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Old Tue Dec 10, 2002, 10:35am
williebfree williebfree is offline
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Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Central Wisconsin
Posts: 1,069
We all need to start somewhere

JTHOMPSON

What an experience!!! This was a game you will not soon (if ever) forget. Middle school games ARE some of the toughest courts to officiate; mostly because just about everyone is a "rookie". The majority of the players are in their first season, the coaches are usually new and doing what they saw other coaches do (Fortunately I have not witnessed a chair-tosser yet...), and even the parents are often "first-timers."

Speaking of parents, they are at these games because their kid is not yet able to drive. Some parents are trying to relive their "glory days" vicariously through their offspring. And the rules of the game are just as misunderstood now as 20 years ago when they rode the bench. Additionally, some parents are going to blame you for their child's inability (lack of coordination) and YOU are the fault that "johnny" is not getting that college scholarship.

It is ideal to have a veteran official on the court, but that is often not the case. You will suffer growing pains all throughout this season, the best thing you can do is find a strong, approachable, and accessible mentor to help you process what is going well and what needs work.

Best wishes for a successful season!
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