[iref4him]

Due to extensive injuries in a near fatal crash, I am evaluating officials this year. Hopefully rehab will get me back to full swing next year.

As an evaluator, it seams you need to know the rule book and mechanics better than anyone else. I get alot of questions about both and it has forced me to be a better.

I have watched ove 30 games this year so far and evaluated over 70 officials. There is a common thread I would like to share with everyone that I have seen.

1) Most officials desire to do the game right. They are sincere, but sincerity does not mean the official is right.

2) Younger officials and officials who have been to camps are more open to the evaluations than older officials and those who have never been to a camp.

3) The great majority wants to know how great they did. Very few want to know what they need to improve on.

4) I don't tell anyone that they made they wrong call. I always ask them what did they see on that play or where were they looking. So I discuss angles, referee the defense, referee from the outside in, etc. If they ask me what I think, I will tell them from my angle this is what I saw.

5) Mechanics (position and angles) make up for 90% of the errors made on the court. With that 90% is selling the call or showing confidence in the call that was made.

6) If you are consistent/inconsistent on one end of the floor, you will be on the other end.

7) Officiating is more than putting on a uniform, blowing a whistle, getting into position. It is about being able to manage the game, players, coaches, and fans. The demeanor, court presence, confidence, communication, and crediblity are criteria that are the differences from being a Dave Libby or a Greg Willard and were most officials are today.

Lastly, it is just a game. Life is too short. Enjoy the games you officiate. Be the best official at the level you are at. It was taken away from me this year and almost my life. You don't know how quick things can change in the instant of a second. I am grateful to still be able to contribute.