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!)

+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.