How late is too late (foul call)

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by MelbRef

Drive to basket, foul on shooter, raise fist and realize that I didn't have the whistle in my mouth. Rebound to other team, starting up court near half court by the time I get whistle ready to blow.

There was a foul. You saw it. Coach saw it. Get the whistle back in your mouth as soon as possible, and sound it, as loud as you can. It can't take that long, can it? If the other coach complains, tell him that you accidentally spit out your whistle.

I once started a period as the nonadministering official and happened to be standing right in front of the coach. She politely asked me a simple question and I responded with a simple answer. Then I forgot to put the whistle back in my mouth. Seconds later the ball goes out of bounds on my endline. My partner was kind enough to sound her whistle. Thanks partner.

[Scratch85]

Originally Posted by BillyMac

I once started a period as the nonadministering official and happened to be standing right in front of the coach. She politely asked me a simple question and I responded with a simple answer. Then I forgot to put the whistle back in my mouth.

I did this exact thing during a live ball. However after giving my simple answer the coach asked for a TO. I raised my hand, pointed to her bench and yelled "TIME OUT WHITE.! She looked at me and with a slight southern draw said: "You gotta blow your whistle." It took me a second but I finally blew my whistle and got her the TO.

I've made several embarrassing blunders on the court but this one ranks very high on my list.