The final moments of a period or a game demand an elevated level of focus, awareness, and professionalism from officials. Mistakes made late are often the most visible and the hardest to recover from. This sublesson outlines proper officiating responsibilities from the final seconds of a period through the final horn and leaving the floor.

Continue Officiating Until You Leave the Floor

From the moment you step onto the floor until the moment you leave it, you are officiating.

• Do not mentally check out because the game is nearly over
• Be aware of bench decorum and sportsmanship at all times
• Continue observing players, coaches, and benches through the final horn

End-of-Period Awareness

At the end of each quarter or half, officials must increase awareness without changing how the game is officiated.

• Play-calling standards do not change
• Be aware of:
  • Game clock
  • Shot clock
  • Score
• Anticipate what teams may attempt late in the period
• Officiate plays normally and avoid guessing

If a play results in a shot near the buzzer:

• Watch the play start, develop, and finish
• If you blow a whistle at the buzzer, it must be obvious

Shot and Buzzer-Beater Situations