Request for Time-out
December 12th, 2009
If a coach waits until the last possible moment before the R1 whistles for service to request a time-out, should the R2 blow his/her whistle to grant this request even though she/he has heard the R1’s whistle?
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I hope that others will either confirm or refute this, but it’s my understanding that if the coach’s request is made (and heard by the R2) before the whistle for serve, then the request should be acknowledged. Ideally, the R2’s reaction time will be fast enough to whistle no later than the R1’s whistle for serve. But even if the R2’s whistle is just a hair later than the R1’s, I believe that acknowledging the request is the right thing to do.
At the end of the time-out, the R2 can (nicely) caution the coach that by waiting until the last second to request the time-out, they run the risk of not getting the request acknowledged.
In my region there has been many a discussion on this question. We are nearly unanimous that the time-out should be granted because the coach is acting within the rules. One of my officiating colleagues said “If allowing a “close” timeout to happen creates a good rapport with the coaches, the better off the match will be. If the other coach questions your decision, let the coach know that you would do the same for him/her.” The R2 should be quick to grant the T.O. with impunity. Furthermore, it behooves us to do so without letting the “lateness” irritate us or otherwise affect our performance as a professional.
I had this situation this weekend as R2.
I heard time-out and looked to verify it was from the coach on my court and not the court behind me.
Just as I saw the coach looking at me, signaling time-out, I heard R1 tweet for serv.
I blew 1 long tweet and signaled reserve.
Then blew 2 tweets and signaled time-out.
You can usually tell when a coach needs a TO. When a team just lost 5 points in a row, they need a to. Personally I look at the coach during the dead ball, then I scan, then as I’m putting my arm up to beckon, I look to the coach one more time for a “late” TO request. Then if she/he decideds to request it at the same time my whistle goes off, I give it to them. I like to think that I give them every possible opportunity to win the game for their team.
I agree with the comments, but let’s not forget that the R1 is facing forward scanning the court. He, too, knows when there may be an impending timeout. Sometimes the coach will look me directly in the eye and signal for TO. So I’ll look and if I get no request I look at the server, extend my arm and whistle. I rarely get caught off guard for TO or sub requests.