[JRutledge]

I attended this weekend for about the 4th year in a row the Big Ten Men's Tournament held at the United Center in Chicago. The main thing I learned from the officials was, you have to take your own personality on that court.

Ed Hightower--Elder Statesman of all the officials there. Can get away with talking to coaches and listening to them when they are very upset and aggitated. But when he talks to a coach or player directly, they do not show him up or only go so far. But he has been around the block and can do that unlike most officials. A take charge personality that will and can take chare of almost any sitaution.

Ted Hiliary--Very reserved emotionally. Does not say a whole lot to coaches. But when he does it is taken as said (at least it appears that way from a far). Respected highly by coaches and they do not try to ever show him up or act out of line. Seems to listen often.

Teddy Valentine--Seems to be one of the most flamboyant officials around. His mechanics are admit most of the time. Has no problem confronting coaches or players on situations to get a point across. His style would not work for most officials, but works completely for him. His personality comes out on the court. He is physically bigger than most officials and seems to work in maintaining control. Great official.

(Big Ten Champ. Game Official)--I do not know this last person's name, but he worked the Championship game with Hightower and Hiliary on Suday. He is a shorter guy and all his mechanics are kind of a "matter of fact." He does not seem to get too flashy or too reserved. He just seems to do his job and go home. You hardly know he is out there on the court, but does a great job in making his calls. Half the time I just forgot he was even out there when I watched all his games this weekend.

The point that I am making is that you have to officiate with your personality and your personality only. Because when I officiate I seem to bounce back between some traits of Hightower and others of Hilary. If I am know by the conference, I tend to be more like Hightower. When I am in environments that I am unfamiliar, I am much more like Hilary. I love Juulie's list, I truely do, but you have to bring your own things to the table. Because I know many officials that do not subscribe to things she does on her list and it works out perfectly. That is why dealing with coaches and confrontation is an art, not a science. There is a good article in the April's Referee Magazine that addresses the very topic.

Peace