Pre game

[Jurassic Referee]

Thanks, Billy. That just saved me another $50.

[BillyMac]

I have concentrated on two things during my pregames this season:

1) Our local board recently switched from NFHS mechanics to IAABO mechanics. Many of our veteran officials, like myself, are used to NFHS mechanics, while our newer officials are used to IAABO mechanics. I make sure that we're both on the same page, especially in regard to line responsibilities on out of bounds calls. Many of our veteran officials, especially those that don't officiate college ball, want the lead to be responsible for his or her sideline, all the way into the backcourt, all the way back to the backcourt endline. Many of our newer officials, and those that do a lot of three-man college ball, want the lead to be responsible for his or her sideline only out to the frontcourt foul line extended. The diagram in the IAABO manual actually says that these responsibilities are "optional". I don't want a lot of double whistles on out of bounds calls, or even worse, I don't want it so that neither official blows his or her whistle on an out of bounds call.

2) For some reason, Connecticut IAABO boards have come up with a "Connecticut" mechanic, which, I guess is based on some college or three man mechanics: No long switches when foul is called in the backcourt and there is no change of possession or direction. You wouldn't believe how confused some of our officials are. I've seen outstanding officials not switch on an ordinary player control foul. Also, for those of us who have been used to hustling to switch on every foul for the past twenty-plus years, it's difficult to remember not to switch. I've asked my partner to please help me out with a stop sign if we're not supposed to switch.

[Terrapins Fan]

Billy Mac, This is what I was looking for. Thank you. This helps a lot. and so did the others...BTW, I will be looking up the post by rainmaker.

I don't know how I missed that.

[Mountaineer]

I also say it depends on who I am with but a bit different than JRut. If I am working with people I have worked a lot with previously, I typically don't have a long pregame. There are a couple of guys that I work with 6 or 7 times a year - those are the games that we don't dwell for long periods on pregames. It gets scaled from there. If it's a one-time shot, it will certainly be a complete pregame - or if they are from another board. I will always be sure to say, I'll stay the f--- out of your area - please stay the f--- out of mine! I did freak a guy out tonight with that line . . . unfortunately, about 2 min into the game, it became painfully clear that he didn't understand what I meant by that line.

[Terrapins Fan]

Now, here's the problem I have.....

The Line...

I am an official and you are an official....If I see something that you missed and it's in your area, isn't it better for all of us, if I make the call?

[bigwhistle]

Originally Posted by Terrapins Fan

Now, here's the problem I have.....

The Line...

I am an official and you are an official....If I see something that you missed and it's in your area, isn't it better for all of us, if I make the call?

Not necessarily!!!! It depends on the situation. If you are leaving your area to fish in somebody else's pond, the call had better improve the game. For example, if you think your partner missed a travel, you coming into his primary to get it probably will hurt the overall game more than help it. However, if you happen to notice a rough foul (elbows, etc) and come and get that, the game will be improved by the call being made.

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by Terrapins Fan

Now, here's the problem I have.....

The Line...

I am an official and you are an official....If I see something that you missed and it's in your area, isn't it better for all of us, if I make the call?

Because you could be wrong. If I pass on something that was in my area and I had a great look at, you will not make me happy by coming from out of no where making a call. I better have been screened off or a play that everyone in the gym could see but me. If I get a good look at it, we are likely going to have some words about it later. Both of us being an official does not give you the right to call anything you "think" you see.

Peace

[Johnny Ringo]

BillyMac says:
Last Shot
99% of the time, the Trail will be responsible for the call.

Huh?

99% of the time trail is not tableside? Thought the official opposite table has this call...? The the C has it 1%. please explain BillyMac.

[Raymond]

Originally Posted by BillyMac

I have concentrated on two things during my pregames this season:

1) I make sure that we're both on the same page, especially in regard to line responsibilities on out of bounds calls. Many of our veteran officials, especially those that don't officiate college ball, want the lead to be responsible for his or her sideline, all the way into the backcourt, all the way back to the backcourt endline. Many of our newer officials, and those that do a lot of three-man college ball, want the lead to be responsible for his or her sideline only out to the frontcourt foul line extended.

You mean who has throw-in responsibilities, not who blows the whistle for OOB calls on that side-line, right?

[sj]

Does anybody have links to both a 2 and 3 man pregame checklist. Mine are getting dated.

[BillyMac]

BadNewsRef:

Unfortunately, I'm talking about who blows the whistle when the ball goes out of bounds on the sideline. For those of you who have an IAABO Mechanics Manual, please check out page 46, with the word "option" on the top. I don't want two whistles and I don't want no whistles. Who administers the throwin isn't that much of a problem. Got any good advice for me.

[Raymond]

Originally Posted by BillyMac

BadNewsRef:

Unfortunately, I'm talking about who blows the whistle when the ball goes out of bounds on the sideline. For those of you who have an IAABO Mechanics Manual, please check out page 46, with the word "option" on the top. I don't want two whistles and I don't want no whistles. Who administers the throwin isn't that much of a problem. Got any good advice for me.

2-man I always make a point in pre-game that we blow our own lines, no matter how far away the ball is. Then if needed verbally ask for "HELP!".