3-Person Mechanics

Terminology Rotation Switch Lead Official Center Official Trail Official Close Down Ball Side Strong Side Weak Side Table Side

Rotation Usually initiated by Lead official Rotation refers to a live ball situation Location of ball keys a change in coverage Lead moves to ball side and Trail is pulled down to Center and Center is pushed out to Trail Exception: Center can initiate rotation if they “read” trap when ball swings to their side

Switch Switch is a dead ball situation Caused by official who called foul or violation After reporting a four or violation there may be a change in position 2004-05 change – Official who called foul moves to table side as Trail (one exception)

Court Positions Lead Official is positioned at the end line Lead maintains good depth OFF end line, NEVER in paint area, strong/ball side Center Official is the outside off-ball official midway between a step below the free-throw line extended and the top of the circle Center is weak side, free-throw line extended Trail Official is the official nearest the division line. In transition, Trail becomes new Lead Trail is strong side, top of 3-point Arc

Miscellaneous Close down – official(s) movement (can be one or two steps) on movement of the ball Trail moves toward end line Center can move slightly to get better rebounding angles Lead moves toward nearest lane line extended These movement especially for outside officials prevents them from bailing out and not being in position to officiate the defense.

Miscellaneous cont’d Ball side is location of the ball in a “normal” frontcourt alignment How – divide the court down the middle length wise, end line to end line, The side of the court where ball is located is ball side Ball side is usually strong side and is determined by, a) location of official who is, b) reacting to location of ball These movement especially for outside officials prevents them from bailing out and not being in position to officiate the defense.

Miscellaneous cont’d Weak side is the side opposite the Lead Official Typically occupied by Center official Table side refers to side of court where Scorers and Timers Table is located Opposite refers to side opposite Table These movement especially for outside officials prevents them from bailing out and not being in position to officiate the defense.

Pre Game & Jump Ball Pre-Game Position Jump Ball Position U1 has home team U2 has visiting team Jump Ball Position U1 chops clock and has the jumpers U2 has the eight non-jumpers Movement After The Tip R always winds up as Trail Direction & Arrow T/C opposite table responsible for arrow

Pre-game Positions U1 HOME TEAM BENCH R U2 VISITORS TEAM BENCH Note that in your pre-game alignment you are “watching” your respective teams warm-up OPPOSITE from their bench U1 R U2

JUMP BALL POSITIONS HOME BENCH VISITORS BENCH U1 R U2 U1 will be approx 28’ from nearest endline U2 will be 28’ from nearest endline

WHEN BALL GOES RIGHT VISITORS BENCH HOME BENCH U1 C R L T U2 R holds position until direction of ball is established

WHEN BALL GOES LEFT VISITORS BENCH HOME BENCH U1 T L R C U2 Hold Have clock awareness Lead MUST always be prepared to rule on quick 3-point attempt

Primary coverage area Primary Floor coverage Designated Throw-ins 3-point area of responsibility

PRIMARY FULL COURT RESPONSIBILITY VISITOR BENCH HOME BENCH T L T has side line & entire end line on other side* L has entire end line C Each official MUST be aware of these primary coverage areas. T has their sideline and opposite end line. C has their sideline only L has the entire end line in backcourt C has their sideline

PRIMARY FRONT COURT RESPONSIBILITY VISITOR BENCH HOME BENCH T L T has division line & their sideline L has entire endline C Each official MUST be aware of these primary coverage areas. T (in frontcourt) has division line and their sideline. C has their sideline only L has the entire endline C their sideline

PRIMARY COVERAGE FRONT COURT VISITOR BENCH HOME BENCH T T responsible for blue area L C Each official MUST be aware of these primary coverage areas. T (in frontcourt) has division line and their sideline. C has their sideline only L has the entire endline L has “paint” (green lines) and inside 3-point arc in front of L C is responsible for red area

Ball goes OOB anywhere in this area, throw-in is at end line. ENDLINE VS SIDELINE DESIGNATED SPOT THROW-INS VISITOR BENCH HOME BENCH L Ball goes OOB anywhere in this area, throw-in is at end line. Ball goes OOB on this side of paint extended, do NOT bring ball back. L to switch. Ball goes OOB on sideline, throw-in is from sideline Ball goes OOB anywhere in this area, throw-in is at end line.

