How not to miss a timeout request

[APG]

Originally Posted by just another ref

Most players now apparently don't know that they can request a timeout. I often mention this in pregame to coaches and captains.

I've never met a player that didn't know they could request a timeout. The only time, in at least the games I work, where I see this in play is during a loose ball where a player will grab the ball and ask for a timeout to save possession.

I think you don't see players calling time because they view is as in the pervue of coach...and they also don't want to erroneously call a timeout if they themselves mistake the intentions of the coach. Also, in situations where it may be difficult for officials to grant a request, tend to be intense situations where a player will have his undivided attention on.