Transitioning 3-man to 2-man crew.

[Freddy]

Originally Posted by AremRed

Here are some tips I have picked up for summer ball to conserve energy and not move as much. Take them as you will.

Report from a distance so you don't have to switch
Walk up the floor as Trail whenever possible
Jog from T to new Lead, but start walking once you hit the FTLE
As Lead bring all endline throw-ins that go out between the extended lane lines to your side
Sit down during timeouts when possible
Speed up putting the ball in play when possible
Don't chase the ball, have the players do it
Administer the ball from a distance when appropriate (i.e. not during a press)

If this post had a "Like" button I would not click on it.
REAL LIFE PROBLEM WITH THIS:
Some (read: "toooooooooo many") engrain these as habits during summer ball and are unable to abandon them once the high school season starts.
You?

[Kansas Ref]

Thanks to all my Ref colleagues for the bevy of replies. I can certainly see how some Refs would prefer to hold-back on utilizing the level of effort for a ''non-registered game" vs. a "registered" game. Conversely, I can see how some Refs want to use summer hoops work as a platform to continue perfecting their own Reffing skills. These teams are comprised of selected players who also attend hoops training seshs during the week and use the weekends to participate in district-wide tournaments. They pay $25 per game and issue the game check when you check at front desk PRIOR to reffing a game. So.....

For now, I will continue to hustle and officiate as if these were "registered" NFHS-type of games. I do not want to start "unconsciously" picking up bad habits in terms of mechanics, laziness, or percieved nonchalance. Hey after all---the last time I checked, me and partner Ref were the only folks being "paid" cash money to be at these games, so I ought give my best effort to do the games. Who knows, that 'hot mom' in the bleachers could be a local administrator who knows my assigner---it is very hard [read as: impossible] to disengage a perception of laziness and nonchalance as a Ref.

[JetMetFan]

Originally Posted by Mregor

Bad advice.
You never know who is watching.

We can take some shortcuts but we are still getting paid to do a job so do it the best you can. That said, we won't long switch on non-shooting fouls but other than that, I don't want to seem lazy or bored, nor do I want to get bad habits. I still hustle to report fouls but my reporting area is larger. Never sit during a game and my pet peeve, keep phones out of sight. I saw an official wearing one on hip. Checked it on every time out.

Originally Posted by Freddy

If this post had a "Like" button I would not click on it.
REAL LIFE PROBLEM WITH THIS:
Some (read: "toooooooooo many") engrain these as habits during summer ball and are unable to abandon them once the high school season starts.
You?

Amen. My philosophies =

*You never know who is watching.
*The kids are running so I owe it to them to run as well.

I do understand the idea behind saving energy/steps if you're working multiple games but I don't work more than two in a row, summer or winter. Economics play a large role: The HS summer leagues I work don't pay less than $40/game and at least one of them is $50/game. Such is the price of doing business in the NY/Metro area.

In terms of telling the kids to get the ball, I don't "tell" them. I do ask them ("Young man/lady, do me a favor? Go get that ball please?) but that's how I do it in the winter as well. I usually don't have to ask as often in running-time games. Someone will get the ball. They can't play without it.

[Adam]

Originally Posted by AremRed

Here are some tips I have picked up for summer ball to conserve energy and not move as much. Take them as you will.

Report from a distance so you don't have to switch
Walk up the floor as Trail whenever possible
Jog from T to new Lead, but start walking once you hit the FTLE
As Lead bring all endline throw-ins that go out between the extended lane lines to your side
Sit down during timeouts when possible
Speed up putting the ball in play when possible
Don't chase the ball, have the players do it
Administer the ball from a distance when appropriate (i.e. not during a press)

I can't imagine doing any of these.

I don't chase balls during the season, so that one doesn't apply here, IMO.

I will report from a bit further away during the summer, but only to speed the game up to fit into the schedule. Same with throw in administration. You're not really saving any steps with either anyway.