Creating a Pregame

[jpgc99]

Originally Posted by BigCat

That is why we have a pregame. There are 50/50 calls. I want you to think about what has been called earlier. If you have a call that can go either way im going to take note of it. If i have a similar play--50/50, then im going to have the same call.

and this may not work at lower levels. judgment can vary widely from person to person at those levels. At the higher levels you will find that judgment of officials is similar.

While I understand the intent I have dropped this from my pregame. The primary reason is that I'm not going to be looking at your play close enough to know it if was "50/50" (I might not even look at it at all if I'm watching my PCA). I also really don't think there are 50/50 plays. It is either a foul or it isn't. A charge or a block.

I prefer to say that we should try to have consistent 2-3 minute spurts that match the game. For example, if the teams are playing good defense and are moving the ball well, we should have an especially patient whistle and not interrupt the natural flow of the game. In the next three minute spurt we may have to buckle down and take care of problem players and escalate our intensity and communication to keep the game in check.

We will always call fouls based on the rules and RSBQ but our officiating "style" should match the attitude and flow of the game. A crew is at its best when the three officials are officiating in the same, game-appropriate and time-appropriate style.

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by jpgc99

... we should try to have consistent 2-3 minute spurts that match the game. For example, if the teams are playing good defense and are moving the ball well, we should have an especially patient whistle ... In the next three minute spurt we may have to buckle down and take care of problem players and escalate our intensity and communication to keep the game in check ... match the attitude and flow of the game. A crew is at its best when the ... officials are officiating in the same, game-appropriate and time-appropriate style.

From my pregame: Be consistent with each other, and with what has already happened in the game. Let’s try to remember what we’ve called earlier in the game, and what we haven’t called.

Also, here in my little corner of Connecticut, we have an unofficial, unapproved, signal to communicate with each other that we need to tighten up the game little: extend fist with clockwise/counterclockwise motion, i.e., "let's tighten things up".