Officiating 3-on-3 tournaments
 

I've been asked to officiate for a 3-on-3 tournament -- something I've never done before. How many officials usually officiate these games? If only one, what mechanics does one use?

Only 1 and I never do these games.

The Avoid At All Costs mechanic...unless the pay is too ridiculous to pass up.

There's no pay, but it's a Good Cause (TM).

Stand next to the biggest cop you can find is the mechanic I'd recommend....

My experience doing these...take doing jerkball and put 6 players on a compressed court (usually outside in the sun). Then watch combustion at work.

No they aren't all that bad, but I've had several dicey encounters over the years doing these....One time was I was doing a MS 3-3 game and the adult games were on the far court...1/2 through my game I observe about 5-6 police officers run by my court and head to the far ones as a melee had broken out between two teams in the adult leagues.

This was a charity suburban tournament too ....

For a good cause, is a great reason to be involved.

Just try to keep an eye and have awareness on screeners and rebounding. The dribble action wont be anything you cant handle and it is easy to see players attempting to set screens for the dribbler.

What I've found in these as player and ref, teams are comprised of 3-5 players tops so not many subs and no one (even those putting on the tourney) wants to foul out, so there is a tendancy to let play get quite rough. I'm not sure why, there should be better spacing and you would think less contact, but I suppose just the half court set brings that. Some rules allow on a shooting foul, shots AND the ball to cutback the fouling. Different places come up with some strange rule adaptions for 3 on 3 that's for sure.

One official per court. Do your best. Expect less than less from over adrenalized weekend warrior types if you're doing something like Corporate Challenge.

Have fun with the volunteer score keeper and clock op, too. :p

If you're working alone, and it appears you will be, work near the sideline from FT line to FT line. Change sides from time to time, especially when the ball goes OOB on the side opposite the one you're on. Try your best to anticipate what is going to happen, especially as it pertains to contact. Don't be afraid to call fouls even though there probably will be only a few subs per team. If you are indeed working alone, try to get them to use running clock. It will somewhat keep the amount of time you're on the court down.

Also, tell the coaches (if any) and the players prior to the game to shout really loud if they want a TO, since it will be difficult for you to turn your head away from the action to check if that is indeed what the shouting is about.

Oh yeah, my experience working special games like this taught me to always position on the end line on all FTs. If you stand at trail, you'll likely be blocked out on a lot of contact.

What If The Shot Doesn't Hit The Rim ???
 

Get the rules straight before the games begin, and then keep repeating the rules to the players, over, and over, and over, and over, again. And have fun when two teams, both with players wearing red T-shirts, show up on your court. Been there. Done that.

Work FT line to FT line and really work the arch to stay engaged. I like to rotate to the ball side if it enters the post. And try your best to keep all 6 players in view at all times. Definitely easier said than done!

We always use 2 per court, one high and one low, low gets most of the calls, but we make sure the ball is checked above the FT line on every change of possession. We always use 1/2 ct.

It's a lot of fun up to the last game, then it gets real serious. I have never had a good last game.

FT line to FT line? I doubt 3 on 3 is full court.

I work from wherever I put the ball in play....lead...center...trail and move from one to the other as needed but largely work mostly as lead stepping up to the side when the ball is out high.