Which side of the court does the Center referee occupy in a 3-person officiating system?

In a 3-person officiating system, the Center referee primarily occupies the area known as the "Center Side." This position allows the referee to effectively monitor the play as it unfolds and to maintain a good perspective on both sides of the court.

While the Center does have responsibilities that may occasionally take them into different areas of the court, they are mostly situated in the middle section of the court, which is critical for managing the flow of the game and ensuring that all actions are properly officiated. The Center referee's placement allows them to see both teams well and to anticipate plays that affect the outcome of the game.

In this context, the term "Weak Side" refers to the side of the court where the ball is not present, and "Help Side" typically indicates a position used by the referees when assisting one another on calls as the play develops. The "Bench Side" merely denotes the area of the court closest to the team benches, and while it is important for managing technical fouls and communication with coaches, it is not the primary responsibility of the Center referee during gameplay.

Therefore, the designated position of the Center referee is crucial for effective officiating, providing good coverage of the action on the court.