So what if in the middle of the game the point spread changes to 10?

O wait that only happens in Vegas though.

DOn't know why you're having problems understanding it.

Stop it during timeouts and FTs, end of story.

And even if you fail to do this properly, what are the consequences? The game is over, or the running clock wouldn't be in effect in the first place.

Like I stated before, I am asking so that I can have a better understanding. I'm trying to get information from the local association as well when the season gets closer I will be asking the School AD about it.

Yes, you've asked, it's been answered and you continued to ask. Why persist? What is it that you still don't understand?

I do plenty of running clock games for kids rec including HS rec, in which they play running halves. We stop the clock only when there's a timeout. The clock runs during free throws. Usually, we go to stop clock in the last two minutes if the point spread, er, I mean differential is less than 10. However, in 3rd and 4th grade games, it runs the entire game regardless of the score.

When you work with a kids rec league and they have only so much gym rental time to fit in games, running clock is the best way to go.

Exactly. Plus, every state / league is slighlty different, so no one here (unless they are from WA *and* have insight beyond what is apparently posted) will be able to give any specific guidance.

In Washington, the running clock will only be used in the second half, will go into effect when the score differential is 40 or more points, and once started will not be changed back. The only time the clock stops is on time-outs, between third and fourth quarter, during free throws, or if there is an injury.

It really is that simple.

Or is it? When does it stop "during free throws"? When you hand the shooter the ball? When you report to the table? When the whistle is blown?

If it is the latter, the clock operator must know if there will be FTs or not in order to know whether the clock will stop or not. At a minimum, they must wait until the official indicates who the foul is on and if there will be FTs.

Sure, it is not really that big of a deal, but it isn't "that simple".

Why stop it during free throws? Kind of defeats the purpose of the turbo clock. Ours runs if there is a 30 point lead in the 4th quarter and goes back to the regular clock if the lead goes under 30. It only stops for timeouts or injuries.

Thanks for the clarifications, I'm trying to find contact information for the local board/association &, when I do, asking if I can attend a meeting before the season starts. This way I have a pool of experts I can ask in person beforehand, instead of at the last second in the middle of a game.

What would happen then if those free throws are being taken with less than 30 seconds left & the point differential is 1-2 points?

There's all sorts of questions that can be asked about the use of a running clock. Depending on the rules being used, that is.

Different State Associations, rec organizations, etc. have different rules/regulations so what may be good for the goose, isn't for the gander.

This is why I think these rules are unnecessary in basketball. The clock runs most of the time anyway. I also doubt that if someone has a 30 point lead in a basketball game, they are going to come back that quickly with a running clock. Maybe in a stop clock game, but not likely with such a wide lead. And if that is possible the leading team is stupid as heck to let it happen.

Peace

Because their local rule sez so.......:)

It don't have to make sense. It just is.

They make 'em; we follow 'em...shrug.

Oh, they're just going to LOVE you!