Sarge’s Keys to a Good Game: Pre-Game Chat Guidelines for Basketball Officiating

As a basketball official, I’ve come to appreciate the importance of preparation, communication, and focus in every game I officiate. Over the years, I’ve developed a set of guidelines that I always cover in my pre-game chats with my fellow officials. I call them "Sarge’s Keys to a Good Game." These are the principles that help us stay sharp, unified, and effective on the court. Here’s a look at the main points I emphasize before every game.

NFHS Points of Emphasis

1. Block/Charge/Fake: One of the most debated calls in basketball, and one that requires precision. I remind my team to be aware of the defender’s legal guarding position and the offensive player’s movement. It’s crucial to see the whole play, not just the end result.

2. Legal Guarding Position: Understanding what constitutes a legal guarding position is foundational. We talk about the need for both feet to be inbounds and the torso facing the opponent. This is essential for maintaining the integrity of the game.

3. Intentional/Flagrant Fouls: These fouls can change the course of a game. We need to recognize the difference between hard basketball plays and actions that are unnecessary or excessive. Clear communication and decisive action are vital in these situations.

4. Proper Use of Signals: Consistency in our signals not only communicates the call but also instills confidence in the players, coaches, and fans. We make sure everyone is on the same page with how we signal fouls, violations, and game management.

Coverage Fundamentals

Each official has specific responsibilities on the court, and understanding our roles is key to good coverage.

- Trail Official: Positioned at the 28-foot line or below, sideline-oriented. The trail official needs to maintain a 2x2 relationship with the on-ball defender in the backcourt and stay even with the ball handler in the frontcourt. The trail official also needs to see the big picture, covering what the other officials might miss, and getting under the shooter to find the point of contact.

- Center Official: With the top foot on the free throw line extended, the center official’s shoulders should be parallel to the sideline. Small adjustments are necessary to keep open angles and to help with curl plays and ball screens, while also keeping an eye on off-ball cutters and screeners.

- Lead Official: The lead official hustles down to the end line to accept players, mirrors the ball, and positions themselves effectively in close-down, wide-angle, and pinch-the-paint stances. The lead official focuses on refereeing from the outside in, finding secondary defenders on drives, and watching strong side rebounders.

Play-Calling and Rotation

Understanding when and how to rotate and make calls is critical.

- Rotation: Always look for a reason to rotate, mirror the ball, and be aware of immediate shot opportunities, drives, and skip passes.

- Post Play/Three Seconds: Focus on the first illegal act and use your FOM (Feet, Curls, Locks, Clamps, Arm Extensions) to identify fouls. Remember to maintain freedom of movement (RSBQ: Rhythm, Speed, Balance, Quickness).

- Screening: Know the difference between stationary and moving screens. Stationary screens should allow one normal step backward to avoid contact, while moving screens must give the opponent time and distance to avoid contact.

- Jump Shooter: Watch the feet and follow through to the point of contact, then back down into an athletic stance to observe the entire play.

- Ball Handler/Dribbler: Be vigilant for two hands, extended arm bars, stayed hands, and multiple touches—these are all potential violations.

- Legal Guarding Position: A player in a legal guarding position must obtain both feet inbounds and face their opponent. They may move laterally or obliquely but not toward the opponent and must stay within their vertical plane when raising hands or jumping.

Communication

Effective communication is often the difference between a good game and a great one.

- Game Awareness: Keep track of team fouls, bonus situations, shooters, inbound spots, fouls to give, time-outs remaining, and time/score.

- Clocks: Monitor game and shot clocks, ensuring proper resets and addressing any errors promptly.

- Double Whistles: If two officials blow their whistles simultaneously, get your fist or open hand up first, make eye contact with your partner, and determine whose primary it is. Communicate what happened first, whether it was a foul or violation.

- Issues with Players/Coaches: Handle warnings appropriately and address any disrupters or problem matchups early.

- Unusual Situations: If something unexpected occurs, always get together with your team. If necessary, send players to their benches while you sort things out.

Keys to a Good Game

1. Call Obvious Fouls in Your Primary: Don’t miss the clear calls that happen in your area of responsibility.

2. Avoid Marginal/Incidental Contact Outside Your Primary: Only come out of your primary area for obvious fouls with a cadence whistle.

3. Trust Your Partners and the System: Rely on the training, system, and your partners to manage the game effectively.

Five Thoughts for Success

- Referee the Defense

- Don’t Guess

- Call the Obvious

- Stay in Your Primary

- Trust Your Partners

These keys are more than just guidelines—they’re principles that have been honed through experience and are designed to help us officiate the game with integrity, accuracy, and respect for the sport. By focusing on these areas, we can ensure that every game is officiated to the highest standard, giving the players, coaches, and fans the experience they deserve.