Clock did not start

[CoachP]

I do think it's easier to be less critical of the clock not starting at the opening tip of a game than to use the same thinking in a tie game, 7 seconds to go.

Either way, it's sounds like it should be "automatic" that one official is always checking the clock on all would-be-starts...correct?

[Nevadaref]

Originally Posted by CoachP

Either way, it's sounds like it should be "automatic" that one official is always checking the clock on all would-be-starts...correct?

Yep, whichever official is chopping in the time has that responsibility.
Unfortunately, most officials don't take it too seriously. They just hold up a hand and then chop without ever looking to see if the clock actually starts.

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by Nevadaref

Yep, whichever official is chopping in the time has that responsibility.

I find it easier / more effective for the official who is not immediately "on ball" to check the clock.
It's more likely that that official will "have time" to check the clock..

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by bob jenkins

I find it easier / more effective for the official who is not immediately "on ball" to check the clock.
It's more likely that that official will "have time" to check the clock..

I was taught a long time ago, if you can watch the clock, watch the clock regardless of where you are. Of course this is hard if the clock is not in clear view. But it is not uncommon in many gyms to clocks on both ends of the court and if that is the case you can put the clock in your peripheral vision and see the clock. It is not full proof, but that is what I try to do and it usually works. But I will say most of the time I catch the clock not starting properly I am not the official "on ball."

Peace

[Back In The Saddle]

Originally Posted by bob jenkins

I find it easier / more effective for the official who is not immediately "on ball" to check the clock.
It's more likely that that official will "have time" to check the clock..

I was thinking the same thing. As the U on a two person crew, I've got a lot of things I'm responsible for, and a lot of things to worry about that might happen at the moment the clock should start. Better, IMO, for the R to quickly check the arrow and clock at his first opportunity.

[JRutledge]

I think we obsess over the arrow too much right after the jump ball. If they do not change it, we have time on the first dead ball to correct it. The clock in my opinion is much more of a problem. We can remember which way we are going, but the time being corrected is harder to get right if we miss the clock starting properly.

Peace