Quote:
Originally posted by cowbyfan1
Not coming back to basketball next year. I call baseball and football and I am not having anywheres near the fun I do with the other 2 sports.
Alot of it has to do with the politics in the association. It is not how well you call it is how well you know the assignor. Training is a joke. Don't even think about getting on court evaluations unless it is from your partner and I have found a number of them don't have a clue (had one guy call traveling when players did a jump stop).
Also to get even a low level varsity game they want years of experience (like about 4 or 5) I have called multiple varsity games in football since my rookie year and I called state playoffs in baseball in my 3rd year of calling varisty ball. Those 2 games are more difficult to call than basketball never mind the fact that the rules are more complex in football and baseball than they are in basketball.
Also I get the feeling that they frown on calling for both assignors as well the assignors put you lower on their lists if you do not attend their summer basketball camps. I personally am in the middle of baseball season to attend with one and would rather make money on a diamond than to spend money to be on a basketball court.
What do you all think? Am I rushing judgement after 1 and a half years? I am not claiming to be this awesome official that deserves top level games (honestly could not tell you if I really can call or not other than based on how "quiet" games go) but it would be nice to feel like I am going somewhere based on my ablility and not popularity.
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It is said that the two sports most in need of officials are baseball and football. It only stands to reason that you will be able to climb the ladder faster. Concerning basketball after 1 1/2 years I think you might be rushing things a little bit if you expect to get Varsity games. It generally takes at least 3 or 4 years before you get an occaisional non-conference or tournament game. At least where I live. Concerning "politics" that happens on the job at school etc.
You also have to look at it from an Assignors perspective. He has a pool of officials who he knows are reliable and competent. Not that you don't have these qualities but you are the wild card in this equation. Assigning is a tough job and really why should he take a chance on you? Again I'm not putting you down but that's the reality.
To get games that you want:
1. Don't complain about your schedule be happy that you have games.
2. Get officials who work for the assignor to watch you and ask them to recommend you.
3. Go to camps during the summer. Normally they will give you a written evaluation. Send the evaluation to the assignor.
4. Try to get the assignor to watch you. If he's working games try to get a prelim. game in front of his and ask him to come early.
5. Ask the AD or varsity coach to watch you and recommend you to the assignor.
Finally, If you like officiating basketball it really shouldn't matter what level you are working. Junior High, Freshman and JV need good officials. It is at these levels where all the strange and goofy plays occurr. This is where you learn how to officiate.
Good luck and hang in there.
G