Quote:
Originally posted by Mike Burns
Tony said it better than I can, but...
The first three years of officiating I have focused on learning the rules. Now I have to learn how to apply those rules to make the game better. Part of this is understanding game management as well as game flow. (Quote) "The best call of the game may be the one you didn't make." That comment has not set well with me in the past, because I thought "the rules are there to be enforced". And yes they are, but not to the extent that you have game interupters. Obviously I am not saying to throw the book out, but rather to know how and when to apply the intent of the rules, so we can call the best game for the players, coaches and fans.
|
Well in my first 3 years, I tried to learn it all. I had to, my schedule was too good or too advanced not to. I had to learn the rules, mechanics and game management skills right off the bat. It is great to know the rules, but no one will know it if your "presentation" is not there. You have to have everything together, down to the way you run the pregame meeting. That is your first opportunity to show what kind of official you are. If you cannot do that, you do not have the opportunity to get that "first impression" back.
IMHO, rules do not come until you have seen many of the things live and in color. You might understand what goaltending is, but if you have never seen it, it might be much harder to call. That is one of the biggest reasons around here, evaluators and assignor judge you depending on what level of officiating you do. Class AA(Larger Schools) Officials are held in higher regard than Class A Officials. Because if you have never seen the game above the rim, it can be very difficult to call one. No matter how good you know the rules.
Peace