Scoretable officials
Bayside Basketball Scorebench Guide
Everything our scoretable officials need on game day — the code of conduct, referee signals, key rules, and each role on the bench.
Introduction
In basketball, the “third team” comprises the game officials — the referees, scoretable officials, and statisticians — who ensure that the game is played fairly, professionally, and in accordance with the rules.
Scoretable officials play a vital role and must always demonstrate:
Knowledge
of the rules and procedures
Accuracy
in recording and timing
Professionalism
in conduct and appearance
To be an effective member of the scoretable team, an official should consistently apply the following key qualities:
Correctness
Precise recording and clear understanding of procedures
Rule Knowledge
Concentration
Focused attention throughout the entire game
Personal Ability
Communication
Clear interactions with referees, teammates, and coaches
Teamwork
Co-operation
Working smoothly with fellow officials and adapting to changing game situations
Professionalism
Code of Conduct
Work collaboratively with referees and team staff to deliver the best possible basketball experience for all participants.
Remain neutral – officials must not barrack, cheer, or react visibly to referee decisions or team actions.
Maintain focus – no food, drinks, or mobile phones are allowed at the scorebench during the game.
Professional presentation – officials should arrive prepared, act respectfully, and represent the game with dignity.
Be responsive to referee signals and communicate effectively within the scoretable team.
Stay informed of rule changes and best practices as advised by governing bodies such as FIBA.
For official guidance, refer to the FIBA documents. FIBA Documents
Refereeing Signals
Tap any picture to see it full size.
Game Clock Signals
Enlarge
- Stop the Clock: Open hand raised above the head.
- Stop the Clock for Foul: Clenched fist raised.
- Start the Clock: Downward chopping motion with hand.
Substitution and Time-out
Enlarge
- Substitution: Referee crosses forearms in front of chest.
- Beckoning-In: Referee waves substitute onto court.
- Charged Time-out: Forms a T-shape and shows finger count.
Scoring
Enlarge
- 1 Point: One finger flicked from wrist.
- 2 Points: Two fingers raised and flicked.
- 3 Points: Three fingers extended for attempt or both arms up if scored.
Informative
Enlarge
- Cancel Score or Play: Scissor-like motion with arms.
- Visible Count: Hand movements while counting aloud.
- Communication: Thumbs-up gesture.
- Reset Shot Clock: Circular motion with hand.
- Direction / Out-of-Bounds: Pointing directionally.
- Held Ball / Jump Ball: Thumbs-up then directional point.
Violations
Enlarge
- Travelling: Rotate fists vertically.
- Double Dribble: Patting motion alternately with hands.
- Carrying: Half-rotation palm-up gesture.
- 3, 5, 8, 24 Second Violations: Show corresponding number of fingers.
- Backcourt Return: Wave arm across body.
- Foot Ball: Point to foot.
- Goaltending: Finger swirl motion above head.
Numbers of Players
Enlarge
- No. 00 and 0: Both hands show zero.
- No. 1–5: Right hand shows fingers 1–5.
- No. 6–10: Right hand shows 5, left hand shows 1–5.
- No. 11–15: Right hand in fist, left hand shows 1–5.
- No. 16: Left hand 6, right hand reverse 1.
- No. 24: Left hand 4, right hand reverse 2.
- No. 40: Reverse 4, then open hand for 0.
- No. 62: Reverse 6, then open 2.
- No. 78: Reverse 7, then open 8.
- No. 99: Reverse 9, then open 9.
Type of Fouls
Enlarge
- Holding: Grasping wrist gesture.
- Blocking: Hands placed on hips.
- Pushing: Push motion with both hands.
- Handchecking: Pulling or tapping wrist.
- Illegal Hands: Hit on wrist gesture.
- Charging with Ball: Fist hitting opposite palm.
- Contact to Hand: Slap palm with opposite hand.
- Swinging Elbow: Swirling elbow motion.
Special Fouls
Enlarge
- Shooting Foul: Fist up then show number of free throws.
- Non-shooting Foul: Fist up then point to floor.
- Double Foul: Two fists waved in front of chest.
- Technical Foul: “T” hand shape signal.
- Unsportsmanlike Foul: Wrist grasp motion upwards.
