3 man all the way. Not really a money thing for me anymore. I doubt seriously I'll accept a 2 man non-varsity assignment next year, and even the varsity 2 mans are getting scarce.
We are having problems with our younger officials who work 3 man during camps and then don't work it at all during the season. Even some varsity officials get maybe 5-8 3 man games during the year and none after December. You can't get better at 3 man mechanics by working it only 18 times a year. I've suggested that we go 3 man in all high school games which would ensure training of officials and might encourage some older guys to accept sub-varsity assignments on nights they don't have a varsity game.
State associations need to stand up to school districts, many of whom would probably put the fees for an additional official in their budget if they get the notice in time. That's one thing we've heard and while I suspect some districts are saying that as an excuse, for many its true. We've been working 5 man in JV football games for 2 decades around here. No reason not to go to 3 man in HS basketball.
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