[Back In The Saddle]

Originally Posted by Upward ref

I just stood there thinking " I didn't mess up this one "

Yep, you surely didn't mess that one up. You were a teenager once, so you know they can be looking right at you and appear to be acknowledging you, without ever hearing a word you're saying

I have a theory (based on personal experience being an ADD kid): kids that are only half listening, if they remember anything at all, will remember only the very last thing they hear. So, when I tell them how many shots I try to always end with the number. (e.g., "Two times, guys...Two!"). It's no miracle cure mechanic, but it has worked very well for me.

Originally Posted by Upward ref

I'm trying my best, but my reporting and mechanics are still lousy and lack confidence.

This is great news! Why? Because mechanics and presentation is one of the very few aspects of officiating that is entirely within your control. In just 10 minutes, starting right this second, you can do something that can make a significant, positive difference.

Reporting and signalling is all about muscle memory. Get in front of a mirror and practice, practice, practice. Every time you hit the men's room at work, call a foul on the guy in the mirror. Keep at it until you like what you see. Practice the whole sequence from whistle, prelim, movement to the table, stopping, reporting. (Yes, my men's room is 84 x 50) Then do it with your eyes closed, opening them at random times to ensure you look the way you should. We can't see ourselves on the court, we have to rely on feel. So learn what it feels like to do it right.

Also, get somebody to video one of your games. Watch the video and take notes. Anything that looks funny or weak, fix it.

Good luck!