Observations from Thursday 11 July - Several players thought a loose ball constituted loss of possession.  It does not suspend the count. So a ball may be batted or tipped but until the other team actually takes possession the count continues.  If refs  see the other team is about to pick up a loose ball we usually do not stop the play.  If the defense bats/tips the ball out of bounds in the backcourt the same count resumes when the offense inbounds the ball. For example if the offense is on 4 seconds when the ball is tipped out of bounds by a defender they will have only 4 seconds to get the ball over half court.  Referees can also call eight seconds if the ball is in the air and hasn’t touched the court or a player in the front court.