Fellas, I'm glad I read this thread. I have a boys varsity game coming up with a team that likes to pass the ball to the official after every opponent make (I know because I did the JV game and stayed for varsity back in December). The opponents were pressing so my feeling at the time was "they're screwing themselves by letting this press set up". But now I'm thinking they are gaining an advantage by trying to delay the start of the count.

Question: would you address this if a team did it every time? If you're me, do you say something to coach before the game?

I wouldn't say anything to the coach before the game. Start your count as normal, however, and continue it. If they do it every time, just let it hit you and drop while you keep counting. They'll stop.

Someone may come along and convince me otherwiser, but this is how I'd do it.

If you believe they're trying to delay the count by tossing you the ball, just start it as you would usually. I believe we're all talented enough to catch/tap a ball and start/continue a count all at the same time. ;) I believe it looks infinitely worse if we just let the ball pass by or hit us.

Or you could, if you wanted to be nasty, immediately declare it a throwin pass and a violation and give it to the other team.

Just To Be Clear ...
 

Was this dodge balll, or basketball?

Thanks fellas. I'll pregame this with my partner and I'll lobby for hitting it back to the kid while continuing my count. If necessary I can comment to the coach that I am continuing my count once he catches the ball/it's at the disposal even if he throws it to me.

Keep swinging, he'll know.