I mentioned that I was going to a tryout for the USBL and I just wanted to let you all (or y'all, depending on where you're from) know how it went.
There were "veterans" there as well as about 30 applicants. This was not only a tryout, but a mandatory interpretation meeting for the veterans. They had to be there for this year's rules changes. So the first hour was sort of a "business" meeting. Apparently, the officials in the northeast are not treated very well by the league. The game fee of $100 per official (3-man) has not increased in 6 seasons. Additionally, 2 seasons ago, the league unilaterally reduced the fee to $65 in midseason. Anyway, the officials are upset particuarly b/c officials in the western part of the country get more per game. The upshot of the whole hour's discussion was that there is some sentiment to organize all the league's officials for the purpose of a collective, uniform pay scale.
The second hour was a brief primer in NBA rules and mechanics. We took a 42-question test first, on which I did not do well. The interpretation discussion was very interesting and the officials who presented the information really knew their stuff. Some of it was very informative, but some of it was as basic as "We referee the defense in this league". Well, duh.
After a half-hour break, we got dressed and went to the gym. As I said, there were about 30 applicants and unfortunately, they were running a game on only one court. So to get 10 3-man crews out on the floor, we only got to work about 15 minutes each. That was it. Make a great impression and then you're done. To be honest, I was very disappointed in that part. Granted, it was good to sit and watch other guys work and listen to the experienced officials comment. But it was still disappointing.
About an hour or so into the floor work, the players took a break and the officials all went on the floor to talk about the responsiblilites of each position. That was pretty informative.
Then another hour of watching other guys work. And that was it. We'll hear in a week or so if we get a schedule or not.
Couple of notes:
Kareem Abdul-Jabaar is coaching one of the teams this year. His son was at the tryout and looks very good. He has a real '70's afro, too.
I have to agree with TH: the shirts are VERY ugly
Chuck