Officials Suspended over Phantom Basket

[Overnbach]

I agree with most of what has been posted. The part I had trouble with was the suggestion to suspend the clock operator and the scorekeeper for not knowing whether the ball went in the basket.

As a high school clock operator, I often have helped officials who are having troubles, although I hesitate to challenge them, as I may be wrong. But I have quietly said that the ball did indeed go in the basktet when the official called a foul and awarded two free throws, or that the ball did not go in when it was called good. I have sounded the horn to say that they are lining up at the wrong basket for a free throw. Or that the ball appeared to go out of bounds off white, you called "blue ball," pointed blue, and now you are about to put it into play for white. I have sounded the horn to stop play when the players begin play after the first of two free throws awarded. (I'm not sure I should do that one.) Most of the time my help has been appreciated. In fact, one of the best officials in our association once said, "You're my hero!" when I kept him from going against the arrow and giving the ball to the wrong team on an alternating possession. (He is good, but he might be given to hyperbole!) I sometimes think I have a good view and I disagree with the official on whether it was a three-point try, but I never argue that one. We have all levels of ability in our association, and some need more help than others. But I am really bothered that three college officials didn't get this one right, without help.