Timeout Question

[Lax_Stats]

This is simple. Referee's raise a hand and then point it down as in indicator that the ball has entered the attack zone in possession and a timeout may be called. It is the coaches responsibility to watch for this signal and call his timeout once that signal has been given. If a coach is indicating he will want a timeout once it is legal for him to ask for one, I would simply advise letting him know he will need to ask for the timeout once he is legally able to do so. It is important for officials to be consistent and interpret the rules appropriately. If a coach asks for a timeout he is not entitled to because his team has not yet advanced the ball into the attack zone, you disadvantage the opposing team by not calling this violation and appropriately awarding the ball as per illegal procedure. Again, it depends on the crew and the official aware of the violation as to whether he "hears" the illegal call for a timeout. The official may choose to not "hear" the violation for example if a team is getting soundly beat. Officials must not "play god" with the rules, but they should use sound judgement when applying them.