(Frank Speziale Photo)

NORWICH – The Norwich Family YMCA is making one final call for volunteers to lend a helping hand during the 24th Annual Gus Macker 3-on-3 basketball tournament, set to take over East Main Street in Norwich July 13 and 14.

More than 1,300 players are expected to take part in this year’s tournament, and thousands more will watch from the sidelines.

In order to make the event successful each year, volunteers are needed to help the operation of the tournament run smoothly. This year, there will be 28 courts that will have games played on them for the two-days starting between 8:30 and 9 a.m.

“The number of courts are up from last year, based on configuration,” said Jamey Mullen, Norwich YMCA Executive Director. “The number of players from last year to this year have increased slightly as the Norwich tournament continues to be the largest Gus Macker held in New York State.”

About 6-8 additional Gus Busters, or volunteer referees, are needed to ensure all courts have coverage for the tournament.

On the younger courts, or the red courts, volunteer officials call the game according to the Gus Macker rule set as well as the standard rules for basketball. If you have the knowledge of the sport, you welcome to sign up.