Table Workers

When a shot is taken and the ball rebounds away from all players, the shot clock operator should reset the clock at the moment of the shot, and then reset it again when a team gains possession. While several seconds may come off the game clock during the loose ball, the team that secures possession must be given a full 30-second shot clock.

The shot clock operator should think of the shot clock as both a shot clock and a possession clock. On every shot, reset the clock when the ball leaves the shooter’s hand, and then reset it again when a team gains possession. That might be when the goalie secures it, when a field player controls a rebound, or when a goal is scored.

One of the biggest mistakes a secretary or narrator can make is trying to identify players on their own during live play. The referees will consistently signal the player numbers for exclusions and goals to both the players in the water and the scorer’s table. If you clearly see it, go with it, but don’t guess or delay trying to figure it out yourself when the referees already have the information.

At the same time, do not allow play to continue if you are missing a player number that must be recorded. Get the referee’s attention by calling their name or tap the side of your head to signal that you need a number before allowing play to move on.

When a double exclusion occurs while one team has possession of the ball, the shot clock is not reset. If the referees stop play and exclude two players, do not immediately enter the exclusions into the console. First, note the time remaining on the shot clock.

Many consoles, such as the Colorado System 5, Colorado System 6, or Colorado Wireless System, will automatically reset the shot clock when an exclusion is entered. After recording the two 20-second exclusions, you must manually restore the correct shot clock time.

If you are operating the clock, make sure you know how to adjust and reset the shot clock manually before the game begins.