What would you do?

[CoachB]

Originally posted by WI REF


If B2 secures the ball and delays getting it to B1 then I would be forced to either start the count or blow the whistle and get the inbounds play started. I won't let a team have an advantage by delaying the inbounds play. I've been officiating the high school level for 13 plus years and have never had this happen to me. Now that it's been mentioned I had better keep my eyes open next season.

It is within the intent of the rules to start the count when the team has the ball in their possession. If the ball is mishandled, I would hope that you will continue to use your discretion to correct if needed. Sometimes the counts do seem to be a little fast with a few guys. I have seen kids pick up the ball, step out of bounds, and toss the ball to a teammate and get whistled immediately. That count is way too fast. Fortunately that is not the norm. 5 seconds is enough time if the count is correct.