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.