Quote:
Originally posted by lmeadski
in your esteemed opinion, when is a newer official deemed ready to ref varsity?
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I don't think there's anyone thing or even a specific list per se. But here are a few things.
The ability to slow down, see the whole play and maintain control- Inexperienced officials are in a great, big hurry. Too quick to whistle, too quick to signal, too quick in reporting. It's not necessary to make every call like the call determines the fate of the world. The ability to slow down demonstrates confidence and control.
Staying away from game interuptors- I see more interuptors in one JV game than I do in 5 varsity games. A2 steps inot the lane a split second early on a made FT. A 3 second call when the dribbler is stalling at the division line. Needless whistles.
"On the floor!"- This kind of goes back to slowing down and letting the play develop and recognizing when continuous motion begins. All to often, I see a player drive, pickup the dribble on his way to the whole, only to have the whistle blown and the official yell, "On the floor!" First, recognize that the try has started. Second, allow the play to develop so that the shooter who has gained an advantage doesn't have that advantage taken away by a foul.
BTW, you'll learn more after moving to varsity than you learned in all your other games combined. Working with veterans will teach you the finer points of the game and make you think about things you never considered before.
Be patient and good luck!