Control of the court
 

I have heard in numerous threads the notion of "control of the court." It seems that sometimes the R has it, sometimes the U, and eventually the U gives it back to the R. I admit to being pretty new, but I haven't noticed this in the rules or officials manual (NFSH).

Can you shed some light on this concept?

Prior to the start of each game the U has control of the court while checking lineups, etc., then gives control to the R1.

In terms of routine actions during the game, when the U blows the whistle to signal a substitution or time out, they take control of the court from the R1. When the action is complete, they're supposed to give the court back to the R1. For end of the T.O. there is a specified protocol, for subs it can be anything the officials agree on (eye contact, gesture, moving to specific position, etc).

A less typical situation would be where there was an issue at the table that needed to be addressed. In this instance I take a step towards the court, make eye contact with the R & put up a hand (similar to the "stop sign" in basketball) to tell them hold on a sec, then see what the issue is. If it's something really simple, I take care of it quickly & then signal to the R1 to proceed (give them back the court), but if it looks more involved, then I'll signal an officials time out, take care of what need to be done, & then give the court back to the R1.

Well done, Toolman!

______________________

Toolman, that'll preach!

Stupid question #284: How does one signal "an officials time out"?

Rules book p. 62, illustration 21b.
If you don't have the book then in basketball terms its a "T" followed by a 30 second time out on the shoulders.