The officials should take a position opposite the scorers table and observe the teams
carefully during their pre-game and half time warm-ups for any possible action which
could lead to damage of game equipment. Grasping of the ring by a player in such a
way as might result in damage to the ring or to the backboard should not be tolerated.
Should the officials observe such unsportsmanlike conduct, the coach of the offending
team must be warned immediately. If there is a repetition, a technical foul is called on
the individual involved.
The referee should also check that the scorer has correctly prepared the official
scoresheet and ensure that ten (10) minutes before the game is scheduled to begin
the coaches have confirmed their agreement with the names and corresponding
numbers of the team members and the names of the coaches, by signing the
scoresheet and indicating their five (5) starting players. The referee then shall return to
his position opposite the scorers table.
He shall also select the game ball, a used one, and mark it distinctly. Once the game
ball has been determined, it shall not be made available to either team for practice prior
to the start of the game.
The game ball should be in good condition and conform to the Rules.