Ref down!

[evictor24]

I've got a situation I'm curious about. In our small community in northern Michigan, we are short handed with registered officials. We simply do not have enough numbers to have 3 man crews at every game. Most times we work 2 man crews 4 nights a week.

So, if late in the 4th quarter of a close Varsity game my partner goes down with an injury, there are no other registered officials in the gym or nearby, what are my options? By rule, if coaches agree, can I finish the game by myself? Or must the game be postponed till a later date and resume at the point of interruption?

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by evictor24

I've got a situation I'm curious about. In our small community in northern Michigan, we are short handed with registered officials. We simply do not have enough numbers to have 3 man crews at every game. Most times we work 2 man crews 4 nights a week.

So, if late in the 4th quarter of a close Varsity game my partner goes down with an injury, there are no other registered officials in the gym or nearby, what are my options? By rule, if coaches agree, can I finish the game by myself? Or must the game be postponed till a later date and resume at the point of interruption?

Up to the conference / state.

[BillyMac]

Here, in my little corner of Connecticut, if one of the junior varsity officials didn't hang around to observe the varsity game, and then become available to fill in, then we finish the game with one official. We even have a statewide "unofficial" set of mechanics for one person games. We never work a game with a non-certified official, which here in Connecticut, means a non-IAABO official.

[Freddy]

Originally Posted by bob jenkins

Up to the conference / state.

All that's mentioned in the state Officials' Manual is this, which may/may not apply (but it seems close to your sitch):

OFFICIAL FAILS TO ARRIVE
In the event a contracted official fails to arrive for a scheduled contest,
those officials who are present may 1) officiate the contest with less than
the usual number of officials; 2) re place the absent official with a local
registered official to fill-in or 3) cooperate with the involved teams to post -
pone the contest.
Note: It is never an option to accept or use the services of an
unregistered official.

For an official ruling, give the state a call. They'd be more than happy to advise.

[Freddy]

Originally Posted by BillyMac

Here, in my little corner of Connecticut, if one of the junior varsity officials didn't hang around to observe the varsity game, and then become available to fill in, then we finish the game with one official. We even have a statewide "unofficial" set of mechanics for one person games. We never work a game with a non-certified official, which here in Connecticut, means a non-IAABO official.

In your state, doesn't the remaining official just get a rotating bar stool at midcourt from which to officiate the game?

[bainsey]

Originally Posted by BillyMac

We even have a statewide "unofficial" set of mechanics for one person games.

This intrigues me. What more mechanics would you need?

[ddn]

Originally Posted by evictor24

I've got a situation I'm curious about. In our small community in northern Michigan, we are short handed with registered officials. We simply do not have enough numbers to have 3 man crews at every game. Most times we work 2 man crews 4 nights a week.

Sent you a private message. I'm a registered official in your area looking for varisty (heck, anything) games.

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by bainsey

This intrigues me. What more mechanics would you need?

Note: This statewide draft was never made "official".

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)

Note: This section confuses me: "Floor Coverage - Work the sideline, (choose either nearest or opposite) from the scorer’s table ... 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."

Do they want you on the same side as the coaches? If so, then why offer the option of the other side? I prefer the side opposite the table. The coaches, if they're honest, can help me on the table side boundary, and if they don't, then I can go to the arrow.

[Stat-Man]

Unless there are league or association rules to the contrary, I think you just do the best you can to finish the game solo.

[BktBallRef]

Originally Posted by evictor24

I've got a situation I'm curious about. In our small community in northern Michigan, we are short handed with registered officials. We simply do not have enough numbers to have 3 man crews at every game. Most times we work 2 man crews 4 nights a week.

So, if late in the 4th quarter of a close Varsity game my partner goes down with an injury, there are no other registered officials in the gym or nearby, what are my options? By rule, if coaches agree, can I finish the game by myself? Or must the game be postponed till a later date and resume at the point of interruption?

I wouldn't finish the game.

[just another ref]

Never finished one, but started one by myself. Game time, no partner. Made a couple of calls and was encouraged by the very solid report that "he's supposed to be on the way." I simply asked the coaches whether they'd rather wait or start with what we had, and they both said start. He arrived a few minutes later, really not that big a deal.

[26 Year Gap]

I ended up filling in for the second half one time as a JV official when one of the varsity guys went down with illness at HT. Of course, around here, those guys are gone before the echo of the final horn has disappeared. I always stayed till 3rd qtr was over, but I was not usually accompanied by my partner from the JV game.

I don't think it is good to finish alone in that type of situation. Especially if it has been a tight game.

[BillyMac]

Here in my little corner of Connecticut, due to many officials being unavailable for mid afternoon, and late afternoon games, i.e middle school games (3:30 p.m.), and freshman games (4:00 p.m.), some of these assignments are often scheduled, and covered, by only one official.

Most of us have day jobs. I guess that the fans all know this because they keep yelling to me, "Hey ref. Don't quit you day job".

[RookieDude]

...a timely thread...

I got a call from a Varsity official last night telling me about his game.

3-whistle crew...one of the 3 officials was warming up before the game and decided that he couldn't go because of his back. One of the previous games officials was staying to watch...so he got the nod. (He did a JV game that night, and is indeed an up and coming Varsity official) Good for him that he stuck around.

Then, during the game a second official from this cursed crew "popped his achilles tendon". Luckily, another official was watching the game...so he got the nod. (This official was a Varsity official about 20 years ago. He left the area, but has returned this year to officiate...good for him that he was there and ready to go.)

Just goes to show that it can be a good career move (in more ways than one) to stay and watch the Varsity guys.