Correctable timing issue?

[Nevadaref]

Originally Posted by sseltser

I have 2 issues with this.

First, 5-10-2 stipulates "an official's count OR other official information." What else is other official information? I can't think of anything else (except for the few states, including mine, that use a shot clock -- and supposing that the 2 aren't wired to start and stop simultaneously).

The Referee is allowed to check with the timer and obtain information from that person. Perhaps the clock switch malfunctioned so he looked at his watch until play was stopped.

Originally Posted by sseltser

Second, I didn't think of this the first time I heard you say this, but how do you explain this: With 10 seconds left, A throws in into the front court. The official begins visibly counting (per your recommendation) in case of a timing error. The official judges a defender to not be closely guarding, but its debatable. When the count gets to five, how do you explain to B HC that there isn't a violation? The purpose of the visible count is to provide information, and typically, it's for situations such as these.

Use a different arm movement than your normal counting. Not that hard. Also, I would think that if a scoring play isn't in progress an official who has knowledge that the clock isn't running properly would sound the whistle and stop play. That should take care of most situations in which there isn't a 5-second count.

The only two cases in which I would count instead of stopping play are a quick scoring play occurring immediately upon a restart or when there is very little time remaining in a quarter or extra period and continuous playing action is of paramount importance. For example, on a throw-in with six seconds left and a team having to go the length of the court to score, I would rather just count out the six seconds than break the action.