Introduction
Every player hates to sit on the bench but they love when the coach signals them to get in the game. But for anyone who has played organized basketball you know there is a check in process. So how do you check into a basketball game? It’s simple! You walk over to the score table and take a knee. This is the check-in location and it lets the referee know you are ready to substitute another player. This is the basic answer but there are some other necessary actions that are happening and I will discuss them in this article.
What is a substitution in basketball?
Before you can really understand the check-in process you need to first know what a substitution is in basketball. A substitution is when the coach makes a determination to rotate a basketball player from the game to the bench.
As you probably know, you can only have five players on the court during game play and if one or more players need to come out for whatever reason the coach needs to substitute that player.
Substitutions can happen for a variety of reasons. A coach can pull a player who needs a break or player who is not doing his or her job. Coaches may substitute a player who is in foul trouble. A coach might substitute a player to give them guidance.
What is the Check-In?
No matter what the reason is for the substitution the coach must follow the protocol for checking in a different player. The rules for checking-in is pretty much the same at every organized basketball game but there could be some variations.
Where do Players Check-in?
The check-in table is a central location at mid-court and monitored by people who sit at the scorer’s table. It is very easy to locate. Players should take a knee or sit on their bottom next to the table. Players should be careful not to block the view of the personnel sitting at the scorer’s table.
What Happens During the Substitution Process?
After a player takes a knee at the scorer’s table the personnel at the scorer’s table will physically check to ensure the player’s number corresponds with the team’s roster and verify the player is listed in the scorer’s book. This is an important step because the people at the table are tracking each time a player scores and/or fouls. This information helps to make sure there is a little bit of checks and balances in the game and can also be used if there is any conflict in the score at any time during the game.
I have witnessed times when a coach puts a player in the game that is not on their roster. The check-in process helps with the integrity and fairness of the game.
When do Players Enter the Court?
Players are not authorized to enter the court until a referee signals them to enter. This will only happen during a dead ball situation when the clock is not running. Unless you are playing a game with a running clock which does happen in recreation leagues and other special circumstances. Once the referee signals the incoming player to enter the court that player should notify the player he or she is substituting to let them know to leave the court. Referees normally do a good job at making sure this happens in a timely manner but coaches need to make sure the exchange happens. I have seen times when players don’t communicate and the next thing you know the coach is getting a technical foul because he or she has six players on the court.
The official at the score table should signal the referee during a dead ball by sounding the horn letting them know there is a substitution who has checked in. You can’t always count on the volunteer at the score table to remember or even know when it is time for the referee to check in a player. This can happen anytime there is a volunteer managing operations at the scorer’s table. This is often the case during recreation basketball games, travel ball or high school games.
When this happens, coaches need to rely on the referees who can also forget with all of the things they are doing during the game.
