I was speaking of when one of the officials shows up in the wrong location Granted if the info is wrong in Arbiter, everyone will show up at the wrong location but when everyone shows up at the right location except one official, that official has no excuse IMHO.

As Smitty noted in his area, the whole crew would be held responsible to a certain degree if the phone calls weren't made.

We use Arbiter. Last night I get to my game site an hour before game time. I have the girl's JV/V. There's a guy already there starting to dress and I know both my partners are female. He claims to have the boy's JV/V at the same gym. He has no smartphone, so he asks me to log into Arbiter for him on mine. Turns out his games are this Friday, not Tuesday. He didn't appear to be a moron - people just make mistakes sometimes. On his way out, he said "no wonder none of my partners responded to my emails today". Phone calls are really the best way to make sure everyone is on the same page.

Another example. Last Saturday I had a couple games from another chapter who uses a different assigning software than Arbiter - some home-grown thing. My crew all got an automated email on Thursday stating the time had changed for our Saturday games. No problem. On Friday I get a call from my 'R' asking me if I noticed that the site had changed as well. I say no - thank goodness she called me because I would have gone to the original site. Sure enough, at the bottom of the email there was a note saying the site changed as well. I was so thankful she called.

Smitty, is the other assigning software Zebra-Ware?

Yep. I like Arbiter a lot better. And Camron's software (Reftown) is better than Zebra-Ware as well. But ya gotta use what they use.

We use Zebra Ware here for football. It's OK, but a little dated. I like the points and game fee tracking tool they have built into it.

For basketball it is either Ref Town or Arbiter. I like Ref Town the best.

One View Of One Man Machanics ...
 

Our Connecticut state board came up with these guidelines. This is the initial draft from back in 2008. I'm sure that there have been updates, but I don't have access to them. Much credit should be given to the sources listed at the end. Also note that, by state contract, we get 150% of a game fee for working alone.

ONE-PERSON OFFICIATING GUIDELINES
INTERIM DRAFT – OCTOBER 2008

It is quite possible that you will eventually officiate a game by yourself. This document offers officiating guidelines and one-person officiating mechanics you should follow.

Assignment Commissioner
- Contact the Commissioner either before or after the game.
- If you are assigned a game by the Assignment Commissioner, DO NOT accept an offer from a parent, coach, or a non-IAABO certified official. Work alone. Liability issues arise if you work with anyone other than a certified IAABO official.

Coaches and Administrators Conference
- Conduct a pre-game meeting with both coaches and the game administrator.
- Confirm that everyone is in agreement.
- Request coaches cooperation and express advance appreciation for them assisting you in keeping themselves and their teams under control.
- Stress and remind them of the importance of good sportsmanship and the example that they can and should set for their players.

Pregame Captains-Coaches Meeting
- Conduct at 2-minute mark
- Explain that you will appreciate and expect the cooperation from both teams.
- Explain that you expect the players to retrieve all loose balls once the whistle is sounded.

Floor Coverage
- Work the sideline, (choose either nearest or opposite) from the scorer’s table, moving from free throw line extended to free throw line extended. This will give you the same angle as both coaches to help reduce any disagreements, since you will be on the same side of the court as the coaches.
- As the ball goes toward the opposite sideline, you will have to move off the sideline toward the center of the floor.
- Avoid getting caught on the end line.
- You must work hard at getting open looks and move to obtain proper angles in order to be in the most advantageous position to referee all players. Have a high level of awareness on plays to the basket and shooters.

Start/Stop Clock
- You must stop/start clock at all opportunities using the proper mechanic. For example, after a missed free throw that will remain live, you must start the clock.

Out of Bounds
- Request players and coaches to assist you on out of bounds violations if necessary.
- If disagreement results, use the alternating possession arrow to make decision.
- After designating the throw-in spot, move to your position (see Floor Coverage) and either bounce or toss the ball to the player for the throw-in.

Time Outs
- Stand at the division line, ¾ away from the scorer’s table with ball on hip toward the teams’ basket which will have control of the ball. After 1st horn, move to area on the playing court where play will resume.

Three Point Shots
- Do not guess. Move to improve your angle, if you don’t know, it counts as 2-points the same as if there were two officials working the game.

Reporting Fouls
- Move towards an area visible to the scorers and keeping as many players within your field of vision.

Free Throw Coverage
- Assemble the players and administer every free throw from the Trail position.
- Ensure proper alignment of players on free throw lane lines, leaving the first spaces between the end line and neutral blocks vacant.
- Closely monitor disconcertion.

Presses
- Remain at the free throw line extended in the backcourt, (nearest or opposite) the scorer/timer table and move up the court with the players.

Maintain Control
- Maintain your composure.
- You may need to blow your whistle more so players do not take advantage of the situation.
- Take charge early to help keep the crazy stuff in check.
- Do not argue with the coaches. Keep your cool and remind them that you are working hard for them.
- Do the best you can. It is not your fault that this situation occurred.
- Remember that, if approached properly, people will almost always be willing to assist.
- Remember that you are the best official on the floor, albeit the only one.

Sources: Greater Sudbury Board of Basketball Officials (IAABO Board 106) and
Topeka Officials Association (Kansas State High School Activities Association)

My problem with the state coming out with guidelines, is they have, in essence, condoned 1 person games.

It's sort of a catch 22, though.

One Person Games ???
 

Sorry if I didn't make myself clear. Our state interscholastic sports governing body (CIAC) didn't come out with these guidelines, rather, our state IAABO board, did. The CIAC did contract with officials to pay 150% of a game fee for a one person game.

99% of one person games, here in my little corner of the Constitution State, are 3:30 p.m. middle school games, or 4:00 p.m. high school freshman games. We simply don't have enough officials available for these afternoon starting times to cover the forty-five towns, many with multiple schools, in our geographic area. We have about 300 officials on our local board, but almost all of us have day jobs.

Need not be a catch 22, if 1-person games are sanctioned only at certain levels (sub-MS, rec ball, etc.). That gets the info out with the message that HS games need 2 officials.

Or you could require explicitly 2 to start a HS game, as WI does. Good policy, IMO.