- 1). Familiarize yourself with the controls and buttons. Basketball games move quickly and there are many points, fouls, timeouts and other play stoppages. This is all recorded with the score clock, and the operator must be familiar with the controls to keep up with the pace of the game.
- 2). Set the time for each quarter before the game begins. Depending on the level or type of play, the quarter lengths can vary from 8 minutes to 12 minutes. For most score boards, setting the time requires pushing the button "Set Time," then typing in the actual time. For example, if the quarter length is 10 minutes, you should push 1-0-0-0.
- 3). Start the clock at the tip-off. There is usually a green start button and a red stop button. Pay attention to the game, as the clock will be started and stopped often. The clock needs to be stopped during timeouts, free-throws or when the ball travels out-of-bounds.
- 4). Keep score during the game. This is the most important part of operating the score clock. On most score boards, there are buttons to add a one-point shot (free throw), a two-point shot (field goal) or a three-point shot. The buttons will often be marked "+1," "+2" and "+3." Make sure you are adding the correct amount of points for the correct team.
- 5). Keep up with the other functions of the score clock. These include keeping track of or timeouts and fouls. These functions are kept the same way as points. If there is a foul for team A, then you push "+1" for fouls for team A. The same strategy is employed during timeouts. You will also keep track of the arrow, which points to the team that will inbound the ball following a tie-up between players from opposing teams.
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