I've seen it all

M&M Guy · #1 (**permalink**) Mon Feb 07, 2011, 12:09pm

For those that insist it's the officials' fault for not watching for the coach's TO request, I have an example of why we shouldn't always watch. A few years ago, late in the game, team A has a small lead, but B is closing fast. B just scores, and sets up the press on the inbounds. I'm new lead, opposite table. A has trouble bringing the ball up, so I start watching A's coach for A TO request, as I know we are getting close to the 10-sec. limit. Sure enough, I finally see A's coach signal and yell for the TO, so I blew the whistle and granted it. Unfortunately, as I looked back to see where the ball would be put in play, it was going through B's basket! B has stolen the ball and had shot it, and I had no clue whether A still had possession at the time of the request, because I was too busy "being aware" of the coach. After a conversation with my partners, we agreed B had stolen the ball, but the whistle for the TO happened before the basket. So, no basket, A still wanted and got the TO, and B got the ball after the TO.

About 2-3 years ago, I believe the NFHS came out with an article in their pre-season magazine covering this very topic; it may have even been a POI. Basically, while it did acknowledge officials need to be aware of situations where a team and coach may request a TO, the article was directed at coaches, explaining that the officials' first responsibility is the action on the court, and there may indeed be times where the officials may not hear a proper request. Even if the request is heard, the officials need to verify it actually was the HC that made the request, and also verify that it was requested at the proper time (such as player control on the floor). If those things cannot be verified, the officials cannot grant the TO, no matter how loud the coach yells for it.

I don't know if the T in the OP was warranted or not. But I don't blame the officials for not hearing or being aware of the request if the noise level was high, and there was other immediate action on the court.

bob jenkins · #2 (**permalink**) Mon Feb 07, 2011, 12:14pm

I was watching a prelim game a couple of weeks ago, and A scored in a situation where you "knew" B would want a TO. Both officials looked at Coach B, who did nothing. Then, just as his team inbounded the ball, he started to request the TO. By then, everyone's attention was on the game and he didn't get his TO until several seconds had passed -- maybe 5 seconds, out of the 8 or so remaining.

So, it's also on the coach to request the TO in a timely manner. And, as long as they want to keep the right to request it, they need to accept the fact that it's not always going to be granted as quickly as they want.

JRutledge · #3 (**permalink**) Mon Feb 07, 2011, 12:29pm

I had a similar situation M&M and which is why I also do not take my attention from the floor. And in my case it was in dispute what if the team calling had possession. And it was not just me that had doubt, the other coach want off about the situation.

This is why you do not take your eyes off the court and it is on the coach to get your attention by his voice, actions or coaching of his/her players.

Peace

Jurassic Referee · #4 (**permalink**) Mon Feb 07, 2011, 02:43pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by M&M Guy

About 2-3 years ago, I believe the NFHS came out with an article in their pre-season magazine covering this very topic; it may have even been a POI. Basically, while it did acknowledge officials need to be aware of situations where a team and coach may request a TO, the article was directed at coaches, explaining that the officials' first responsibility is the action on the court, and there may indeed be times where the officials may not hear a proper request. Even if the request is heard, the officials need to verify it actually was the HC that made the request, and also verify that it was requested at the proper time (such as player control on the floor). If those things cannot be verified, the officials cannot grant the TO, no matter how loud the coach yells for it.

Very astute, Mr. M.

POE #3 from the 2008-09 NFHS rulebook on TIMEOUTS:

The proper granting of time-outs continues to be of great concern. During live ball situations, it is imperative that officials ensure player control before granting a time-out request. Additionally, officials must ensure that the time-out request is coming from a player or the head coach of the team in control. Coaches must realize that officials have other responsibilities to the game that require their immediate attention. As a result, coaches must understand that just because a time-out was requested does not mean that time-out will be granted.

You are wise beyond your years.