What is the action taken when the referee determines that the clock was not started or stopped properly?

When the referee identifies that the game clock has not been started or stopped properly, the appropriate action is to use the official's count to make a correction. This means that the referee will assess how much time should have elapsed based on their own observations of the game and any relevant game situations.

This action is grounded in the principle of maintaining the integrity of the game and ensuring that the timing of plays reflects what actually occurred. By relying on their count, officials can adjust the clock to align with the true sequence of events, thus rectifying the situation and allowing the game to proceed fairly.

Consulting with other officials can be an important part of decision-making in basketball, but it is not the first action taken when a timing issue is identified. Ignoring the problem or delaying the game unnecessarily can disrupt the flow and fairness of the competition, which is why those options are not appropriate responses in this scenario.