scorebook leaves table during halftime

[SAK]

Originally Posted by chseagle

2-11-11 states: Compare records with the visiting scorer after each goal, each foul, each charged time-out, & end of quarter & extra period, notifying the referee at once of any discrepancy. If the mistake cannot be found, the referee shall accept the record of the official scorebook, unless s/he has knowledge which permits him/her to decide otherwise. If the discrepancy is in the score & the mistake is not resolved, the referee shall accept the progressive team totals of the official scorebook. A bookkeeping mistake may be corrected at any time until the referee approves the final score. The scorebook of the home team shall be the official book, unless the referee rules otherwise. The official scorebook shall remain at the scorer's table throughout the game, including all intermissions.

How can this be handled differently next time since there seemed to be a misapplication of the rules since the official scorebook was removed from the table during halftime? What penalty/penalties if this happens again?

Another question concerning the scorebook: what is the recommended action if the scorer (or designated assistant) does not stay with the score book at all times?

Why should the scorer have to stay with the book? The rule only states that the book must remain at the table. I understand thinking behind this but the scorer is free to go and do what ever he/she wants to do during the intermission so long as the book remains at the table. From my experience, there is always at least one person that does not leave the table and I have never had the book changed when it remains on the table.