Clock starts when?
 

On a free throw no one rebounds the basketball on a missed attempt and the ball hits the floor. Does the clock start when the ball hits the floor or when a player touches the ball?

When the ball touches a player.

When the official signals the timer to start the clock. ;)

Player touches the ball and the officials chops the clock in.

5-9-3

If the official neglects...then the timer is authorized to start the clock.

When I chop it and not before!

If the timer cannot clearly see the start clock signal, the clock starts as soon as an inbounds player has the ball.

Thankfully after free throw attempts, most of the time the timer can visually see the official signal fot the clock to start.

I fixed it for you. The way you worded it implies possession is required for the clock to start, and that's not the case.

Just because the ball bounces off a player's back or chest, does not mean the ball's live. I've been told in those situations, that if I cannot see the start clock signal to make sure the player has control of the ball via dribble or hold. Generally use the same mechanics as would for shot clock.

1. The ball is "live" as soon as it's in the shooter's hands.
2. The clock is supposed to start as soon as it touches a player on the rebound. If I miss the signal (happens), the clock operator has rule authority to start the clock as soon as it touches a player. Control is not required. I don't know who told you that, but they were wrong.

Rule 5-9-3: If a free throw is not successful and the ball is to remain live, the clock shall be started when the ball touches or is touched by a player on the court.

In our local kids rec league, the clock usually starts when I yell CLOCK!!! :D

The game clock and the shot clock have completely different rules on when they should start / stop.

"That's all I can stands and I can't stands no more!" (Popeye)
 

That's it. We've got to get chseagle a NFHS rulebook, casebook, and maybe a mechanics manual. I really appreciate his willingness to ask questions and learn, but his background as a scorer/timer limits his ability to understand the rules from an official's viewpoint. I'll chip in a buck. Anybody else? Or, maybe he can ask Santa?

At least I'm making somewhat of an effort to learn, even if it is limited. :)

I'll Stop Learning When I Stop Breathing ...
 

That's for sure. You just joined and already have 138 posts. Keep up the good work. Eventually we'll be needing you to give us some help on how the table crew works, and how we can be a better "partner" to the crew.

But, please, get a rulebook and casebook. Soon.