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Basketball Instruction/Alternating possessions

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Expert: - 1/30/2009


Question
As a veteran scorer, I have always switched the possession arrow when the official places the ball in the possession of the thrower-in.  Recently an official told me not to switch the arrow until the ball is touched inbounds.  Which is correct?  Many things can happen on court between those two events that should not affect the switch of possessions.

Answer
HI Jack,

The possession arrow should be switched when the ball is actually in-bounded. The reason for this is because prior to the ball being thrown in, like u said, many things can happen. One of the main things that can happen is a time-out gets called. If you switch the arrow when the ball gets handed to the in-bounder prior to throwing it in, and then a time out is called, the arrow is now pointing in the wrong direction. I hope that helps.

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Bret Temple

Expertise

My expertise is in the art of Officiating Basketball and I can answer questions pertaining to basketball rules; youth level through CIF High School, NCAA college and NBA rules as well. I can either help define a specific rule for you, or interpret a specific rule to clarify how other officials and I view and call the game.

Experience

I have been a Basketball Official now for over 19 years, officiating at all levels. I have attended numerous training camps throughout the years in an attempt to constantly become a better official. I have been evaluated by top Officiating organizations and I've had the honor of being selected to officiate at the highest levels including former Division 1 College and NBA players.

Organizations
NASO (National Association of Sports Officials) CBOA (California Basketball Officials Association)

Education/Credentials
El Sorrino Officials Association Accreditation CIF Certified(California Interscholastic Federation) WCPBL(West Coast Professional Baskeball League) The NBA Developmental League training

Past/Present Clients
Los Angeles City Parks and Recreation, Calabasas Basketball League, Calabasas Semi-Pro Men's League, AYBA California Interscholatic Federation, ARC League , (WCPBL)West Coast Professional Basketball League, Gary Grant Youth Basketball Program

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