One Man Mechanics

[Toren]

I go three point line to three point line on most possessions.

But I also tend to go all the way to the endline if the ball settles on one offensive possession for more than a few passes. I do this to anticipate some low post play. I hate not having a good look at the post play. And when the ball swings around a few times, you can bet it's because it's going to make it's way down to the post.

With that said, be prepared to run hard the other way because you've just given yourself 20 extra feet to run.

[buckrog64]

Rightly or wrongly, I have told the kids I will make a call if the ball is tapped out of bounds during a battle for a rebound for example. If I'm not sure, sometimes the reaction of the kids will tip you off if you give it a second. One team will move to take it out while the other sets their defense for example. Otherwise I will ask the kids and if they're not sure or want to debate it, we go to the arrow. I don't ask the fans or the coaches for their opinion. They offer them anyway so why bother asking? Good luck! And if by chance you are supposed to have a partner and they can't find one for you, make sure you get the second check!

[Mark Padgett]

I've worked plenty of these over the years (for various reasons) and I usually work top of the key to top of the key. I alternate bench side and opposite side but spend about 2/3 of the time opposite. You don't want to be near the coaches too much.

[Welpe]

Draw a firm line with the coaches early if you need to. Give your best effort but they must realize with scheduling one official, they're only getting so much. Do not entertain much if any whining, it will make your life easier.

[26 Year Gap]

Blame the lead for missed calls.

[The_Rookie]

Originally Posted by Mark Padgett

I've worked plenty of these over the years (for various reasons) and I usually work top of the key to top of the key. I alternate bench side and opposite side but spend about 2/3 of the time opposite. You don't want to be near the coaches too much.

Thanks Guys..of to the game..let you know how it goes

[McMac]

I worked them when I was in college doing 5th grade private school games and did FT to FT, and went deeper if necessary for line calls. I also would rotate from sideline to sideline as the play would settle on one side, typically positioned 6-8 feet off the sidelines. (Good exercise!)

[amusedofficial]

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.

[amusedofficial]

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.

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by amusedofficial

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.

Originally Posted by amusedofficial

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.

You could say that again.

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by amused official

I think coaches know that nobody does a one-man game out of choice.

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.