[Rich]

Never underestimate the power of a middle school game.

About 12 years ago I was trying to break into the varsity roster where I lived at the time (I was a recent transplant). Another guy in the same boat and I were scheduled for a middle school game between two rivals. I was a poor graduate student and would work a MS game at 4PM and then a JV game at 6PM somewhere else, if I could.

I'm not exaggerating when I say I've never seen a gym so packed full and so loud.

The home coach wasn't happy with a shooting foul I called with 2 seconds left. The free throws won the game and we needed a police escort out. The home coach sent a tape to the supervisor asking for our heads and the supervisor told him he watched the entire game and it was superbly officiated from beginning to end. I'm convinced my promotion to the varsity roster the following month had a lot to do with this game.

In your situation: Don't be "ready to call the block." Referee the defense, anticipate the PLAY, and let the play happen. Anticipating the block can lead to bad things happening, especially if there's a double whistle and you are quick to signal block (while your partner signals a PC foul). And when you work up to higher levels, the kids are more athletic and can avoid fouling when it looks like there's no way they could possibly do so.