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Old Sun Dec 17, 2000, 11:04pm
boileref boileref is offline
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Join Date: Jan 2000
Posts: 9
I just wanted to make a point on "refereeing the defense". It sounds to me that your commissioner is probably a pretty good teacher. Refereeing the defense will make the block/charge calls become one of your easiest. You are responsible for both players, but as the player drives to the basket, find the defensive player. If he establishes legal guarding position and you feel the contact warrants a call...call the charge. If you are focused on the offensive player as he drives, the crash can take you a bit by surprise and make the probability of getting the call right much lower. In a transition situation, find the defenders as the try to establish position...you will not miss an obvious violation by the dribbler if one occurs.

As for working your first boys JV game in your fourth year, that can be fine progress depending on your geographic area and experience in your first couple years. You need to find mentors who are working at the varsity level, if your neighbor has been working 20 years of sub-varsity ball, he may be a good friend, but not a good officiating mentor. The way you move up is to gain the confidence not only of the commisioner, but of the officials and coaches you will work with and for at the next level. Depending on the area and association you work for, coaches can have a big influence on who moves up to varsity. They watch the JV games and notice the officials. This is something you can't control, except for doing your best on the games. If you have had a team several times, and the coach recognizes you, it helpful to acknowledge them and perhaps exchange brief small talk. The best officials are the ones who are at ease dealing with all the people you come into contact with at a basketball game. The best way to move up to varsity is when other officials want to work with you. If the commisioner's "heavy hitters" want to work with you, you'll work.
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