Question: Is it an officials "job" to inform the player taking the ball out of bounds on a spot throw in that they are not allowed to run the baseline? I know you are supposed to indicate when they can run the baseline but are you required to indicate a spot?
I generally do after a time-out but don't in other situations. I know some will say they do as a courtesy but is it required?

On spot throw-ins I usually point to the spot and say something that includes the word "here!" (Like "Red ball, here!") If the thrower doesn't stand fairly close to the spot, I'll require him/her to move to the spot. I don't say anything about running the baseline unless it's after a timeout or violation or some unusual delay.

I always verbally inform the player they have a spot, simply by handing the ball and saying "Spot." I always thought this was one of those silly things officials do, but for the first time in my four year career, I actually had a player try to run the line during a spot throw-in this past weekend.

Whistle.

Violation.

No complaints - the player heard me yell it. ;)

I always point to the spot. If A has it unders A's basket I tell them 'spot'. After a timeout or delay I will tell them they can run the baseline if that is the case.

I've had a 'run the baseline' throw-in that was knocked OOB in half a second by the defense. A called a timeout and when they came back, they had forgotten that the ball had been knocked OOB. I told them spot and they didn't believe me. I exlained what had previously occurred and we got along fine after that. :)

You must "designate" the spot. Whether you do it verbally, by pointing, or both, yes, it is your "job" to indicate the spot.

Also, it's good preventive officiating.

A throw-in by A under A's basket will always be a spot throw-in. ;)

not all players know that

Believe it or not, in a juco game Saturday night I had a team under it's own basket throw the ball from A1 to A2, also standing out of bounds on the other side of the paint, as a part of the inbounds play. The coach was so proud of drawing up the play until the whistle blew for a violation.

Very funny picture in my head! Very young coach!!

On a spot thrown in- I will tell them SPOT or hold their position. It depends on how emphatic I need to be, and how loud I need to be. If it is a tight game with a lot of pressure on the ball I will tel player it is a spot but you can go straight back. I will then tell defense to not cross the line and signal where the plane is.

To me that is preventive officiating. If I tell a player and everybody up to the cheap seats in the 50th row knows I have told a player not to break the plane and he comes across the T is easier.

If they have already had the warning I will tell them that too... Youve had the warning, dont go across,,, Dont hurt your team... Its quick simple and works.

I think Bob is referring to the fact that you said, "If A has it unders A's basket I tell them 'spot'. After a timeout or delay I will tell them they can run the baseline if that is the case.." His point was that you will never tell A that under A's basket.

I actually had a coach thank me for giving her players a warning for trying to reach accross the OOB line on a thrown in. She said she could not get them to listen her that it was a real rule.