+1

Prior to the game, I definitely inform the coaches that I don't want to hear any of their "suggestions."

Connecticut IAABO ...
 

Here in the Land of Steady Habits, we actually have One Person Mechanics:

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

All went well..level of play was sub rec league..kids did not know where to line up for FT and one team scored 8 points whole game and next game another team scored 10...so was not a hard game to call. More a teaching and learning experience :)

I think coaches know that nobody does a one-man game out of choice. I also think they spend the first half exploiting their "understanding" and expect the second half to be some sort of festival of appreciation for their first-half behavior. Screw that.

More than ever, one-man means take care of business, early and often. It's too easy for things to get out of control as the game grows older and more competitive.

I think coaches know that nobody does a one-man game out of choice. I also think they spend the first half exploiting their "understanding" and expect the second half to be some sort of festival of appreciation for their first-half behavior. Screw that.

More than ever, one-man means take care of business, early and often. It's too easy for things to get out of control as the game grows older and more competitive.

Worth Saying Again ...
 

You could say that again.

Don't Quit Your Day Job ...
 

Actually quite common here in my little corner of Connecticut. Even with unemployment hovering around 9%, we simply don't have enough available officials to cover those 3:30 p.m. middle school games, and those 4:00 p.m. high school freshman games.

I'm actually looking forward to several years from now, when I retire from the wonderful world of chemistry, to be able to work those games, if my health allows me the privilege.