"One ref, be physical"
 

This morning I was assigned to a freshman B game. We start the game, and about two minutes in I get pulled off to go to the A game because one guy didn't show.

As I'm walking off, one of the B coaches tells his players "Hey there's one ref, be physical".

It's loud enough so everyone can hear.

If you were the ref who now has to work solo, what would you do, if anything? Would you pull the coaches together as soon as you start working alone to explain the situation?

I call everything under the sun. I call what ever looks like a foul and do not worry about what anyone has to say about it. Working two person is bad enough, working alone is impossible. I have worked those games and I call every off ball play I see, every screen and every rebound. I do not let players think for a second I cannot see what they are doing.

Peace

A couple of quick nickel-dimers will send a message.

onions!!

1. Call everything.
2. B coach gets a very short leash, as I'm guessing the game will go more smoothly with him sitting.

Isn't this one of those things that truly goes without saying? Doesn't everybody know it's a simple matter of (lack of) numbers? Things will go unseen in this game. Years ago, calling a jv boys game alone, I told the guys (yes, jokingly) at the start, "Nobody here but me. You got any dirty tricks you've been saving up, this would be a good time to use them."

It should go without saying, IMO. Let me add that if the coach is obviously joking, I'll laugh along. It better be obvious, though.

But, the coach doesn't have to be joking. The game probably will be more physical for the above stated obvious reason. Be physical is sound advice in this case. This does not have to mean anything dirty.

Then he can say it in the huddle in a way I can't hear him.

In WI we can't work with one official.

I was under the impression that you couldn't "start" with one official, but you could finish if something happens.

I agree - call it tight....they'll get the message soon enough

Just once I'd like to hear a coach yell at his team, "Hey, there's two refs, be mental". :D

Coaches are mental allready aren't they.:p