Varisty coach knows the rule #1

[deecee]

The discrepancy came when in order of action.

I begin the bouncing motion to the free throw shooter

Coach (loud enough that the whole gym hears) requests a time out pretty much as soon as the first action occurs

Ball reaches free throw shooter

My partner blows the whistle

I wanted to get into the intricacies of when the time out is granted versus the actual whistle being blown with the coach after the game (since i walked right by him after i changed and was leaving the facility), as well as clarify a bit on the concept of disposal and live ball dead ball but knowing his personality it would have been a waste of calories.

By saying I couldn't find anything that proved I was wrong was that I found what proved me right.

@Smitty - it is not an embarrassment to address a fan. There are situations when it might happen. Right before in bounds before a quarter a fan has asked me about something that happened in the game and depending on how they ask I could very well offer them an answer.

[JugglingReferee]

You have to know your audience.

I am in a small town. We have about 40 names TOPS in my local association - and some of those can't do higher level ball. We have some of the biggest tournaments around, so we can work a lot.

Because it's a small town, word can get around fast, and it does. There is almost always a small degree of separation between an official and most spectators.

Most comments are ignored, but if Mr. W, my grade 5 teacher, and coach from the time I was 5 until I was 11, asks me a question (nicely) when he is a spectator, you can be certain that I'm going to answer him. Besides, they all know enough to only ask questions if they're in the front row at the facility.