Timing issue?

[ronny mulkey]

Observing a high school game last night. 3 excellent officials. They called a backcourt violation off the tip. 7:56 on the clock. They go up and down for 2 possessions. On the 3rd possession, one of the officials notices that the clock hasn't moved. They get together and call both coaches to the table and decide to set the clock at 7:30.

I go in after the game to congratulate them, so I just asked. "How did you decide on 7:30?" The R told me that they did not have a clue as to the time that should have expired. So, he got both coaches to agree on the 7:30 OR they could continue play from the 7:56 mark.

My question to you guys; Would you have taken this common sense approach or would you have just stayed within the rule?

[Rich]

Originally Posted by ronny mulkey

Observing a high school game last night. 3 excellent officials. They called a backcourt violation off the tip. 7:56 on the clock. They go up and down for 2 possessions. On the 3rd possession, one of the officials notices that the clock hasn't moved. They get together and call both coaches to the table and decide to set the clock at 7:30.

I go in after the game to congratulate them, so I just asked. "How did you decide on 7:30?" The R told me that they did not have a clue as to the time that should have expired. So, he got both coaches to agree on the 7:30 OR they could continue play from the 7:56 mark.

My question to you guys; Would you have taken this common sense approach or would you have just stayed within the rule?

Neither. I would've tried to find where we had definite knowledge (backcourt counts, closely guarded counts) and taken that much time off.

Another reason to have someone look at the clock after every inbounds -- without pressure, no reason it can't be the person administering the throw-in.

[deecee]

No offense, but excellent officials and over 2 possessions up and down the court and no one looked at the clock?

[ballgame99]

and was there no one in the gym? They parents around here yell about the clock if its 2 seconds slow.

The approach they used seems like the best policy; input from both sides, build a consensus, and let's go. Everyone is happy. To the operator; "c'mon man!"

[Altor]

Originally Posted by ronny mulkey

My question to you guys; Would you have taken this common sense approach or would you have just stayed within the rule?

I know this is not typically why you would invoke this rule, but doesn't rule 5-5-3 apply here?

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by ronny mulkey

would you have just stayed within the rule?

The coaches agreed to shorten the quarter / game. That's within the rule.

[Rich]

Sure, but we're not getting there if I'm working. Find a number of seconds, alter the clock, and move on.

[ronny mulkey]

Originally Posted by deecee

No offense, but excellent officials and over 2 possessions up and down the court and no one looked at the clock?

DC,

No offense taken. Excellent officials nonetheless. Two of them do D1 basketball.

[Mark Padgett]

Situations like this are why I always wore one of these during games to keep time. You don't have to worry about starting or stopping the clock.

[Bad Zebra]

Originally Posted by Rich

Neither. I would've tried to find where we had definite knowledge (backcourt counts, closely guarded counts) and taken that much time off.

Another reason to have someone look at the clock after every inbounds -- without pressure, no reason it can't be the person administering the throw-in.

Excellent point. Make this part of the pre-game with your crew...along with any crew experiences with this table previously...good bad or indifferent.

[Bad Zebra]

Originally Posted by Mark Padgett

Situations like this are why I always wore one of these during games to keep time. You don't have to worry about starting or stopping the clock.

Cloudy game days would be a b*tch.

[Adam]

Originally Posted by Rich

Sure, but we're not getting there if I'm working. Find a number of seconds, alter the clock, and move on.

Agreed. Someone is going to have had a count or two at this point. Might not get to 7:30, but we'll drop some time.