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However, in August, it was discovered that I've got some vision problems and I decided that officiating over the winter would make me more confident umpiring with corrective lenses.
I know the basic rules, as a spectator that has gone to the occasional high school game, but I know absolutely nothing in the way of mechanics or more detailed rulings. The rules meetings start on the 3rd. Our season doesn't start until December 12th, so I've got time to learn and I intend to do so BUT I've found that the best advice comes from other officiators and not a book...now that that's all said and done-does anybody have any advice? And techniques I should know? The best shoes? Points of focus?
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Are you only interested in officiating basketball for the purpose of preparing for baseball, or are you seriously interested in being a quality basketball official for years to come? If it's the former, I wouldn't waste your time or your money. Basketball and baseball are in two different spectrums when it comes to officiating. However, if you do want to officiate basketball for years to come, then congratulations! Coming to this forum was a good start–most of your questions can be answered through the previous threads.
Basic rules knowledge ("fanboy knowledge") is, as I'm sure you know, not going to cut it. Read the rules again and again. When you dig into the NFHS rules, you'll probably surprised at how many myths you may have are dispelled. Make flashcards for the definitions in Rule 4.
Practice, practice, practice. Practice your signals in a mirror. Be a great dead-ball official.