Quote:
Originally Posted by Refsmitty
I guess I am wondering if it happens to everyone... still learning how much to take.
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Refsmitty,
Some of the officials on this board will disagree with my view, but I have a different take from many on this topic. When we first start as officials, we are typically REALLY BAD!!! Most of us had played the game at some level, some of us had coached the game at some level, BUT officiating is different (note that I did not say HARDER -- once again to the sighs of many on this board -- but it is different.
New officials have to learn a whole series of signals. New officials have to learn where to get to on the floor and when. New officials must learn a whole set of mechanics. New officials must learn how to report fouls. New officials have to learn where to move when a foul is called and is being reported. New officials have to learn how to handle certain "set situations" such as timeout mechanics, free throw mechanics, etc. New officials have to get accustomed to using a whistle (some coaches and multiple sport officials don't have this concern). New officials are expected to know all of the rules.
Oh, and then there's that part about recognizing violations and fouls -- which must be done AT THE SAME TIME the new official is working on all of the items in the previous paragraph.
Therefore, the vast, vast, vast majority of us are BAD when we first start. At the same time, most leagues will use experienced officials AND new officials -- younger youth leagues generally have more new officials while HS varsity levels have only experienced officials. If a coach has a pair of experienced officials one week (or at least one) and has two "rookies" the next, the difference from a coaching point of view can be mind-boggling!!!
My bottom line suggestion: Focus 100% of your attention on becoming a better official each game. Critique yourself and have other officials critique you. Try to get a copy of a game tape -- nothing better than watching yourself in action.
I suggest that you be willing to take general criticism from coaches when you are just starting out. Remember, you are BAD. You will miss calls -- LOTS of them. Block out the coaches comments and officiate the game. Try to focus on identifying the pivot foot each time a player receives the ball in your primary. Try to officiate the defense and call the OBVIOUS fouls. As you improve as an official, there will be plenty of opportunities to WHACK coaches!
That being said, do not hesitate to tell the coach to "pick his spots", "let plays go -- no dwelling", "I will watch for that", etc. BUT NEVER let them get PERSONAL!!! Don't be afraid to listen to a coach or answer their questions -- communicate with them. Contrary to many on this board, coaches can actually help newer officials improve. BUT, if they make personal attacks OR are completely belligerent, you have to issue a technical foul.
By the way, to give equal time to coaches, new coaches are typically REALLY BAD, too. It takes experience and mentoring for them to become good coaches. This is no different from officials.