Game Management

Fellow Officials

When we go to work a game, we often times don't think about managing the game from the perspective of the safety of the players and protection for ourselves.

When we arrive at game site, we should notify game management. For schools, this person(s) are very recognizable, it's usually the AD or a coach. There is usually school or township police also present.

For games played at other facilities; Rec Ctr., playgrounds or the like, these person(s) may not always be identifiable or there may not be a police or a security presence in the building. This is typical of most independent leagues.

For either situation, we should identify where the host game, league or tournament management person will be during the game. In the event of a problem, we should communicate with them  the problem and solutions to remedy the issue. This may include; having a spectator(s) removed from the gym; having teams return to their bench or locker(s); clearing the gym of all spectators; notify the police or EMS, in the event of a medical emergency; obtaining an escort to our locker room and/or to our cars. Whatever the situation, we should remain calm and make sure that the players and ourselves are in not in "harms way".

The last resort, would be to not play or suspend the game. We should never resort to forfeiting the game for one team, even if they instigating or escalating the problem. This should be the last option.

Six Men on the Court

We need to make sure we count players prior to putting the ball in play. We should be counting five for each team not just counting ten players. If we have the incorrect number, we should be getting the extra player out or notifying the coach when he only has four. If we have a technical foul, its our fault but the team gets the penalty. The only situation we do not have any control over is when the player runs onto to floor thinking he's the fifth player.

We should also be "beckoning" substitutes and not just letting them walk out. That means we are managing the game. The horn is to notify us when substitutes which to enter, not for them to come out. When checking the book, tell the timer, to wait until you report the foul to give you a horn: if they pick up that's what we have. Tell them tell the mechanic is a closed fist when its not obvious. After we report, if we have multiple free throws, then not to give it until before the last one. Finally, even when the horn is given and they run out, we should be stopping them with a reminder to wait to be beckon. That means, we need to be doing so.

The final check is looking at our partner to make sure they are ready. If not, do not put the ball in play.. 

End of game scenerio & jurisdiction.

B scores with :14.9 seconds and leads by one point. Without a time-out, Team A goes down the court and attempts a shot, the ball rebounds off Team out of bounds in front of team A's bench with :00.3 tenths left on the clock. Team A takes a time out.  What are you and your partners discussing, if any thing?

After the time out "A" in bounds for an "alley-hoop" pass that is tipped by B as time expires. A11 throws a punch hitting B1 immediately after the horn and prior the officials leaving the floor? What you do? Does the score influence your decision?