3-official crews still news in Wisconsin

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by MadCityRef

Coach was correct that during the season the 3rd guy is likely less familiar with the system. But if not during a real game, when are we to learn?

You can learn a lot during the summer. That is the best place to learn and make all the silly mistakes that is often made. I do think the post season is the worst time to work 3 man for the first time or when you are trying to learn a lot of basics. Of course it can be done, but you will make mistakes if you are learning with either coverage or positioning.

Peace

[Texas Aggie]

I agree. Also, we've had 3 man summer camps in our association for several years. Up until this year, we didn't do a lot of in season 3 man. Guys complained when they did 3 man in the summer, didn't do it again until the next summer, and had gotten away from what they were taught initially.

I think they had valid complaints.

This year, we went to 3 man for virtually all varsity competition. I think in the next 2-3 years, they need to give serious consideration to doing it in selected sub-varsity HS games where schools agree to pay a little more and officials agree to take a little less to have 3 officials on the floor. We've still got guys that are good officials, but just not quite tuned into the 3 man system.

[Adam]

Originally Posted by Texas Aggie

This year, we went to 3 man for virtually all varsity competition. I think in the next 2-3 years, they need to give serious consideration to doing it in selected sub-varsity HS games where schools agree to pay a little more and officials agree to take a little less to have 3 officials on the floor. We've still got guys that are good officials, but just not quite tuned into the 3 man system.

I did two JV games in town this year with a three whistle crew. We took a little less, but it's a great way to get the experience.

[Junker]

Going to camp is a great way to get your feet wet with 3 man mechanics, but you don't get the repetition to build your habits. In one of the leagues I work, the majority of lower level hs games are assigned to 3 person crews, usually with at least 1 official that knows 3 person mechanics to be the R and do a little teaching. Some officials complain about the loss of money (you still only get paid what a 2 man crew would), but if you want to move up and work varsity, you have to learn the system.