def _assoc(self, typ, role1, player1, role2=None, player2=None, reifier=None):
        """\

        """
        h = self._handler
        h.startAssociation(typ)
        h.role(role1, player1)
        if role2:
            h.role(role2, player2)
        if reifier:
            h.reifier(reifier)
        h.endAssociation()