A two headed monster cannot function. The R is the head of the crew. He is the one who sets the tone for the game by leading pregame discussions with table, coaches, players and most importantly the pregame meeting. He speaks for the crew. When there is a problem, such as a fight, during the game, he brings the crew together to figure out what went on and leads the crew to a decision as to who gets ejected, do we count the bucket, etc.

I agree; that is the theory.
In my world, we concur. ;)

In a high level JV or Varsity game the "R" to me is the person who is in charge for that game. He or She is the person who is ultimately in charge, if something goes wrong, all officials are accountable for their actions. In lower level games (i.e rec leagues) there's not much difference between officials.

I went to Dave Libbey's camp several years ago. It was held at the University of San Diego in three different gyms. The campers were provided with very vague directions to each of the gyms. Libbey's comment was:

"If you're an "R", you will find the gym!"

brian134,
If we are umpires, it is our responsibility to be as smart as the referee so that "his" final say is appropriately submitted.
mick

I agree 100%. Each official has equal input, but the "R" is the one who will make the final determination if officials disagree.

Being the R---as asked at a camp.

It is not related to the game duties at all.

It IS related to being willing to step out and take care of business. Being in charge (even if not the designated "R") of your areas. Know the game and what is going on outside your area. When something is messed up (scorebook, clock, etc.), having the information to resolve it. Taking responsibility when things go wrong.

It's not "duties", it attitude and accountability.

When does that happen?
 

Out of all the years that I have officiated (not that it is that long), I cannot think of a time this even takes place. When does an umpire have to have the R make a final decision for them?

Because even if there was a ruling that was needed, usually the Us do it themselves or we all come to some kind of conclusion together. At least that is what takes place with the people I work with. Because as an R, I might not know completely what happen or did not see the play, so it is up to my partners to make a decision. All I am going to do is back them. And if asked later, I will say, "that is what they saw, I was watching something else."

Peace

If my partner is experienced and comfortable, being the R doesn't mean much at all.

If my partner is working one of his first V games, it means that I tell him to just call the game on the floor and I'll handle all the peripheral stuff including the coaches and anything "weird."

That's about it.

Z

I just had to chime in on this one. First of all I have officiated for 9 years so this is my first post but I'm not new to this.
Camron was the closest to me. The R is the person(s) on a crew who is willing to make the call that is F'd up but is absolutely correct. Some games the R will stand out and some games he or she will not. Every game is unique and sometimes a crew can breeze through and it doesn't matter who the R is. On the other hand some games need to have a strong R during the layup line! It is rules knowledge, game awareness, judgement and most importantly the courage and know-how to use the proper tool in your "tool bag" at the proper time. If you watch a lot of college games you will notice that there are some officials that are always U1s and U2s. There is a reason for that. The thing a lot of supervisors say is "I'm looking for Rs." Getting to this level of understanding is a beautiful thing.
It can happen like this: Camper A has a good camp with every game consitent and well officiated. Camper B is not consistent in any of his games and has a crazy coach for his final game. During that game Camper B throws out the coach and it is well timed and well deserved. Camper B gets hired and Camper A doesn't. Camper B had the opportunity to show that at the right time he will handle business.

I think that's more than 2 cents worth. I owe you.

I was asked once by a scorekeeper and timer. Who is the R and who is the U. and why does it matter. My response to them was. The person who can throw the best jump ball to start the game is the R. I agree that the game starts before the jump.....But what most people see is that first toss. They will judge you from that point forward. The R is in my opinion the gauge at what the general public will view your skill from the opening toss to the finish.

The fact that they asked that question, suggest that in the bigger picture it means nothing to most people involved. Because in the NCAA, the R does not have to be the one that throws the ball up anymore. After the jump ball at the beginning of the game, the game is not going to be blamed on one official that happens to be the R in the game. I have never listened to talk radio and heard them blame "the Referee" for screwing up the game. They blame the "officials," not just one guy or gal unless they made what is precieved as a bad call. The Referee in a football game is given more credit or blame if things are not done the right way, then they ever are in a basketball game. And that is because the Referee has to report all fouls and unusual situations that take place. In basketball we are all equal.

Just an opinion.

Peace

I think we are judged much earlier than the toss. In High School Basketball we are judged from the time we come into the gym. If we are watching a game before ours we are being watched. If we have the first game we are being watched. We are really being watched once we've taken the floor for our game.

This last post brings up a good point.

I usually arrive in the second quarter of the JV game (no, not if I'm working the JV game). The fans KNOW you are the officials cause (1) You don't look like you belong there and (2) Who else dresses up to sit in the bleachers at a high school basketball game?

So once I'm at the school, I try to remember to behave the right way. Sure my partner and I will talk and watch the opening game. But I try to act if all eyes are on me -- cause they might be.

Be nice to the people you interact with from the moment you walk in the door. And remember to be nice to the subvarsity officials, too. Their game was probably harder to work than yours will be :)

This post was horribly off-topic. Sorry.

Rich