2 Man - Ball-Side Mechanic

[Back In The Saddle]

Going ball-side in 2 person is kind of a lightning rod issue, I've found.

If you're going to do it, you need to discuss in pre-game what the rules of engagement are. Will you:

• Take the ball, or only off-ball
• Take only the post, or take primary coverage for everything inside the arc
• Will you remain responsible for your sideline, or will your partner shift his focus and take it

[iref4him]

I have been using ball side mechanics since 1986. The association out west used ball-side mechanics before it was put into the mechanics manual this last time. It forces you to get into position. The sad thing about it is that most officials have not been trained in ball side mechanics. They wonder what you are doing..EVEN WHEN I PRE-GAME IT!!!!!!!

We use 2 man in this area except for playoffs, why? I don't know. Last year, the assignor came into the locker room and cussed me out for using ball side mechanics. I told him that I was using proper mechanics and he told me I didn't know how to officiate. When I showed him the mechanics book and the section on ball side mechanics, he just stared at me. He looked at the book just to make certain it was the correct mechanics book. He handed it back to me and just sat there and stared. The official and I looked at each other. He got up and walked out. He has not talked to me since. I was selected by the coaches to work the playoffs. He did not assign me any.

Ball side mechanics was developed by the NBA when they did 2 man. Our association had a great benefit of having NBA officials discuss how ball side mechanics work. One NBA official said that someday ball side mechanics will be at the college level and high school level. He was right.

[Raymond]

It's something I do. And I definitely pre-game it with my partner.

[biz]

The situation that I always want the lead to come to the trail's side on is with the ball on the trail-side wing and a match-up in the post on that side. The trail can't see both match-ups and the only way for the lead to appropriately referee the post match-up is to come across the lane.

[bob jenkins]

BLS might be the exception to the rule, but I think that new officials have enough to do staying on their side and watching what's there rather than going across to "help out."

[Jburt]

I was told by one of my assignors not to use ball-side mechanics and when i went to camp this summer was told to use them. The camp was primarily three-whistle, but there was some 2 man. I find it very beneficial to go ball side when you need to get a good view into the post. definitly a pre-game issue.