired fans.

Thirty-five years ago I had a coach challenge me on a ten second violation. It was after a made free throw and he claimed that only seven seconds passed based on the game clock. I figured that the game clock maybe starting late combined with maybe a slightly fast count by me could account for three seconds difference, so I dismissed his complaint, which led to him being charged with a technical foul.

Discussed the situation with my partner on the ride home after the game. We concluded that, instead of two separate counts, I "added" my five second throwin count to my ten second backcourt count.

I had to apologize the the coach the next time I saw him.

This is why IAABO mechanics (and probably other mechanics) have us switch hands between different counts.

[Raymond]

Originally Posted by BillyMac

Thirty-five years ago I had a coach challenge me on a ten second violation. It was after a made free throw and he claimed that only seven seconds passed based on the game clock. I figured that the game clock maybe starting late combined with maybe a slightly fast count by me could account for three seconds difference, so I dismissed his complaint...

If you knew you had a "slightly fast count", why would you dismiss his complaint?

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by Raymond

If you knew you had a "slightly fast count", why would you dismiss his complaint?

Originally Posted by BillyMac

... combined ...

Because I was 100% sure that my visible count wasn't a full three seconds too fast. One full second over ten visible counts? Sure. Two seconds? Maybe. Three seconds? No way.

Also, as I time my count several times each season, I tend to be a slightly slow counter, never a fast counter.

Figured (incorrectly) that the timekeeper started the game clock late.

I was wrong, my error was for a completely different reason having nothing to do with a fast count or a slow starting game clock that I only realized well after the game.

[FlasherZ]

From my observations over the years, I think about 5% of officials have a "fast" count (meaning at least 2 seconds shorter), and about 35% of officials have a "slow" count (meaning at least 2 seconds longer), and the rest are right in the middle.

We have one local official with a reputation for quick-counting in the backcourt (to the tune of about 6-7 seconds instead of 10), and nearly every game I've observed the coaches will remind him throughout the game.

[Camron Rust]

Originally Posted by FlasherZ

From my observations over the years, I think about 5% of officials have a "fast" count (meaning at least 2 seconds shorter), and about 35% of officials have a "slow" count (meaning at least 2 seconds longer), and the rest are right in the middle.

We have one local official with a reputation for quick-counting in the backcourt (to the tune of about 6-7 seconds instead of 10), and nearly every game I've observed the coaches will remind him throughout the game.

In my experience, about 90% are slow, most 20-30% slow but some so slow that they're on a pace to actually get close to 20 seconds. I've rarely seen anyone too fast.