hey guys

i am not an official, but i am a big basketball fan. i have two questions.

1. does the clock start when a player has complete possession of the ball or does it start if someone simply makes contact with the ball?

2. what is the proper way to inform the scorekeeper of a technical? do you inform the table that the player was swearing or do you just say tech. foul on #34 blue?

hope everyone understands my question.

thank you

1) on contact.
2) T on #34 Blue

Just to elaborate on "1" : Start the clock on a player touch on a released throw-in, jump ball, or when a rebounder touches a missed free throw that is to remain live (the last free throw).

In other words, touching or holding the ball for a FT or Throw-in does not start the clock.

[Edited by Slider on Feb 13th, 2002 at 06:00 PM]

The clock should start when the official chops in time. That means when the official with raised hand drops his hand. This should coincide with the ball being touched by a player inbounds.

On reporting technicals it is just like reporting any other foul. Report team color, number and foul. You see a lot of officials really wind up to call the T in an angry demonstrative manner. If you're even tempered and consistent about your T's as well as your other fouls it makes for being a better official.

Jeremy, why not become an official? If you're a big fan, officiating is a great way have fun with the game and get a little cash to boot. Plus, it's better than having seats in the front row.