[JugglingReferee]

I officiated in a boys tournament this past weekend. Ages were only up to 13.

A few notable things to mention:

• Technical #1
  • 13 year-olds, two coaches (HC + 1 AC). HC sits in the typical spot nearest the table crew, AC at the end of the bench.
  • AC has a few words here and there, progressively getting more "involved". Beginning of Q2, I decide to talk to the HC about the AC. HC agrees with me and motions to the AC (didn't see what the motion was, but he did something).
  • Half-way through Q2, I'm L table-side, and the AC (his team on defense) goes off about a travel. I waited to see if A1 is going to shoot. Nope... so I ring the AC up. My P ended up tossing the AC after the AC wouldn't shut up.
  • AC didn't want to go, it seemed like. Turns out he was just getting his outdoor shoes. Site convenor walked over and gave the AC an escort.
• Technical #2
  • Beginning of a game with 8-year olds, one team has 3 coaches: HC + 2 ACs. HC is near scorers' table, AC1 half-way down the bench, AC2 at the end of the bench.
  • These kids are 7 and 8 and travel every other play. The accepted situation is that little travels are not called - the ones where the dribbler's foot slides 6 inches as he picks up his dribble. The 3+ steps for layups are called.
  • Not 60 seconds into the game, and these 3 coaches all yell out travel when the other team travels. Um, ok, I think. I've seen this all too often, so I talk to the HC within the next 30 seconds, thinking I will nip it in the bud.
  • Another 60 seconds later AC1 stands up, starts walking towards the HC, making the travelling signal. Whack.
• Padgett Comment
  • Sometimes I think people expect me to say something. I am always smiling because I'm a rather happy person. At the beginning at the aforementioned game with the 2 ACs, I am at my Referee position prior to the jump and some fans start talking to me. It's the usual polite conversation, "How many games did you do this tournament." These 2 last games, with the 7 and 8 year olds are played on a smaller gym at a local school for the blind and dead-blind. My response to the crowd was "Nine, but these last 2 are fun because this is my alma mater." Nobody laughed. I don't think they got it.