Inadvertent Timeout

[jdmara]

This is why I hate doing little kids tourneys. If something goofy is going to happen, it will happen in these tourneys. Here is the situation:

Tied ball game 35-35. Both teams have used their allotted timeouts for the game. Team A inbounds the ball in their BC and dribbles directly into a half court trap at the division line. The T is right on top of the play at the division line (away from the benches) and I am L on the endline (and have slid strong side). Over top of all the noise in the gym I hear "Timeout"! I look over to see the coach standing up as I hear "Timeout" again. My partner at the division line and I both whistle and grant the timeout.

The problem being..."timeout" was being yelled by a partner directly behind the coach...Opps. We were saved by the tourney rules though. Tourney rules states: "Coaches shall remained seated at all time (unless they are calling timeout or assisting an injured player). Penalty: Technical Foul"

Either way we have a technical. But lets say that rule is not in effect.

5.8.3 Sit E addresses a misunderstood coach (saying "Side out" instead "timeout") but what if a) a fan "requests" timeout or b) an assistant coach or player on the bench?

I believe I've read a case play or interpretation on this situation but of course I cannot find it. Of course most of us would rather not have the bench be able to grant timeout but we can't change that.

-Josh