Big Screw Up

[Adam]

All of our games are assigned by the association assigner, and I have yet to work a hs game solo.

[hoopguy]

I get that your partner went to the wrong school. But after he figured out that he was at the wrong school, why did he decide not to go to the right school? Never having gone to the wrong school(yet), if I did, I would hurry as fast as possible to get to the right school. What was his reason for not showing up at all?

[mbyron]

This one does not rank too highly IMO, and if I were an assignor I would not be scratching you from the varsity list for this booboo.

[letemplay]

What is your rotation or court coverage gonna be in one-man? I'll bet somewhere in everyones' past we've had to do it. I remember working foul line extended to opposite fl extended (opposite table) such as a C. I even asked table personnel to help me out by calling oob on that sideline with a hand gesture. Anybody got any pointers here?

[Adam]

I've done it for little kids recently, and I generally work C to C; occasionally dropping down into L, and occasionally working the middle of the court.

[Rich]

Originally Posted by letemplay

What is your rotation or court coverage gonna be in one-man? I'll bet somewhere in everyones' past we've had to do it. I remember working foul line extended to opposite fl extended (opposite table) such as a C. I even asked table personnel to help me out by calling oob on that sideline with a hand gesture. Anybody got any pointers here?

I've done it in the past, although not in the past 15-20 years (that I can remember). I always worked opposite the table, mainly FT line to FT line, although I went where I felt I needed to go.

I didn't require a touch of the ball on endline throw-ins, but I wouldn't allow the throw-in until I told them to go (this was in the days before we bounced).

I took no crap from the benches (and rarely got any). They knew I was doing the best I can.

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by letemplay

What is your rotation or court coverage gonna be in one-man? Anybody got any pointers here?

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)

[Loudwhistle]

Originally Posted by mbyron

This one does not rank too highly IMO, and if I were an assignor I would not be scratching you from the varsity list for this booboo.

+ 1 and as far as I'm concerned, if this is the worst thing that happened while you were working a HS game solo, you deserve more varsity games!!

[Welpe]

Originally Posted by Loudwhistle

+ 1 and as far as I'm concerned, if this is the worst thing that happened while you were working a HS game solo, you deserve more varsity games!!

You are too kind. The game pretty much called itself. The freshman game afterwards would've probably hit the toilet if I had called that one solo.

Admittedly, I did not communicate with my partner before the games so I certainly share some of the burden. I chalk that one up to being lazy since that is not really the standard practice around here.

The other school was a pretty good distance away so I'm actually surprised he made it to the second game before half-time.

[RobbyinTN]

Not sure how everyone else gets their assignments but ours are made using Arbiter. You get an email informing you that you have a new game (or games), you log into Arbiter and accept or reject. If you accept, all the information about the game is there to include which position you are (R, U1 or U2), who your partners are (with all their contact info), where the game will be played (with address & phone number), who the game adminstrator is as well as who the billing official is. If a supervisor will be observing, you know who that will be as well. I love this system. It also sends you an email reminder 3-4 days prior to game day with the information in it as well.

In other words, there is no excuse for showing up at the wrong location.

[Adam]

Originally Posted by RobbyinTN

Not sure how everyone else gets their assignments but ours are made using Arbiter. You get an email informing you that you have a new game (or games), you log into Arbiter and accept or reject. If you accept, all the information about the game is there to include which position you are (R, U1 or U2), who your partners are (with all their contact info), where the game will be played (with address & phone number), who the game adminstrator is as well as who the billing official is. If a supervisor will be observing, you know who that will be as well. I love this system. It also sends you an email reminder 3-4 days prior to game day with the information in it as well.

In other words, there is no excuse for showing up at the wrong location.

Part of the problem is you also get the visiting team information. I'm not saying it's excusable, but in the middle of a busy season it's definitely possible to get your wires crossed and mess this up. That's why it's standard protocol here for the R to call the rest of the crew two days ahead of time. If I'm the/a U and haven't heard from the R, I'll initiate the calls.

[Eastshire]

Originally Posted by RobbyinTN

Not sure how everyone else gets their assignments but ours are made using Arbiter. You get an email informing you that you have a new game (or games), you log into Arbiter and accept or reject. If you accept, all the information about the game is there to include which position you are (R, U1 or U2), who your partners are (with all their contact info), where the game will be played (with address & phone number), who the game adminstrator is as well as who the billing official is. If a supervisor will be observing, you know who that will be as well. I love this system. It also sends you an email reminder 3-4 days prior to game day with the information in it as well.

In other words, there is no excuse for showing up at the wrong location.

Sure there is. I've had the game location in Arbiter be wrong. All the officials showed up on time at an empty soccer field.

[Camron Rust]

Originally Posted by hoopguy

I get that your partner went to the wrong school. But after he figured out that he was at the wrong school, why did he decide not to go to the right school? Never having gone to the wrong school(yet), if I did, I would hurry as fast as possible to get to the right school. What was his reason for not showing up at all?

Some schools in our area are far enough apart that the game would be over by the time you drove from one to the other....even if they figure out their mistake right away.

[Adam]

Originally Posted by Camron Rust

Some schools in our area are far enough apart that the game would be over by the time you drove from one to the other....even if they figure out their mistake right away.

Also possible here. Most schools, if I show early enough to the wrong school and learn it soon enough, I could make it by game time; but there are a couple of exceptions. Particularly if one of the schools is up in the mountains.

[Smitty]

Doesn't seem like that big of a screw-up since you were working solo. Did you and your partner communicate prior to the game? If my partner went to the wrong school, the first thing I would be asked by my assigner would be if I had talked to them prior to the game and made sure we were on the same page with the game time and site. If I said no, I'd be as responsible as him for working solo.