Pregame Floor Awareness

Effective officiating begins long before the opening tip. A thorough pregame floor inspection ensures safety, prevents avoidable interruptions, and gives officials confidence heading into the game. Take a few minutes to evaluate the playing environment before the game begins.

Walk the Court Before Every Game

Before players take the floor, officials should evaluate the playing court.

• Look for any irregularities in court markings.
• Ensure all areas of the playing surface are clean and free of moisture.
• Note the condition and stability of the baskets.

Verify Boundary Lines and Markings

Many recreation and school gyms have multiple sets of lines for different sports or outdated markings. Officials must clearly identify which lines apply to your game.

• Confirm the endlines, sidelines, and division line used for basketball.
• Clearly identify the correct 3-point arc if multiple arcs are painted.
• Ensure lines are visible and not faded to the point of confusion.

Some courts may have many court markings and lines. It is important to verify in the pregame which of these lines will be used and which ones will be disregarded.

Identify Potential Problem Areas

Before the game begins, look for anything that could affect safety, visibility, or mechanics.

• Wet or slippery spots