All alone, I am I am

[grunewar]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

There might not be a game, but there are likely consequences to that decision. And that position is not a very realistic or experienced point of view. Now I would want to delay as much as possible, but the reality is if you are assigned a game, you work no matter who shows up.

Peace

On the few times I have worked alone (MS or wrec) I call the coaches together, before the game explain the situation, tell em I will do my best, obviously won't see everything (especially 3 seconds, off ball fouls, baseline out of bounds) etc.

Most are sympathetic and are thankful they have someone to call the game and it's not one of them or a parent from the stands.

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by grunewar

On the few times I have worked alone (MS or wrec) I call the coaches together, before the game explain the situation, tell em I will do my best, obviously won't see everything (especially 3 seconds, off ball fouls, baseline out of bounds) etc.

Most are sympathetic and are thankful they have someone to call the game and it's not one of them or a parent from the stands.

I would not tell them up front to expect problems (I know -- that's not what you said exactly, but that's how they might interpret it).

Just work the game as best as you can.

[26 Year Gap]

Oftentimes, saying less is more and players tend to be more honest on OOB calls on the end lines. They know the situation. If it happens in the regular season, collect both game fees. Unless the varsity guys help you out.

[chartrusepengui]

We are told we cannot start a game with less than 2 officials. If an official cannot finish a game for some reason - his/her partner can finish alone though. If reported we do a game alone we have been told there will be consequences up to and including losing card.

I don't know if this has ever really come up though. However - I'm not willing to take the chance. I will, however, look around for another registered official or help give names for them to call.

[Rich]

Originally Posted by chartrusepengui

We are told we cannot start a game with less than 2 officials. If an official cannot finish a game for some reason - his/her partner can finish alone though. If reported we do a game alone we have been told there will be consequences up to and including losing card.

I don't know if this has ever really come up though. However - I'm not willing to take the chance. I will, however, look around for another registered official or help give names for them to call.

You are correct. There are minimum numbers for all sports the WIAA covers:

The ones I work:

Basketball (all levels) - 2
Baseball (all levels) - 2
Football - 4 varsity, 3 subvarsity

Starting a game with less than the minimum licensed officials here will get everyone in trouble.

[tomegun]

How do you guys officiate a game by yourself? I have my method, but I would like to hear what others do - where you position yourself, how you administer the ball out of bounds, etc.

BTW, one poster said what their association must do like it was an absolute. Thankfully, others chimed in with their local policies. It always makes me wonder when someone posts a local rule/method like it is the beginning and the end. The bottom line is you do what you are allowed to do and what is best for the situation. But if the contract and local policies allow the game to be played with one official, we play.

[26 Year Gap]

Originally Posted by MeRef

My question is why you would even step on the court without a partner? My guess is you picked up more bad habits than good ones, such as poor location (to see the whole court), watching the ball the whole time, etc. If my partner is not there, there is no game.

Welcome back JMO/OldSchool/KSRef.

[inigo montoya]

Originally Posted by MeRef

My question is why you would even step on the court without a partner? My guess is you picked up more bad habits than good ones, such as poor location (to see the whole court), watching the ball the whole time, etc. If my partner is not there, there is no game.

In some (most?) areas, contracts for games are worked out collectively between the school board and the officials organization - refusing to a game because your partner doesn't show may be a violation of said contract in some locales. Just something everybody ought to be aware of.

[Nevadaref]

Originally Posted by inigo montoya

In some (most?) areas, contracts for games are worked out collectively between the school board and the officials organization - refusing to a game because your partner doesn't show may be a violation of said contract in some locales. Just something everybody ought to be aware of.

And some official associations have it specified in the contract that solo reffing is not allowed. Unless there are at least two officials present the game cannot be played. This is done for insurance reasons. We have that in my HS soccer group. The state office does allow us to work non-varsity games with only one ref, if both teams agree to play.

[JugglingReferee]

Originally Posted by Nevadaref

And some official associations have it specified in the contract that solo reffing is not allowed. Unless there are at least two officials present the game cannot be played. This is done for insurance reasons. We have that in my HS soccer group. The state office does allow us to work non-varsity games with only one ref, if both teams agree to play.

Well said, NV. A lot of coaches/fans forget this fact, or don't even know it is something on concern. Officials could put themselves in tough spots if they work the game.

[Nevadaref]

Originally Posted by Splute

One team had apparently been coached to take charges... everytime the dribble drove to the basket they would scream and fall. After the third time of not getting a call, one player asked what he was doing wrong....

You should reflect upon this POE.

2004-05 POINTS OF EMPHASIS

4. Specific unsporting acts. The committee is concerned about the following specific unsporting acts. Coaches, players and officials must pay particular attention to these areas:

B. 'Flopping.' The defensive player or screener acting as though he or she has been charged by an opponent, when in fact he or she has not been, definitely has an impact on the game. It is detrimental to the best interests of basketball. The "actor" wants to create the false impression that he or she has been fouled in the charging/guarding situation, or while he or she is screening when in either case there is no contact or incidental contact. The "actor" falls to the court as though he or she were knocked down by the force of the contact. Those actions are designed to have a foul charged to the opponent – a foul not deserved. The "flop" also incites spectators. The rules are in place to deal with such activity and must be enforced. A technical foul is charged to the "actor" in all cases. Coaches can have a positive impact by appropriately dealing with players who fake being fouled. It is not a part of the game. Officials must penalize the act.

[Mark Padgett]

Whenever a player flops and then complains that he didn't get the call, I tell him, "the Oscars are in February".

[26 Year Gap]

Originally Posted by Mark Padgett

Whenever a player flops and then complains that he didn't get the call, I tell him, "the Oscars are in February".

And if it happens in February, you say NEXT February. Right?

[Mark Padgett]

Originally Posted by 26 Year Gap

And if it happens in February, you say NEXT February. Right?

Actually, I say something like "next week" or "last week". I try not to work games on Oscar night.

[Adam]

I forgot to add. The biggest key when deciding whether and how to work solo is to ask youself, "WWBD."

For those of you who have been living under a rock, it means "What Would Bhuck Do?" Ol' Bhuck Elics is a legend in these parts.