TO Signal requirements

Ref Daddy · #1 (**permalink**) Mon Dec 16, 2002, 08:42pm

I struggle with whats a "requirement" to get a timeout properly signaled.

Is Verbal enough?

1) In a loud Gym "Tim" "Tom" "Terry" sound a lot like "time" to me. Lots of "t" words flying around. What ever happened to the required handsignal. Is it still mandatory? Can I ask for it in preGame?

2) In a scrum some players will start yelling "time" to avoid a JumpBall. My luck has it their face is usually buried in the floor covering a ball like a laying hen surrounded by players. Is that Good enough?

3) Coach's are playing that weak verbal "time" when they cannot make up their mind.

What a good ref do?

BigDave · #2 (**permalink**) Mon Dec 16, 2002, 10:09pm

It is up to the player or coach to request a timeout. If they can't do that in a clear, readable manner, they don't get one. If they want it bad enough, they'll get their point across.

The last thing you want to do is guess and make a mistake. Insure they want a timeout and give them one. If you can't determine their intention, wait until you can.

firedoc · #3 (**permalink**) Mon Dec 16, 2002, 10:50pm

BigDave is absolutely correct. Never guess! Once the player or coach wants one badly enough, he will jump up and down to get your attention. I would add that you should make certain that the coach/player is entitled to a TO...which means that the ball is dead or that his team has possession.

Jurassic Referee · #4 (**permalink**) Tue Dec 17, 2002, 04:03am

Quote:

Originally posted by firedoc
I would add that you should make certain that the coach/player is entitled to a TO...which means that the ball is dead or that his team has possession.

The team has to have player control,or the ball being at the disposal of a player,to be granted a TO. Team possession(control) by itself is not good enough to grant the TO. R5-8-3ab.