Good or No Good?

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by jdw3018

I've gotta say, JR, that this confused me:

What did you mean by this?

If the clock did not start properly, you are doing anything over. You are starting the game when you noticed a mistake. And if you do not have definite knowledge of how much time was should be on the clock, you cannot just make up a number and put the ball at another point. To me going back to the end line would be correcting a mistake, not doing the play over. You cannot do over a situation that technically did not even happen. I would say the same thing if the game clock started while the ball was in the air on a long pass on the throw-in.

And to prevent this from happening, watch the clock and you will at least know if the clock started properly or not.

Peace

[hawk65]

How about this approach since there is already a dead-ball timeout?

When you know the game is on the line with a potential last shot, take a moment for an official's timeout or to visit the table during the timout. Go to the table with your partner(s) and remind the clock operator to start the clock "when it first touches any player inbounds"; T assumes the responsiblity to watch clock after handing the ball to the player for the throw-in and making a visible count should the clock not start for some reason; L (2-person crew) assumes responsibility for officiating the action on the throw-in in case B decides to use the strategy of fouling A and taking their chances with A shooting free throws instead of letting A possibly making a 3-point shot. T can continue the count but after confirming the clock has started properly can then officiate with normal T and L responsibilities for court coverage.

[jdw3018]

Originally Posted by hawk65

When you know the game is on the line with a potential last shot, take a moment for an official's timeout or to visit the table during the timout.

I've got no problem with quickly getting together to review responsibilities and someone at the table making a reminder to the clock operator is good.

Originally Posted by hawk65

Go to the table with your partner(s) and remind the clock operator to start the clock "when it first touches any player inbounds"

Wrong message - you should tell the timer to watch the administering official and start the clock on his chop. This helps the timer focus on his job, not on the action.

Originally Posted by hawk65

T assumes the responsiblity to watch clock after handing the ball to the player for the throw-in and making a visible count should the clock not start for some reason; L (2-person crew) assumes responsibility for officiating the action on the throw-in in case B decides to use the strategy of fouling A and taking their chances with A shooting free throws instead of letting A possibly making a 3-point shot. T can continue the count but after confirming the clock has started properly can then officiate with normal T and L responsibilities for court coverage.

You can both officiate the throw-in action, and as the pass comes in a quick glance to make sure the clock starts is all you need. Both officials should be responsible for this with the official who doesn't have the ball in his primary being "mostly" responsible, IMO, as long as there is a clock in each official's field of vision.