THREE POINT TRY – AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY VISITOR BENCH HOME BENCH T has 60% of coverage T L C has 40% of floor C Covering official gives INITIAL signal. Covering official signals successful. If Trail signals, Center mirrors. If Center signals, Trail mirrors. Lead has responsibility to assist Center and Trail in transition

Ball Coverage Front court rotations Shot and rebound coverage Transition coverage Press coverage

Rotation of Officials as Ball Moves From One Side To Another Ball will move from Position 1 to Position 3. C3 T1 L1 Initial Position L2 Close down EXCEPTIONS: Quick shot/drive to basket PRIMARY official has P & B ALL the way to basket Rotation completed L3 T3 C1 T 2 C – that official picks up new primary coverage off the ball L must officiate players in the post, even while moving. Keep head on a swivel. In MOST cases L moves to ball side NEVER have 2 Trails. There can be Two C’s for a brief period of time The ball keys the rotation. As a guideline and depending on playing action, the Lead should close down and may move laterally to ball side when the ball penetrates the free throw lane line extended nearest the Center.When the Lead rotates the Trail and Center Also rotate positions.

Rotation of Officials as Ball Moves From One Side To Another EXCEPTIONS: Quick shot or drive to the basket. When a player with the ball starts a drive to the basket from an official’s PRIMARY AREA, that official has the player and the ball all the way to the basket. When the Trail rotates to Center, that official picks up new primary coverage off the ball. Lead must officiate players in the post, even while moving across the lane. In most situations, Lead moves to ball side. Note: There should never be two Trails. There may be two Centers for brief periods of time.

Basic Shot and Rebound Coverage Location Trail responsible for all shots in foul-line half circle. L T Center helps Trail with shots from foul line half circle on Center’s side.

Shot and Rebound Coverage From Lead’s Left Area Center has interference and goaltending, then weak-side rebound. Weak Side Lead has shooter and strong-side rebound. Perimeter Rebound Shot Location Strong side L T Trail has interference and goaltending, then perimeter rebound.

Shot and Rebound Coverage From Lead’s Right Area Trail has interference and goaltending, then perimeter rebound. L Shot Location Strong side Lead has shooter and strong-side rebound. Perimeter Rebound Weak Side C Lead has shooter and strong side rebound Trail has interference and goal tending, then perimeter rebound Center has interference, goal tending and weak side rebound Center has interference, goaltending and weak-side rebound.

Shot And Rebound Coverage From Trail’s Area Center has interference, goaltending and weak-side rebound. Weak Side Lead has strong-side rebound. Perimeter Rebound Strong side L Shot Location T Lead has strong-side rebound. Trail has shooter and three point line, then interference, goaltending and perimeter rebound. Center has interference, goaltending and weak-side rebound. Trail has shooter and three point line, then interference, goaltending and perimeter rebound.

Once in front court L is working outside in COVERAGE ON “NORMAL” TRANSITIONS TEAM BENCH TEAM BENCH C C T L L T T sprints to L to end line and works plays as it comes to them C remains C and moves w/speed of ball & players, responsible for F & V between top of circle in BC & top of circle in FC. On passes normally stay with passer. Lead takes ball responsible if ball goes to basket on your side. L to T moves to cover backside of FB or maintains pace that allows them to trail the play coming up court Once in front court L is working outside in

COVERAGE ON FAST BREAKS/TRANSITIONS TEAM BENCH TEAM BENCH C C L T L T T sprints to end line and cuts floor at about a 45 degree angle in order to get in position. This would be the ONLY time that L should be a the lane line extended. C remains C and moves w/speed of ball & players, responsible for F & V between top of circle in BC & top of circle in FC. On passes normally stay with passer. Lead takes ball responsible if ball goes to basket on your side. L to T moves to cover backside of FB or maintains pace that allows them to trail the play coming up court In this transition, L can go to lane line extended in order to be ready to officiate the play and if need be to rotate across

PRESS COVERAGE – ALL PLAYERS IN BACKCOURT TEAM BENCH TEAM BENCH T 12 D T L L Keep congested area covered with wide triangle. 4 D D 10 24 D D 32 C C Ball is being inbounded from OOB. NEVER bail out as C. Remember this becomes a 2-man game between you and L/T T/L should be as deep as deepest players New Trail has 10 second count in backcourt, remain with play action possibility of a quick turnover.

PRESS - PLAYERS IN FRONTCOURT AND BACKCOURT TEAM BENCH TEAM BENCH T 12 D T L L 4 D 10 D 24 D D 32 New Lead positions to observe players in backcourt and assist with play in frontcourt. C C Movement(s) by outside transition officials can best be called “hustle with purpose”. T/l has deepest players on their side. Center moves deliberately to assist with press. This becomes a 2-man game with L/T as they move up the floor Center and New Trail officiate sector in backcourt.

