Who may be designated by the referee to toss the jump ball to start the game?

The correct choice is that any official may be designated by the referee to toss the jump ball to start the game. In basketball, the rules allow for flexibility regarding who performs the jump ball at the beginning of the game. It is common practice for officials to collaborate and decide who will conduct the toss based on their positions or any other procedural considerations.

This approach ensures that the game can start efficiently and that officials can utilize their judgment to maintain control and oversight, contributing to fair play from the outset. The other options are not correct because they either limit the choice of who can conduct the jump ball to a single official, who may not be the most appropriate at that moment, or suggest individuals outside the officiating team, such as coaches or team captains, who do not have the authority to toss the ball.