First Time on the Floor

[Amesman]

To piggy-back on the other excellent advice here a few things:

1) Show up in plenty of time so you can

2) Look good (the way you're dressed -- these are "free" points you should never give away) and

3) Feel good (stretch or do whatever you need so your body isn't an issue getting to your spots).

4) Focus on one (or two, if you're an overachiever) thing to really emphasize for yourself each game, or even quarter, if you're subbing in and out.

5) If you played or know basketball, like someone earlier said, just go with it and

6) Make your calls distinct and forceful. You blew the whistle, so now you have to tell EVERYONE what's going on. There's no taking it back. (That includes speaking so your partner knows where to go next -- Remember: He/she was watching his/her PCA, and not yours.) Think of yourself as a traffic cop, not just a "judge" out there, and that will eventually frame your movements better.

7) A corollary to No. 5: Just get the call right. If your mechanic is clumsy or late or downright wrong, that's secondary Besides, if you do it confidently -- which you should -- you might look more like a veteran out there. You know, the kind who aspires to do more college (or NBA) ball, or who has watched too much TV, or just figures after XX years, the people will know what they're gesturing about.

[Hartsy]

Stepping out for my first game (after one scrimmage) about all I remember is that it seemed like 1000 people in the stands, the game was very fast, and I did a great job . None of those were true. It was a girls Jr High game, with maybe 100 people attending, and though nothing terrible happened, at best I called an OK game.

Enjoy the experience.

[BryanV21]

I don't think a time will ever come when you don't make any more bad calls. But if you look good when doing it (in the right position, and use good mechanics), then you can get away with it.

It'll take time to naturally to develop those two things, but once you do things will get easier. You'll see things better, and your strong signals will back up your calls.

[Kansas Ref]

Chuckster: I applaud you for applying your time, effort, and energy towards helping to promote fair play and competitiveness in interscholastic athletics. I recall when I first started reffing--I was doing it like a hoops player because that is what I had been. Now, you are a bona fide Referee. It is normal to veel overwhelmed in your initial foray into live games. The forum posters here have offered you fine advice and encouragement--and indeed all of their suggestions ought be duly considered for implementation by you. I for one would advise that after your next game, simply go ask the coach or athletic director for a video of your game. Or maybe have an associate vid your game. Scrutinize yourself, laugh at yourself, and see where you can make improvements.
Videotape tells a whole different story than you might think and what other folks are saying about you. First time I saw myself on vid tape calling a game, I was like "wtf$@%& was I doing out there? why was I looking so goofy reporting a foul/violation? why was I walking away from the area where I called the foul on--and then kept on looking backwards as I was walking to make out the jersey number of said fouler? I was bumping into other players doing this action and looking all goofy; then another time I saw myself all goofy.
So, buddy, welcome to the Officiating Industry--and I wish you much success.

[BatteryPowered]

Originally Posted by Kansas Ref

Chuckster: I applaud you for applying your time, effort, and energy towards helping to promote fair play and competitiveness in interscholastic athletics. I recall when I first started reffing--I was doing it like a hoops player because that is what I had been. Now, you are a bona fide Referee. It is normal to veel overwhelmed in your initial foray into live games. The forum posters here have offered you fine advice and encouragement--and indeed all of their suggestions ought be duly considered for implementation by you. I for one would advise that after your next game, simply go ask the coach or athletic director for a video of your game. Or maybe have an associate vid your game. Scrutinize yourself, laugh at yourself, and see where you can make improvements.
Videotape tells a whole different story than you might think and what other folks are saying about you. First time I saw myself on vid tape calling a game, I was like "wtf$@%& was I doing out there? why was I looking so goofy reporting a foul/violation? why was I walking away from the area where I called the foul on--and then kept on looking backwards as I was walking to make out the jersey number of said fouler? I was bumping into other players doing this action and looking all goofy; then another time I saw myself all goofy.
So, buddy, welcome to the Officiating Industry--and I wish you much success.

Oh yea...if he was discouraged just thinking about his first time on the floor a video of his effort should pick him right up.

Watching yourself is an excellent tool...real hard to argue you aren't doing something as you watch yourself doing it.

[spret93]

I felt the same way in my first scrimmage! You should get a lot more comfortable in your first dozen floor experiences. Work as many games as possible! I found I could study, practice in the mirror, watch film, etc., all I wanted. But working games helps you grow faster than anything else.

[Texas Aggie]

My VERY first time on the floor was a boys JV or frosh team scrimmage that only lasted a few minutes. About 5 days later, I showed up for a boys varsity scrimmage between two schools in the largest class. The speed was much faster, but I got through it. I didn't make a lot of calls, but a kid ran over a defender and I managed to call a charge. My mechanics looked a little hesitant, but I did make the correct call. Within about 3 weeks, I had a decent grasp of what I needed to be doing during a live ball -- at least for lower level games. Later in the year, I even worked both a girls and boys varsity game on the same night and managed to do fine. You will too.

[DRJ1960]

Ahhhh... memories...

First scrimmage---- our entire newbie class is working a top level BV game with a future NBA player in the game...

Made a GREAT call on a block/charge play, rushed to the table and went absolutely blank... nothing, zip, zero....

Our "top dogs" who were teaching the class were doubled over they were laughing so hard....

[ChuckS]

Reading all of your supportive comments, and the stories of all those first scrimmages, has put me in a great frame of mind for today's scrimmage. I know I have a long way to go, with a lot to learn, but I am definitely less nervous today than I was on Monday. Thanks to all again!!

[JWP]

I always tell rookies to look confident, and be confident.

Take the court standing tall and with a smile.

Once you blow the whistle to make a call, make the call 100 percent. Don't oversell it, but let everyone know with your body language that you have it right.

Go to games and watch other officials in your association. Watch how they move, how they carry themselves, and how they communicate with others. How do they handle certain situations. Watch their mechanics. You will pick up so much just by watching the veterans.

Accept the fact you are going to make errors and don't beat yourself up when you do. It happens. Store it away in your mind as something to work on, but regain your focus on what is happening on the floor right now.

And when in doubt, always, always, always hustle.

Welcome to the Brethren.

[#olderthanilook]

And, no matter how far you go with your officiating career, remember this:

"You're never as good as you think you are and you're never as bad as they say you are."

Like anything else, it's a continuous learning experience. Embrace everything that comes with the endeavor with a good attitude. You'll make a bunch of friends, make good memories and have a lot of fun along the way.

[ChuckS]

I have been so preoccupied with rules, mechanics, and trying to do the right thing, that I never even considered the social aspect. Almost every partner has been really nice, and after just a few minutes of chatting, it seems like we share a common interest, or have a mutual friend, or our kids attend the same college, etc....I can definitely see making new friends!