Agree JAR
 

Fixed it for you. This is NOT just you, this is your P and the table too.

Now, how do you prevent that from happening in the future?

I failed to check off with my partner and the table to confirm who should have the ball.

The table did catch it right off as soon as I called the wrong team over before the ball was put in play.

I'm not sure why we didn't communicate that in this instance, however, I know for the next games I will make sure that everything is correct before anything happens.

...and when do you think you should have "checked" this?

You will own this mechanic from now on.

At the conclusion of the 2nd quarter, at halftime, meet your partners at the center of the court. When the Coaches and players leave or are heading for their respective locker rooms...you and your partner(s) go to the table...grab your jackets...and MAKE SURE THE TABLE SWITCHES THE ARROW.

Bonus: Ask if someone is available to come and get you before 3 minutes.

Blue Ball To Start The Second Half ...
 

We have the referee instruct the "table" to switch the arrow, and then announce to each other, and anyone else who may be listening, usually table personnel, and statisticians hanging around the table, which "color" will get the ball to start the second half.

Also, probably just here in my little corner of Connecticut, we both (two person in Connecticut) switch the whistle in our pockets as a double check to remind us regarding the direction that we will be going in to start the second half, but I understand that that's not done in other parts of the country, not that there's anything wrong with not doing that.

I will put my GAME whistle inthe appropriate pocket during halftime to help me remember.

This may come back to haunt me after saying this, but I've never had a need for a second whistle and I remember who's ball it is. Is the second whistle because something could happen to the first one or to help remember who's ball it is?

Only thing in my pocket these days is my Fitbit One. I wouldn't want to carry a tic tac if it wasn't necessary. :D

If my whistle breaks, I'll delay the game to retrieve another one. I carry nothing but a few LifeSavers, which I will use during the game if I feel so inclined. The only thing in my jacket pocket is a needle to deflate the (always) over-inflated game ball.

I agree. I'm not carrying another whistle.

Seinfeld ...
 

"Not that there's anything wrong with that."

I carry a spare in case the shirt loop breaks. I use a smitty and it's happened.

When In My Little Corner Of Connecticut ...
 

In my little corner of Connecticut, and probably only in my little corner of Connecticut, both.

Don't use a Smitty. :)

But I like the Smitty...

I have a spare on a noose lanyard in my jacket. That's just the Boy Scout in me.