- Disqualifying Foul: Two fists raised above head.
Rules
Status of the Ball
The ball becomes live when:
- It leaves the hands of the crew chief on the jump ball toss to start the game. (The clock starts when legally tapped.)
- It is at the disposal of the free throw shooter.
- It is at the disposal of the player for a throw-in.
The ball becomes dead when:
- An official blows their whistle.
- A field goal or free throw is made.
- The game clock signals the end of a quarter.
- The 24-second shot clock sounds while a team is in control.
Time-outs
When can a timeout be granted?
- On any whistle or referee stoppage.
- After a final successful free throw.
- After a field goal by the opposing team.
Timeout limits
- 2 timeouts in the first half
- 3 timeouts in the second half
- 1 timeout per overtime period
- Timeouts cannot carry over between periods.
- Only 2 timeouts allowed in the final 2 minutes of the 4th quarter.
Complex situations
- Before a technical foul free throw.
- Before the first free throw or frontcourt throw-in after an unsportsmanlike foul.
- If requested by the non-scoring team in the final 2 minutes, the ball is thrown in at:
- Frontcourt throw-in line opposite the scorer’s table
- Or backcourt baseline (coach’s choice)
Substitutions
When are substitutions allowed?
- On any whistle
- After the final successful free throw
- In the last 2 minutes of the 4th quarter and overtime — after a made basket by the opposing team
- Too late to call if the ball is live
Complex situations
- Technical foul – before or after the free throw is taken
- Unsportsmanlike foul – before the first free throw or before the frontcourt throw-in
Timing for substitutions
- Players must enter and exit the court promptly
- If a player is disqualified or fouled out – 30 seconds allowed
- If a player is injured – 15 seconds unless serious injury
Alternating Possession
- The arrow is first set based on which team does not gain control from the opening jump ball.
- The arrow indicates who receives possession at the start of the next quarter.
- Alternating possession replaces jump balls in held-ball situations.
- The throw-in occurs at the spot closest to the held-ball.
- For the next quarter, possession is awarded via throw-in from the center line opposite the scoretable.
Arrow Scenarios
1
Start of Game
Blue team gains control and moves to the right of the scoretable. The arrow must point left, toward Red’s end.
2
End of Q1
Arrow points left for Red. Red takes possession to start Q2. After throw-in, the arrow is flipped to the right.
3
Halftime Adjustments
If the arrow is still pointing to Red’s end after Q2, it must be flipped to point right (new shooting direction) before Q3 starts. Inform the referees when this is done.
Shot Clock Scenarios
1
Jump Ball to Start the Game
The Red team jumps and taps the ball to their teammate standing outside the centre circle. They catch the ball cleanly with two hands.
When does the shot clock start?When the Red player outside the centre circle catches the ball cleanly – gains control of the ball.
2
Rebound After Missed Free Throw
The last (or only) free throw is being taken by a Red player. The shot hits the ring and misses. A Blue player gets one hand on the ball, fumbles briefly, and then secures the ball with both hands.
When does the shot clock start?When the Blue player gets two hands onto the ball – gains control of the ball.
3
Throw-In with Deflection
A throw-in is being taken by a Blue player. The ball is passed onto the court, touched by both Blue and Red players, and deflects out into the middle of the court.
When does the shot clock start?When the ball touches any player on the court. If control ends up with Red (via a turnover), reset the shot clock to 24 seconds.
Roles and Responsibilities
Who Sits Where?
Enlarge
The physical arrangement of the scoretable team can vary depending on the number of officials available. Below are common setups for 4-person and 5-person benches.
4-Person Bench Layout
- 24 Second Operator: Manages the shot clock and resets it as instructed by the referees.
- Game Clock & Assistant Scorer (Visuals): Operates the game clock and helps visually communicate fouls, scores, and other updates.
- Chair: Oversees the scoretable team, ensures coordination, and acts as the central point of communication with referees.
- BasketballConnect / Paper Scorer: Records stats using iPad (or paper), keeps track of scores, fouls, and other in-game data.
5-Person Bench Layout
- 24 Second Operator: Same as above – handles shot clock operations.
- Game Clock: Dedicated operator for managing the official game time.
