1. 3-Person Mechanics

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

3. 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

4. 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
change – Official who called foul moves to table side as Trail (one exception)

5. 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

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

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

13. 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

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

15. 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

16. 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

17. 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

18. 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.

19. 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

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

21. 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.

22. 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.

23. 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.

24. 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.

25. 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.

26. 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.

27. 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

28. 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

29. 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.

30. 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.

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

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

33. 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.

34. FREE THROW TRAIL RESPONSIBILITIESC
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.

35. 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.

36. 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.

37. 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

38. 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.

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

40. 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

41. 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

42. 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.

43. 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

44. 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

45. 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

46. 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.

47. 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.

48. 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).

49. 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.

50. 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

51. 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

52. 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.

53. 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

54. 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.

55. 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

56. THANK YOU FOR BEING AN OFFICIAL