How many books do you need?
 

I had something new happen in my game last night. I went over just before the 10:00 mark to check the book. I see two scorekeepers, two books, and I see one of them filled out and starters marked. I did a quick count of the players on the book, etc. and everything seemed hunky dory. And since the scorekeepers seemed to be talking about the roster, I left them to it.

Just before tip off I approached the table to talk about signaling us when we have 6 team fouls, and I notice only one book. When I asked about it, the home team scorekeeper says somebody lost the book and is it okay if they don't have one or can they use the soph. team's book.

Well, they had rosters submitted properly before the 10:00 mark, and I don't recall anything specifically stating any penalty if the home team doesn't provide a score book. So unless I'm forgetting something, I don't think the situation was illegal, just odd. We waited a couple of minutes while they got the soph. team's book and added the players.

Lost the book between the 10 min mark and the tip?? weird! If the visitor book is properly notated (everyone in there, starters marked), I think I'd designate that one as the "Official Book" and let home do whatever they need to for their own purposes. .... and talk to the AD about finding someone a little more reliable for that job in the future.

First of all, the only requirement that teams must meet is to "supply" its list of players with names and numbers along with the five starters noted at least 10 minutes before the game.

I generally go to the scorer's table at the 12:00 mark in order to have some time to rectify any potential issues BEFORE reaching the 10:00 mark (this is the desire of our assignors). Ideally, I will introduce myself to the home scorer first. Typically, all names/numbers/starters are noted in the book. We verify team numbers for each team and sign the book. Typically, I will then introduce myself to the visiting scorekeeper and go through the same exercise. Some home scorers are very good at indicating whether we are in the bonus or not. They will typically indicate that they will give the "fist" if a personal foul will not result in free throws. Since most scoreboards have team fouls on them, this is not as important as it once was. I will then move on to introduce myself to the timer. We discuss communications for being ready to play (nod, thumbs up, etc. from the timer). We discuss the two horns for time-outs, etc. We also talk about nuances of the scoreboards. For example, in some cases, scoreboards will automatically sound at :15 and :00, therefore preventing us from starting even if both teams are ready.

In the event that the home book is not ready or the home scorekeeper is not ready, I will complete my other activities at the table (including ensuring that a legal basketball with proper inflation is there). I prefer to stay at the table until the home book is set to go. If no one is there, I may go back opposite the table, but I return as soon as I see the scorer arrive at the table.

You would have had the option of identifying the visiting scorer as the official scorer in the event that the home book did not arrive. You probably made the correct choice in waiting for the home scorer to get their book completed.

Juulie,

The second book I saw at the table and assumed was the home book apparently was not. It was mostly likely the home or visitor book from the previous game, but again I'm just assuming.

Either way, the V book had complete rosters and starters.

Why not just designate the V book as the official book for the game and move on?

Ok heres a new twist. The rule is 10 min before start of game. Not the "10 min" mark, or 10:00 min on clock. (no ?mention of clock in rule book). So does that mean the actual time the game starts at (release of toss)? Or scheduled start is 7pm. should roster and starters be ready at 6:50 pm? What say you all? Rule 3.2.1:eek:

It means 10:00 on the clock counting down the time before the start of the game.

The NCAA book contains words to that effect. The rule is the same.

I say you're overthinking this one a wee bit.

agreed

...actually it's not really that new of a "twist".

I've heard officials say that there are player introductions, national anthem, announcements, etc. all before tip off...and that constitutes part of the 10 minutes before the start of the game.

I believe they know it really isn't the spirit of the rule...they just feel that's their excuse NOT to have a T before the game even starts.