One Man Mechanics
 

Have my first solo game this afternoon..5th grade middle school league.

Any pointers on positioning and anything else when flying solo??

Thanks!

Any pointers? Yes, don't work 1-man games. ;)

In my experiences, working top of the key-to-top of the key, opposite table has worked well. Generally no need to run & consistency is never an issue as you have all the calls ;)

Yep.

Do the best you can. Some work from each 3 point line to 3 point line. Some roam. There is no right or wrong way as this is not ideal at all to work a game.

Peace

My unique method
 

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.

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!

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. ;)

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.

Blame the lead for missed calls.

All good suggestions so far. For this level, I might work as far as the FT line to FT line and I will tell the coaches that the hardest calls will be opposite sidelines.

I've only had to do 1 by myself and it went OK. On the other hand, I was late for a game - (my only late game ever) and my partner had to work alaone for the first 3-4 minutes. He was a great partner.

I wouldn't say anything to them on this.

I would not say what he says, but I would make it clear that "I am by myself, so take that into account." And if they get mad or upset over calls, I will have a much shorter leash for BS from them.

Peace

You should've heard some of the things he was saying about you before you arrived :D

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

I know you left already, but I just got home!
 

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!)