Let me ask this, then.

How long had the ball been in bounds when she stepped off?

A second or two maybe...

Borderline, IMO. Sounds like she wasn't participating when the ball was live inbounds, and she was heading towards the bench. If, by the time you saw her, she was within a step or two of the sideline, I may have let it go.

Regardless, the coach trying to block you for this is just flat stupid.

Funny this is being discussed because this happened to me this weekend at a Middle School tournament.

I am T on the endline in the back court while partner is in the front court handling a substitution. He gives me the ok and I put the ball in play. We go up the court and B1 fouls A1 on a shot that goes in. Partner at L calls a foul. As we're switching so partner can report...Coach B yells out "They have 6 players!!!".

I count Team A's player and by darn it they have 6. I call the technical and report the team technical and explain we'll shoot the bonus shot with the line cleared, then Team B will shoot 2 shots for the T, and then Team B gets the ball at the division line, opposite table.

Coach B is still upset...."So they get points and they had 6 players on the court? You have to take the points off?"

Me: "Coach, this is not a correctable error. We called a technical and you'll shoot 2 and get the ball but we cannot remove the points."

Coach: (Sarcasticly) "Why didn't catch this before hand".

Me: "Why didn't you?"

Coach: (Obviously taken back) "Uhh... I don't wear the black and white shirt, its not my job".

Me: "Sorry coach we don't catch everything." (Walk off...)

It wasn't my best moment...but hey we live and learn. Ha ha.

Stop right here. Why didn't you count the players before bouncing the ball to the player?

While I'm all for trusting partners, they make mistakes. It's why, in football 2 officials are tasked with counting each team's players.

Sorry, this thread hit one of my pet peeves, I guess.

The NBA actually just created a rule last season to correct this situation so that the team with 6 players can't get the points earned while having too many men on the floor. Happened during a Toronto vs Portland game.

Two team technicals and the team is ejected. :rolleyes:

You should turn down any further games until you get a fundamental understanding of...

1) the rules
2) how to handle yourself professionally on and off the floor
3) no one cares that you are an official

It's not all about you. You aren't the show. Heck you shouldn't even be a side show.

Well said. Take heed ANYONE who constantly has problems with coaches, administrators, table crews, other officials, or fans. All of us have trouble now and again, but when it happens regularly, odds are there's a reason for it.

I actually told myself when I started 9 seasons ago that I would hang it up after two seasons if it was clear I wasn't a competent official. I wish more would say the same, or at least work at getting better, rather than taking the court with the attitude that they call a great game every night.

I certainly hope this wasn't aimed at me which I'm sure it was. I do get better every year. And I don't constantly have problems with coaches every game. You don't know me, so think before you speak out like that again. Especially someone like you who has very little posts in so many years as a member of this forum. I come here to talk about my games and learn from mature, experienced officials. I don't need someone like you heckling me and trying to force me to quit. I will not quit, but strive to do better with each game.

In retrospect, I withdraw my suggestion that you retire from officiating. I have 2 teen-aged sons who follow this board and I can appreciate that you represent every sort of bad example that I could not possibly imagine to caution them about. Your continued recitation of your exploits not only provides for a comic interlude but also gives my guys a point of reference to allow them to see why officials are oftentimes held in such low regard by the general population. It is ignorantly oblivious officials like you that affect the reputation of all of us. Hopefully by being exposed to the comments and suggestions proffered by the knowledgeable folks on this board you will elevate yourself from being just a bad example to become a competent official. Try humbling yourself and accept valid criticisms.
Please take to heart the advice you are getting from this community.

One reason I have so few posts is that I come here to read and learn rather than to show everyone else how much I know. I post when I feel I can add something productive to the discussion, or to ask a question and listen to the answers. I don't need to keep arguing my point to find the one person who agrees with me so I can feel better about myself. Get the chip off your shoulder and take the advice here for what it is.