Mechanics When Player Loses Shoe
 

Last night in a college game, a player lost his shoe as he drove for a shot. The shot missed and the opponent started a fast break, then pulled it out when nothing developed. The ball was thrown out of bounds shortly after that and the player got the shoe back on.

I am not a basketball official, but I know I have seen the game stopped on the high school level in this situation as soon as the opponent is no longer attacking the basket. Is that how it should be done? What would have happened if his team had obtained possession of the ball without the clock stopping (rebound or steal or even a made basket)? Would play have continued until there was a clock stoppage?

Thanks!

This situation is different from an injury. I would not stop play unless the shoe was in the middle of the floor and posed a risk of injury when the players came back to that end. If I had a chance to kick the thing out of bounds on the way by, I wouldn't stop play at all. Not my job (and no provision in the rules) for helping players keep their equipment on.

I'm not stopping a high school game for this.

Well said. Kill it if there was no chance to knock it away and if killing it prevents injury to others.

I've instructed players on the bench to run out and remove an object on the floor before we returned.

No, I didn't T for leaving the bench area.

You knew someone was going to ask, didn't you?

I have honestly never thought about this situation before. I would have probably stopped play as I would have for an injury but I agree with the above gentleman, there is nothing in the rules to correct equipment...Play on...

-Josh

Serious Moment for Reflection
 

Stop the game, ask all to rise for a moment of silence for the sole that was lost. :D Then play on.

Nicely done, Freddy.

That is why I subscribe.