[BillyMac]

Forum members: I need your help. I've been trying to come up with a set of guidelines for one person mechanics. I found two websites, the Greater Sudbury Board of Basketball Officials (IAABO Board 106) website, and the Kansas State High School Activities Association website, that had similar, yet slightly different guidelines, so I came up with a "hybrid" version using both sources. I would like your input before I send it on to my interpreter:

ONE PERSON MECHANICS GUIDELINES

For those who officiate long enough, the inevitable will occur; your partner will get hurt, or not show up for a scheduled contest, leaving you as a one person crew. One of the unfortunate aspects of working basketball is having to work games using one person mechanics. This is almost never a fun, or easy way, to work a game. Yet, when you are put in this situation, what do you do? There are many ways to do it, and you may want to experiment with different options to see what works best for you. The following are some one person officiating mechanics that you may want to try.

It is important to note that if no Board X officials are available, do not accept an offer from a parent, or other non-Board X official, to assist. Liability, as well as, competency, and fairness concerns, could be involved.

Coaches and Administrators Conference
The first thing that you should do is to bring both coaches, and the game administrator, together, explaining that your partner has not shown, or is injured, and that you will be officiating the game alone, to make sure that everyone is in agreement that the game will be played under these circumstances. Set the parameters for the game at this time. This will give them an idea of what to expect if they agree to play the game with only one official. Be honest and upfront that you are going to miss calls because there will be things that you will not be able to see. Request coaches cooperation, express advance appreciation for them assisting you in keeping themselves, and the game, under control. Tell them that you may even ask them for help on out of bounds calls in front of them. This is a great time to stress and remind them of the importance of good sportsmanship and the example that they can and should set for their players. Advise the game administrator that the cooperation of spectators will also be expected.

Pregame Captains And Coaches Meeting
In the pregame meeting with the captains and coaches, explain that you will appreciate, and expect, the cooperation from all ten players on the floor. You may ask them for help on out of bounds calls. Tell them that if you do not know who caused the ball to go out of bounds, and both sides try to argue that it was off of the other team, then the possession arrow will be used. If you tell them your expectations up front, they will work with you. Let them know that you expect the players to retrieve all loose balls out of bounds, since you are observing the players on the court.

Front Court Floor Coverage
The best position from which to work is probably from free throw line extended to free throw line extended, opposite the scorer’s table. As the ball goes toward the opposite sideline, you will have to move off the sideline toward the center of the floor. Avoid getting caught on the baseline. While sometimes necessary to cover a player near it, a see through principle may offer better total officiating positioning. Remember to call the obvious.

Out of Bounds
Have players assist you on out of bounds calls. If you’re not sure who touched the ball last, observe the reaction of the players. If you’re still not sure, ask who touched it last. Any disagreement results in the alternating possession deciding. No dialogue, discussion, or disagreement. Put the ball in play. After designating the spot, move a short distance away and bounce the ball, like a free throw, to the player for the throwin.

Three Point Shots
Admittedly, one person cannot see everything, so, do not guess. Remember, if one person could work a game as effectively as two or three, then why would administrators, and coaches, be demanding more than one official.

Reporting Fouls
Cheat a little bit on the reporting position. By remaining in the middle of the floor, your peripheral vision should enable you to observe all the players.

Free Throw Coverage
On free throws, you need to get the players set and then administer every shot from the trail position. Notice initial placement of the shooter’s feet, but then focus attention on the nonshooters, particularly when a miss, and a rebound, occurs.

Presses
For pressing situations, you will need to be no lower than the free throw line extended in the backcourt. If you go any deeper than this, you will not have any chance to make a call if there is a long pass to the other end of the floor. This is the same reason that you do not want to work all the way to the baseline when you are in the front court, or on baseline throwins.

Maintain Control of the Game
In a game you are working solo, you may need to blow your whistle more often than you might in a game using a normal two person crew. You need to do this to maintain control, as the players will realize that there is only one of you and try to take advantage of the situation. If you take charge early it will help keep the crazy stuff in check. The coaches will understand the difficult situation that you have been placed in, but may sometimes forget in the heat of battle. Expect that, but keep your cool and remind them of your position, and that you are working hard for them. Coaches must control their emotions. Do not argue with them, or let them put you in a position where you feel guilty about not being able to see everything. Do the best you can, it’s not your fault that this undesirable situation exists.

Compensation
Make sure that all of your pertinent pay information is turned in to the game administrator. The fee for a one person game is 150% of the normal game fee. Unless there was only one official originally scheduled for the game, the Commissioner should be notified as soon as possible regarding this situation.

Maintain your sense of humor and composure. Some interaction with players and coaches will work to your advantage. Remember that, approached properly; people will almost always be willing to assist. Relax. No one will expect you to be perfect. Remember that you are the best official on the floor, albeit the only one.
If you are put in the spot of working alone, adapt the ideas above to make your task just a little bit more manageable. It will also make you appreciate your partner a lot more the next game you work.

Sources: Greater Sudbury Board of Basketball Officials (IAABO Board 106)
Topeka Officials Association (Kansas State High School Activities Association)