stalling

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There is no set time for a stalling warning, and it depends on the circumstances of the game and possession in progress.  Like the famous Supreme Court decision, you'll know it when you see it.

There are several factors to consider:
<ul>
 	<li>Has the defense just gone zone and the offense is taking time to figure this out and decide what to do?  If so, more leeway the first time or two out might be called for.</li>
 	<li>Is the defense challenging the ball, or are they hanging back?  If the defense isn't going after the ball, it isn't stalling.</li>
 	<li>Is the offense ahead by a lot and simply trying to keep from adding to the pain?  If so, the bench-side official should be attentive to sideline chatter. If the coach of the team that is down big is asking for stalling, you might consider applying the stall warning. If that coach isn't very upset, that is a good indicator that they appreciate the slower pace that is being provided.</li>
 	<li>Is the game close and is the offense trying to keep its opponent from having an opportunity to score?  If so, officials should communicate and allow a consistent amount of time to go to the goal and then apply the stall warning.</li>
</ul>
How to handle potential stalling situations is a good topic to cover in a pre-game meeting.  And if game conditions suggest that stalling could happen, officials should remind each other when they come together to be on the alert.

A verbal communication between officials ("Matt, what do you think?"  or "Rick, how about next time around X?") is enough to let the offense know that they are about to be warned and often results in a shot being taken.

One point about mechanics:  under no circumstances should officials issue a stall warning when the ball is anywhere near a boundary line for the offensive goal area.  The best time is when the ball is directly behind the goal.

Understand that the first time you apply the stall warning - in terms of the amount of time you've let the offense play before telling the team to keep it in the box - that becomes the bar to which you must measure stalling for the rest of the game. Make sure you are consistent about doing so from that point forward.

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