FREE THROWS - THROW INS—TIME OUTS FREE THROW RESPONSIBILITIES THROW INS FRONT COURT ENDLINE – STAYING FRONT COURT SIDELINE - STAYING TIME OUT POSITIONS

FREE THROW LEAD RESPONSIBILITIES C Lead’s Area L T Lead official watches opposite lane plus first space table side, then foul and rebound action

FREE THROWS CENTER RESPONSIBILITY Lead’s Area Center’s Area L T Center on free throws MUST come off of side line and must close down. S/B positioned a step back (minimum) and about a 45 degree angle behind FT shooter Center official watches top two spaces opposite lane line, free-throw line and flight of ball. Then fouls and rebounding action.

FREE THROW TRAIL RESPONSIBILITIES C Lead’s Area Center’s Area T L START OF SEQUENCE T LAST OF SEQUENCE POSITION Trail official watches all lane activity to assist Lead and Center. Trail official’s position will be approximately 28’ from end line & will watch players in backcourt if necessary.

Violations out of bounds ALWAYS stop the clock FIRST Use proper signals Don’t draw attention to yourself Don’t turn your back to the players When retrieving ball do NOT walk through players Ball always seems to come back to official – do NOT chase the ball when ball is OOB.

T L C End line Throw-in in Frontcourt Table Side Remains In Frontcourt TEAM BENCH TEAM BENCH T L C Lead has the option of being between thrown-in and basket or between throw-in and the sideline (this depends on ball location – if ball is outside 3-point arc best position MAY be with official inside, provided there is no pressure). The positioning of Lead S/B based on providing best possible coverage. The Lead hands the ball to the Thrower when remaining in the Frontcourt.

C L L T TEAM BENCH TEAM BENCH T C SIDELINE THROW-IN IN FRONTCOURT, BALL OPPOSITE SIDE FRONTCOURT TEAM BENCH TEAM BENCH Old Trail becomes new Center C T L New Trail administers throw-in & should bounce the ball to the Thrower. L Diagram 54, Pg. 69 Center calls violation, becomes new Trail, administering throw-in. C T LEAD BOXES IN PLAY, MOVES TO TRAIL’S SIDE. Center calls violation Center becomes new Trail

C L TEAM BENCH TEAM BENCH T L Lead boxes in the play. C T SIDELINE THROW-IN IN BACKCOURT OPPOSITE SIDE, AFTER BEING IN FRONTCOURT, RETURNS TO FRONTCOURT TEAM BENCH TEAM BENCH C T Old Trail moves to new Center, adjusts to players. L Lead boxes in the play. Diagram 53, Pg. 69 Center will call violation opposite the table C T L Center calls OOB violation sideline opposite Table. Center moves to Backcourt & becomes new Trail to administer Throw-in.

Time Out Positions – Communicate spot of throw in Direction-holding the ball Warning Signal Resumption of play procedure

30-second time outs – both officials at time of key TIME OUT POSITIONS TEAM BENCH TEAM BENCH L 30-SEC 30-SEC C T C T 60-SEC. INTERMISSION 60 SEC Administering official S/B where the ball will be put in play 30-second time outs – both officials at time of key 60-second time outs – officials are at the blocks at F/T lane

Fouls Proper sequence of signals Designate throw in spot (if applicable) Get the CORRECT shooter (if applicable) Under no circumstances are you to “bail” out of your spot UNTIL your partners know entire status Get to foul reporting area Make eye contact with table Hard walk/jog to spot This is a POE this year

PROPER SEQUENCE OF SIGNALS TEAM BENCH TEAM BENCH T FOUL REPORTING AREA L C When the calling official has to report a foul, they will come to this area to report foul. Officials must NOT be moving while making contact with table.

