I signed up to officiate a 3 on 3 tourney this weekend. I am looking for some insight on the mechanics for officiating 3 on 3 games. Can some one please help get me on the right track. Thank you.

If you are using FED rules, use FED mechanics.

I have never officiated 3 on 3. I do not even now where to stand.

I haven't either, but I would do it the same as a normal game.

I did one of those Hoop-it-Up tournaments last year, they had a sheet full of special rules for us, and we were told to use standard one person mechanics, stay at foul line extended table side (I had a scorer, so his chair was the table)

It was an experience, and I can say that I only did it for the money.

Find the biggest cop you can and stand beside him. Why? You'll find out soon enough. You have no idea how big of a mistake you've made. :(

I couldn't agree more,

I don't think I'm ever gonna do another 3 on 3 tournament again.

Since you have signed up someone should give you a little help.

I would stand around the middle of the court and look down through the paint. Forget about calling all of the OOB on the baseline, you have to give something up. Standing at the free-throw line extended will not allow you to see plays on the other side of the court and you don't have to worry about a team running you over in transition so I would work in the middle of the court. People have suggested you stand by a cop because it will be brutal and you are in a no-win situation. I would suggest calling the obvious to begin with. They will complain and whine to no end. Once you've heard enough I would call everything you can put a whistle on. Then they will say you are calling too much. So what, they asked for it they got it. Someone might foul out if they are keeping track. You will get blamed for one team losing if it is a close game and you will get a whole bunch of dirty looks for the remainder of the tourney. If you give off the impression that you've had enough and you will call everything it could help you with the next game (if the participants are watching) or you might have to repeat the process all over again. If this tournament is outside and there is a little wind, say a prayer. That isn't basketball, it is a war with a ball and a hoop!

I played in about 20 or so 3on3 tourneys, Gus Macker, Hoop-It-Up, etc. and we never had officials.
We always played park rules, "Check Ball"
When did this start?

My suggestion for you is if it is 1/2 court work as 3 person L and come out onto the court to about the second block. Although tomegun's idea about working out front sounds pretty good as well.

Good luck.
AAR

3 on 3 is usually half court. I'd work lead liberally moving side to side with a little "4-corners" like coverage....swinging up the corner/side a little when there is a play out high.

You can expect a little less respect than the ref gets at a Globetrotters game. If they come running at you with a bucket, don't expect confetti! Wear a fanny pack loaded with pepper spray.

And get paid up front. :(

depends upon
 

If you are working single-person mechanics and they have a 3 point line, work at top of key, unless there is excessive lowpost play, and then adjust accordingly.
Stand where you can get eye contact with scorekeeper.

Hopefully you'll have a partner for playoffs/finals.

Each group does things differently (Gus Macker and Hoop It Up) , but each usually has a "head official" who will conduct a mini clinic before the first game.

Try to let' em play as they expect it to be physical.
Don't call any 3 seconds or closely guarded and don't call any ballhandling violations unless blatant.

Don't let them bully you or intimidate you.
If things get too heated, call for a partner or extra security.

Use the T sparingly, but don't hesitate to bang 'em when they blatantly challenge you or use the F word strongly.
Don'tget caught up in the emotional end of the games.

Try to be friendly and have fun.

Stand free throw line extended. Tell the players that if the ball goes out of bounds and you don't see it, play through it.

I love working 3-on-3 and rec league stuff because it makes me a better official. Reason 1: You learn how to deal with hot heads. Reason 2: You lose the naive belief that calling a good game results in respect from players. Work enough of these games, and you won't care what the players think of you. That's where you need to be.