3 Person Game Management
1. Nova Scotia Pre-Game Protocol –Arrive on court minimum of 15 minutes prior to game time; U1( to the left of referee) and U2( to the right of referee are 3 meters on either side of center court; get captains at 12:00; referee checks all information at table at 10 minutes. At 3 minutes on the game clock, there will be a horn and then go over and greet the coaches. Clear the court of all players at 60 second buzzer and then start the player introductions.
2. Half time – out at 4 minutes on opposite side of table as in pre game; with 90 seconds to go, clear court :at 30 seconds, hustle to your spots to start game- these positions will also apply between quarters
3. Shot Clock – beware and watch for inadvertent re-sets. Kicked ball is a reset;. All official mirror the hand to shoulder shot clock violation signal
4. Last Shot - Always the opposite. Let’s communicate it as a crew. No whistle unless you are NOT counting the air borne shot. Let the horn end the half.
5. Front Court Rotation –Lead dictates…Ball punctures and settles or there is defensive pressure then go- from lane to lane- this should encourage more rotations. Bottom line is - be where you are comfortable to referee the play. Complete all rotations…. If you’re leaning than go…let’s not leave the Centre refereeing the ball and a bunch of players. Be aware of primary focus area, secondary defenders and off ball illegal screens and grabbing or stepping into cutters through the key area.
6. Switches on Fouls –General rule is…. When you make the call, go opposite the table. If you are opposite and do not make the call, you replace the foul caller .Good communication on each on every call.. Foul reporting, come to a reporting box area…Stop and report and go opposite.
7. Time outs – Timekeeper signals the request for the time-out Official nearest the table quickly warns verbally (no whistle yet) the teams that a time-out is about to be granted Official then blows their whistle and grants the time-out at which time the 60-second count starts Calling official becomes center after the time-out and gets one of the huddles.
8. Fifth Foul on a Player: Never the calling official - give up and go opposite; the official coming to table will notify player, coach and table of the disqualification, at 20 seconds that official will request a sub from the appropriate team- no buzzer! Be sure the scorer knows this is not a charged time-out
9. Foul Counts on Players and Teams – We never invent anything to help us out - we just don’t miss anything that helps us. Example: If fouls are 7-1 - let’s not miss the one that makes it 7-2.
10. Double Whistles – First thing is recognition that we have a double whistle - then we must also recognize that neither official should give a preliminary signal. Then we sort out whose call it is; in FIBA this mechanic changes to become the nearest official and if the play is at the basket coming toward the Lead, the Lead will now become more involved and take that call- if – the play is at the basket ! Communicate quickly with partners on who will report the foul to the table and get on with it- no delays
11. Grey Area – As T coming up floor stay with play that crosses 8 or10 second line on the Center’s side until you know the Centre has picked it up. Centre must somehow tell the Trail that you have it - hopefully pat chest or something like turning your body to accept.
12. Transition: Centre has entire court as primary from foul circle to foul circle.
In transition the Centre cover top of arc to top of arc and across the court.
13. Areas of Responsibility – C & T have to referee…Be prepared to call the rebounding action. Trust your partner.
15.Technical Fouls – when warranted must be called. Bad language and showing up the official is totally unacceptable.
All technical fouls( all non contact fouls are technical fouls)- are 2 shots and possession at division line( FIBA is easy in this regard) – caller goes to center line and will handle throw in. Officials get together on every technical foul to be certain we get things correct.
16. Double Fouls – Back to the offense and NO reset of shot clock.
17. Blood Rule – as part of the injury rule in FIBA—must be substituted , unless either team calls a time out- if player is ready after that time out, he/she may stay in the ball game.
19. Recognize possible tempo change – If we need to clamp down for a few minutes let’s recognize that and ref accordingly.
20. Helping partners – We are a team and need to communicate with each other. We will allow the ref’s whose call it is to make the change. If you’re asked for help you give only the correct direction….if you’re giving help the calling official will change.
21. Ref the Defense: What did the defender do wrong? What are they playing on defense. Who got to the spot first. Refereeing the defense is knowing where they are and what they are doing!
22. Make sure your first call is needed and also that it is correct. Eliminate "cheap" three point plays.