FOUL SWITCHING LEAD CALLS FOUL WITH OR WITHOUT FREE THROW CENTER CALL FOUL WITH OR WITHOUT FREE THROW TRAIL CALLS FOUL WITH OR WITHOUT FREE THROW FRONT COURT – GOING LONG

Calling Official goes tableside FOUL REPORTING AREA TEAM BENCH TEAM BENCH C C Calling Official goes tableside FOUL REPORTING AREA T L T Foul called by T T 3rd official does NOT move Previous tableside official “switches” spots with calling official

LEAD CALLS FOUL IN FRONTCOURT – BALL REMAINS W/ FT TEAM BENCH TEAM BENCH Trail goes to baseline as Lead and administers throw-in T T L L L REPORTS FOUL GOES TO TRAIL Lead calls foul C Center maintains position

Center becomes Trail after reporting foul. T C FOUL IN FRONTCOURT, BALL REMAINS CENTER CALLS FOUL WITH/OUT FREE THROW FOUL SWITCHING TEAM BENCH TEAM BENCH Center becomes Trail after reporting foul. T C L C REPORTS FOUL GOES TO TRAIL L T C This is a Table side foul call by the Center Trail becomes Center Lead remains as Lead on Table side. CENTER CALLS FOUL.

Center calls & reports foul. Stays Table side as Center. FOUL IN FRONTCOURT, BALL REMAINS CENTER CALLS FOUL WITH OUT FREE THROW FOUL SWITCHING TEAM BENCH TEAM BENCH T C L C REPORTS FOUL GOES TO CENTER L T C Diagram 58 – pg. 74 – Opposite table foul call Center calls & reports foul. Stays Table side as Center. Trail goes opposite and remains Trail. Lead “switches” to Lead on Ball Side.

Center calls and reports foul . Stays Table side as Trail. FOUL IN FRONTCOURT, BALL REMAINS CENTER CALLS FOUL WITH FREE THROW FOUL SWITCHING TEAM BENCH TEAM BENCH T T REPORTS FOUL GOES TO TRAIL L C C C CENTER CALLS FOUL. Center calls and reports foul . Stays Table side as Trail. Trail goes opposite and becomes Center. Lead maintains Lead and administers free throw(s).

FOUL SWITCHING TEAM BENCH TEAM BENCH T T L T C FOUL IN FRONTCOURT, BALL REMAINS TRAIL CALLS FOUL W F/T FOUL SWITCHING TEAM BENCH TEAM BENCH T T L T REPORTS FOUL STAYS AS TRAIL C Diagram 59 – pg. 75 TRAIL CALLS FOUL, REPORTS & STAYS TABLE SIDE AS TRAIL. CENTER AND LEAD MAINITAIN THEIR POSITION WITH LEAD ADMINSTERING THE FREE THROW.

FOUL IN FRONTCOURT, GOES BACKCOURT LEAD CALLS FOUL WITHOUT FREE THROW FOUL IN FRONTCOURT, GOES BACKCOURT MechaniGram® MechaniGram® Lead calls foul and becomes new lead, trail becomes new trail, and center remains center Lead calls foul and becomes center, center becomes trail, and trail becomes lead Table Side Opposite

FOUL IN FRONTCOURT, BALL GOES LONG TRAIL CALLS FOUL WITHOUT FREE THROW DIA 68 FOUL IN FRONTCOURT, BALL GOES LONG TEAM BENCH TEAM BENCH C C T REPORTS FOUL L L T Trail calls and reports foul, Goes to new Lead. Center remains Center. Lead becomes new Trail and administers throw-in T Trail calls and reports foul, Goes to new Lead. Center remains Center. Lead becomes new Trail and administers throw-in

FOUL IN BACKCOURT, BALL GOES LONG TRAIL CALLS FOUL FREE THROW DIA-70 FOUL IN BACKCOURT, BALL GOES LONG TEAM BENCH TEAM BENCH T C L T REPORTS FOUL L T Pg. 80 Foul in backcourt with free throw in front court C Trail calls and reports foul, Trail remains Table side as new Trail Center goes to new Lead and administers the Free throw. Lead moves to new Center.

FOUL IN FRONTCOURT, GOES BACKCOURT TEAM BENCH TEAM BENCH T C L L CENTER CALLS FOUL WITHOUT FREE THROW REPORTS FOUL C T Center calls & reports foul and becomes new Lead Trail becomes new Center Lead becomes new Trail and administers throw-in

FOUL IN FRONTCOURT, GOES BACKCOURT CENTER CALLS FOUL FREE THROW FOUL IN FRONTCOURT, GOES BACKCOURT TEAM BENCH TEAM BENCH C T L REPORTS FOUL L T C Center calls and reports foul in frontcourt and will go to new front court to shot free throws. Center calls & reports foul and becomes new Trail. Trail becomes new Lead & administers free throw. Lead becomes new Center.

Last second shot There will usually be a T.O. prior Review Keys Opposite official’s responsibility Responsibility in transition Communicate who has the shot Official has whistle at the buzzer Don’t give “conflicting” signals Pre-game it

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