[grunewar]

Originally Posted by bc7

What is the normal procedure for working a one man game?

Below is some guidance I cut and pasted from another poster/some earlier suggestions on working by one's self. While I don't agree with all of them, and I'm sure others have ideas too, this will give you some things to consider:

- THE ART OF ONE-PERSON MECHANICS -

Sooner or later every referee works alone. Sometimes your co-official has an emergency, and it is too late to find a replacement. More commonly, your assignor does not have enough officials on a particular date and you receive the honor. Manuals and training in two- and three-person mechanics are readily available, but no formal training exists for one person mechanics. This article intends to provide effective tools and guidelines for performing at a high level as a crew of one.

Most importantly, do not panic. You can do this. Staring wistfully out the gym door and frantically searching among the fans, or (worse) the assistant coaches, for a suitable partner is a waste of valuable time. You are now the R in the game. Act the part. Take care of all normal pre-game duties.

Working solo requires special attention to some key areas:

Coaches and Administrators Conference: Conduct a pre-game meeting with both coaches and the game administrator. Confirm that everyone is in agreement. Request coaches cooperation and express advance appreciation for them assisting you in keeping themselves and the game under control. 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.

Table: Inform the scorekeeper that once he or she makes eye contact with you during a foul, the report will be made without further eye contact (more on this later). Table personnel should be prepared to assist you if you question whether or not a shot went in the basket.

PLAYERS: Gather all starting players just before the jump ball, and explain these situation. 1. If you request help on an out of bounds call, the call will be made by the players (players always know this one anyway). If opposing players disagree on the call, you will award the ball according to the possession arrow. Any disagreement at all, period - goes to the arrow. 2. Inbounds plays may require you to make some unusually long bounce passes to the inbounder, even to the point of passing the ball through parts of the playing floor, and these passes must reach the inbounder without interference. 3, In addition to retrieving loose balls you will expect them to hold the ball during any report to the table until you request it.
Coaches: Let them know that you will be far too busy to converse with them during the course of the contest.

Now you are ready to toss it up. If you understand three person mechanics you will work primarily from the C and T positions. Work from free throw line extended to free throw line extended. Do not go to the baseline or lead position unless absolutely necessary for play coverage. Drives to the basket will be officiated from behind the play while closing down toward the baseline to maintain an angle. Intelligent sacrifices must be made in off ball coverage. For example, opposing players more than six feet apart do not need your attention. Maintain a wide field of view and referee through the play. Otherwise, it is business as usual with a few exceptions as follows.

Floor Coverage: Work the sideline, opposite the scorer’s table, moving from free throw line extended to free throw line extended. 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 end line. If the play takes you to the tableside get back to the opposite side as soon as play will allow you to cross the floor. If you have a foul call while tableside, go opposite before you stop to report.

Foul reports: Stay wide of the players. Move to a spot, stop, and stand still to facilitate a clear report. Glance at the scorekeeper to make sure you have his or her attention, then give the report without taking your eyes off the players. You work and report from table opposite so your back is never to the players.

Free throws: Administer all attempts from the trail position facing the table. Observe initial placement of the free thrower’s feet, but then focus attention on the other players along the free throw lane lines.

Out of Bounds: Request players and coaches to assist you on out of bounds violations. If a disagreement results, use the alternating possession arrow to make the decision. After designating the throw-in spot, move to your position (see Floor Coverage) and either bounce or toss the ball to the player for the throw-in.

Inbounds plays: This one requires common sense on your part. Obtain a position that allows you to see the whole play and bounce the ball to the inbounder from that spot, even if you must pass it between players. Inform the players of where you will pass the ball in unusual situations and say the word "play" as soon as you are certain the inbounder has secured the ball.

Time outs: Stand in the center circle facing the table scorer’s table with ball on hip toward the teams’ basket which will have control of the ball. Do not forget the spot if an inbounds play follows the time out. After 1st horn, move to area on the playing court where play will resume.

Transition offense: Trail the play slightly. Dont neglect the players that are trailing but focus on the action at the point of attack.

Pressure defense: Maintain position even with or one step ahead of the ball and stay as wide as possible.

Trouble spots: The most difficult play coverage occurs when the ball goes to the comer on the other side of the floor. It usually helps to move toward the division line and into the middle of the floor as long as you can stay clear of players at the top of the key. Do not get caught out there in transition.

Three Point Shots: Do not guess. Move to improve your angle or request coaches to assist with the proper call.

Presses: Remain at the free throw line extended in the backcourt, opposite the scorer/timer table and move up the court with the players.

Maintain Control Maintain your composure. You may need to blow your whistle more so players do not take advantage of the situation. Take charge early to help keep the crazy stuff in check. Do not argue with the coaches. Keep your cool and remind them that you are working hard for them. Do the best you can. It is not your fault that this situation occurred. Remember that, if approached properly, people will almost always be willing to assist. Remember that you are the best official on the floor, albeit the only one.

These recommendations are made with the hope that you will land your next solo flight without incident. Feel free to modify to fit your style or situation as needed. A crew of one is certainly not the ideal situation, but if you can get the players to work with you, a solo game can be a very rewarding experience. In fact, you may be amazed at how well the players respond with one referee and what great sportsmanship they often exhibit in this situation.