Timer Makes a Mistake

[BktBallRef]

Reset the clock to 3 seconds. Re-administer the throw-in.

[Spence]

Let me add one more scenario.

Same sitch but there are 7 seconds left. B3 catches the long pass and drives in for a layup for apparent winning basket. Horn goes off. Now A coach realizes what happened and wants time put back on the clock.

I've stopped counting when I see B2 release the ball and since it was caught in the frontcourt I don't start my 10-second count.

How do I know how much time to put back on the clock? Do I put time back on the clock? Does the basket count?

[Nevadaref]

A very similar play occurred during a game around here this season.

We had a long discussion about the proper way to handle the clock.

In short, the referee can only correct the timing mistake with definite knowledge. That means that you must know how early the clock started in order to know how much time to put back. If you don't know, you can't do anything about it.

Your first situation is easy because the horn sounded prior to the throw-in being touched inbounds. Therefore, you have definite knowledge that all three seconds came off the clock incorrectly and you can put all three seconds back. Also, the POI is during the throw-in so the ball returns to the original throw-in spot for the same team.

Your second situation is a mess. You can't possibly know how early the clock started, even if you are fairly certain that it did start early. By rule, you can't correct anything here.

[just another ref]

Originally Posted by Nevadaref

Your second situation is a mess. You can't possibly know how early the clock started, even if you are fairly certain that it did start early. By rule, you can't correct anything here.

But most officials will, and "that's all I have to say about that."**


**Forrest Gump

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by Spence

I've stopped counting when I see B2 release the ball and since it was caught in the frontcourt I don't start my 10-second count.

How do I know how much time to put back on the

ALWAYS count at the end of the game. Then, use that information, if you need to.

[OHBBREF]

Originally Posted by bob jenkins

ALWAYS count at the end of the game. Then, use that information, if you need to.

Always listen to Bob -

As many have said in the past if you have a count in your head going at the end of the period (all periods) you then have definate knowledge and can use that information as you need to if the timer makes an error.