Have you ever had this happen?

[Texas Aggie]

I've never had just one player left, but I have thought about situations where I'd let it happen. There needs to be a fairly big lead but remember, there's no automatic violations. He could throw the ball in down court and then chase it down, needing a defender to just touch it. The defense may think about letting it go, but if the clock is running (after a made basket), they may want to score ASAP. On a missed shot, anything is fair game. If the team with only one player is behind, automatic game over. No discussion regardless of the quality of the player and the lack of quality of the opponent.

I've had as few as three left, but I don't remember how many they started with -- probably 6 or 7. The opposing coach made a classy gesture in only sending out 3 of her own, but we told her she had to have 5 on the court. Where they stand or what they do is up to her, but do not allow either team to make a mockery of the game.

[Mark Padgett]

Originally Posted by Texas Aggie

but do not allow either team to make a mockery of the game.

You mean like this?

[Nevadaref]

Originally Posted by Texas Aggie

I've never had just one player left, but I have thought about situations where I'd let it happen. There needs to be a fairly big lead but remember, there's no automatic violations. He could throw the ball in down court and then chase it down, needing a defender to just touch it. The defense may think about letting it go, but if the clock is running (after a made basket), they may want to score ASAP. On a missed shot, anything is fair game. If the team with only one player is behind, automatic game over. No discussion regardless of the quality of the player and the lack of quality of the opponent.

I've had as few as three left, but I don't remember how many they started with -- probably 6 or 7. The opposing coach made a classy gesture in only sending out 3 of her own, but we told her she had to have 5 on the court. Where they stand or what they do is up to her, but do not allow either team to make a mockery of the game.

I think that you should reconsider some of your beliefs.
I do not believe that your statements above are proper interpretations of the rule.

What do you consider "a fairly big lead"? 5pts, 8pts, 11 pts...

Why do you categorically state that the game must automatically be over once the single-player team falls behind? Couldn't the team with only one player be down two with the ball and only a few seconds remaining and have a chance to win?

I would counsel you not to impose conditions of your own which are not explicitly stated in the rules upon this situation.

[just another ref]

In the consolation game of a girls jr. high tourney several years ago, a local team had a substantial (for girls jr. high) lead in the fourth quarter when they began to run out of players. They got down to a single player with about a minute left, and still led by six. Coach called time. Told his remaining player to get in the way as much as possible without fouling, then after the score by the opponent, take the ball out of bounds, count to four, then heave it deep toward her own front court. Girl did what she could, but the opponents managed to tie the game just before the buzzer. All parties involved agreed that overtime was not an option. Winning team received the consolation trophy, then presented it to the single remaining player from the losing team.

[Nevadaref]

Originally Posted by just another ref

In the consolation game of a girls jr. high tourney several years ago, a local team had a substantial (for girls jr. high) lead in the fourth quarter when they began to run out of players. They got down to a single player with about a minute left, and still led by six. Coach called time. Told his remaining player to get in the way as much as possible without fouling, then after the score by the opponent, take the ball out of bounds, count to four, then heave it deep toward her own front court. Girl did what she could, but the opponents managed to tie the game just before the buzzer. All parties involved agreed that overtime was not an option. Winning team received the consolation trophy, then presented it to the single remaining player from the losing team.

http://forum.officiating.com/61405-post24.html

Deja vu, anyone?

BillyMac, you will be glad to know that I've relocated my super-memory.

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by Nevadaref

Deja vu, anyone?

How long did it take you to find a seven year old post?