calling a time-out

First published July 30, 2012

In many games, players can call “time-out”, usually at the coach’s direction. The game stops. The clock stops. And the players can rest for a moment. A coach can describe the next play. In some sports, players can call “time-out” several times during the game.

We could imagine, I suppose, a coach who said “I’m not going call any time-outs. It’s a sign of weakness.” I can also imagine that coach being booed by fans. The time-out is part of the game. It helps everyon...