Legally Equipped? Why Do We Ask?

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by BillyMac

Please re-read my post. I didn't state that an official should listen to a fan's opinion regarding how much time to put on the clock. I just indicated that as an official, if I hear several fans yelling, "Clock, clock, clock", I'm going to "look" at the clock. If it's running when it's not supposed to be, I'm noting the time that I see on the game clock, sounding my whistle to try to get the clock stopped, and once stopped get together with my partner, and the table crew, to get the clock reset to the correct time, as near as we can figure by rule.

Please don't try to tell me that in this situation, waving in substitutes during a dead ball, clock stopped, scenario, that when several fans yell, "Clock, clock, clock", that you're not going to glance at the clock. Be honest.

Billy I have been doing college ball since about 2001. I have learned to be obsessed with the clock because of the way you have to pay attention to the shot clock and if that starts properly or not. I do not need a fan to yell for me to notice when the clock starts or stops. As a matter of fact when I am the new trail I often look at the clock to gauge my speed of the count.

I have notice problems with the clock (as well as other officials) without any complaining from the fans at all. Which is why I do not care what fans yell and not my job to care. Now maybe you feel you need that help, I do not or rely on things the fans say. Now that is honest. And if I did not see the clock move or start wrong, if I do not notice it then we are not doing anything.

Probably a better and more common example is the scoreboard. How many times a game a fan thinks they did not award a point. I never respond to those or care. If the coach or player has an issue I might worry about it for a minute but only if they are worried about it for several minutes. I am not stopping the game to check even that. Because usually the second they complain the table people correct it.

If that is what you do, cool. Not what I do or worry about. Fans yell all kinds of things. And a uniform issue is quite different than a clock issue anyway. Still does not mean I am going to pay that close attention to the fans.

Peace