- Chairperson: Ensures that all scoretable duties are being carried out correctly, acts as team leader.
- Scorer: Enters stats and scores via BasketballConnect or other methods.
- Assistant Scorer: Assists with backups, double-checking fouls, and substitutions.
Note: The layout can vary depending on available personnel and venue setup. Always follow venue protocols and referee instructions.
Pre & Post Game
Pre-game Responsibilities
- Check all scoretable equipment is functioning (shot clock, game clock, scoreboard, iPad, etc.).
- Complete the scoresheet:
- The Chairperson presents it to the home team coach first, followed by the visiting team coach.
- Confirm all player numbers are correct, and captains are marked.
- Ensure the coaches sign off on their team’s entry.
- Mark the starting five players.
- Confirm that the players marked as starters are the ones entering the court to begin the game.
- Double-check the timing for the game and ensure all systems are set correctly.
- Confirm who will announce and communicate with referees during the match.
- Prepare and display the foul bats/signals for visibility to referees and spectators.
Post-game Responsibilities
- Finalise and complete the scoresheet, ensuring all information is accurate and legible.
- If a summary sheet is required, complete and attach it accordingly.
The Roles
Chairperson
- Handles pre-game duties (teams, starting 5s, captains & coach signatures)
- Communicates with referees and scoretable team
- Monitors foul and score accuracy
- Calls the game and handles substitutions and timeouts
- Alternates the possession arrow
- Informs referees of player fouls, disqualifications, and ensures indicators are visible
Scorer
- Keeps an accurate scoresheet
- Marks players entering the game
- Calls score and fouls to assistant scorer
- Uses foul bats 1–4
- Assumes Chairperson duties if one is not present
Assistant Scorer (Visual)
Enlarge
- Operates visual scoreboard
- Displays accurate game info including score, fouls, quarter, timeouts
- Coordinates with scorer to ensure accuracy
- Performs tasks like entering points, adjusting periods, correcting errors
Timer
Enlarge
- Keeps official game time
- Starts/stops the clock by rule
- Times warmups, substitutions, fouls, injuries
- Notifies officials at timeout limits
- Counts down final shot clock seconds aloud
Game Clock
Stops
Every whistle, late-game scores, timeouts on baskets
Starts
On legal tap of jump ball, player touch from inbound, post-free-throw touches
24 Second Operator
Enlarge
- Manages shot clock resets and holds per rule
- Informs Chairperson if buzzer unheard
- Alerts timer at 10 seconds remaining
Enlarge
Hints
- Start: When team has control
- Stop: When shot hits ring or possession changes
- Hold: For out of bounds or player injury
Shot Clock Scenarios
1
Jump Ball to Start the Game
The Red team jumps and taps the ball to their teammate standing outside the centre circle. They catch the ball cleanly with two hands.
When does the shot clock start?When the Red player outside the centre circle catches the ball cleanly – gains control of the ball.
2
Rebound After Missed Free Throw
The last (or only) free throw is being taken by a Red player. The shot hits the ring and misses. A Blue player gets one hand on the ball, fumbles briefly, and then secures the ball with both hands.
When does the shot clock start?When the Blue player gets two hands onto the ball – gains control of the ball.
3
Throw-In with Deflection
A throw-in is being taken by a Blue player. The ball is passed onto the court, touched by both Blue and Red players, and deflects out into the middle of the court.
When does the shot clock start?When the ball touches any player on the court. If control ends up with Red (via a turnover), reset the shot clock to 24 seconds.
The Shot Clock Decision Tree
Enlarge
In General Play
- Ball hits the ring – reset to 24 seconds.
- If a team gains control of the ball because of a steal, interception, or a defensive rebound, the shot clock is reset to 24 seconds (anywhere on the court).
- If a team retains control of the ball after an offensive rebound, the shot clock is reset to 14 seconds.
- In the last 2 minutes of the 4th quarter and into any overtime periods, a coach who has requested a timeout is entitled to advance the ball to the front court, then the shot clock will be reset as follows:
- If they choose not to advance the ball, the shot clock stays on the value when the timeout was called.
- If they choose to advance the ball, the shot clock is set to the lower of the current value or 14 seconds.
