Which referee is responsible for controlling the game clock and shot clock during a game?

The active referee is the one responsible for controlling the game clock and the shot clock during a basketball game. This role involves making real-time decisions related to the timing of the game, ensuring that clocks accurately reflect the current state of play. The active referee communicates with the official scorers and monitors any situations that might impact the timing, such as stoppages or fouls that would require adjustments.

While the non-active referee assists in officiating and may pay attention to these elements, it is the active referee's primary duty to manage the game's timing effectively. This is crucial for maintaining the flow of the game and ensuring that rules concerning game time and shot attempts are adhered to. The involvement of both referees is necessary for overall game management; however, the specific task of controlling the clocks falls on the active referee. The team captain's role, in contrast, focuses more on player communication and leadership rather than officiating responsibilities.