As the trail, when a 3-point goal is made how long do you need to keep your arms up going down the court as you now become the lead? Was watching state tournament and some ref's seemed like they were about to catch a football pass running up court. Should you run up court with hands above your head or just make a quick arms up and down to let scorers table know that it was a 3-point goal?

The "cop-out" answer would be until you are absolutely positive the table chimp who's running the clock knows it was a three.

Although you probably don't want to take the time to look at the table, you usually can tell if they "got it".

Of course, you can almost then instantly verify by looking at the scoreboard.

MP is spot on but I usually count out a solid "2" just out of habit. I also check the scorebaord once I reach the other end of the court to make sure the "monkeys" have it right. We ought to be paid a lot more than we do....

Red Neck Ref,
As trail, I have my hands raised for about 2 full seconds while I am at a complete "stop". When I turn to get to it, I drop 'em. That "feels" long enough for the scorer and my partners.
mick

My hands are up for about as long as you can say " I's a Three" so about 2-3 seconds

Dont look at the table to see if they got it.

You wont need to look at the table to see if they got it because if they didn't the coaches, players and people in the stands will let you know IMMEDIATELY that they only counted two.