I'm a throw-in spot stickler like several of the others, and nowhere moreso than on the endline. Obviously, the ball is never put in inside the lane lines extended so anything that happens in the lane ends up at that spot just outside the lane. However, I'll move players out to the correct spot several times during each game.

"24, take a step out here for me" is a pretty common occurrence in my games.

Me too.

"42, out here."
pause while he moves a little
"Three more steps, please."
pause while he moves to the spot.
"Thank you."

Or, I'll find a marking on the floor, "Right here on the "S"."

Good points on endline throw-in spots.

From a coaches perspective (past life), you will call a timeout with the ball in the lane, to set up a final second in-bound play right under the basket.

Imagine how frustrating it would be when the ball is put in play on the sideline.

Why then, blow the whistle at all?

Lazy on mechanics, generally means lazy elsewhere. (in general)

The trick is to find out which is "lazy" and which is simply a local difference. And if you can't figure it out quickly, perhaps making a charitable assumption is in order.

It's been my experience that an asst coach will usually ask where the ball will be put into play after I, or my partner, report the timeout to the table.

I had a game last week where the AC would ask every time. Other than that, I've been asked less than 5 times all year.

I always make sure my and partner and I know where the ball will be inbounded. Is there NFHS protocol for notifiying one or both coaches/benches?

This is why, in addition to making sure I've designated a spot after granting a timeout (and before reporting it) I am also a big believe in proper mechanics. An official should be at the throw-in spot with the ball. If you're wondering around with the ball, coaches can get confused about where the throw-in spot will be.

If that is all we are required to do (which we doo doo), then that answers the question. :)

Yep, proper mechanics will notify anyone who wants to know. That said, if someone comes out of the huddle to ask we should definitely indicate for them.

It's helpful if you can point to your P and say "right where he's standing."

This.

My favorite officials to watch (sarcasm alert) are the ones who call an out of bounds by just raising their hands and then not pointing at all (perhaps they are just calling out a color verbally, but who knows since I can't hear them from the stands).

We all have our things and there are regional differences everywhere. One of my peeves is the official who doesn't whistle in subs -- in other areas this is perfectly normal. When in Rome, I guess...

That's why the timeout mechanic has one official standing at the spot. If they ask, I'll say "right here" or point to the sideline if I'm standing in front of the bench where the throwin will be.

Had an observer tell our crew to not whistle in subs. He is a guy who helps on the state tournament selection. So I guess it really does matter where you are located. Was told the only time to whistle in subs is if there is no horn.

Which is in direct opposition to the NFHS manual.

In other words, follow the golden rule. He who has the gold.....