What did you learn this year...
 

What was the biggest darkest secret you learned about your game this year.
Are you having success changing this bad habit.

Hope everyone had a great year and those who get post season good luck!

I learned to just call the obvious and ignore comments from coaches. Both I have changed and both have helped me enjoy the game more and get bigger assignments.

I learn a lot of the same things every year. I need to watch more tape of my games. I need to be more aware of other things going on outside of the court. I need to be an even better partner by calling things that save the crew when brought to my attention. I need to slow down even more in some situations. Nothing brand spanking new, just things that are confirmed and come up during the season.

Peace

It was not what I learned this year but what I learned last year. At my age, not only should I make a pit stop just before going onto the court before that start of the game I should also make a pit stop at half time even if I do not feel the need to make a pit stop.

Last year MTD, Jr., and I had a girls' JV game go into OT, :eek:, not one, not two, but three, :eek::eek::eek:, OTs. With under 20 seconds to play in the 2nd OT, Team V was down 2 pts and had the ball when V-HC requests and is grant a TO. During the TO I told Junior that the game had better not go to a 3rd OT because I had to make a pit stop. Sure enough V1 makes a layup at the buzzer and we go to a 3rd OT, but not before Junior hit me with a TF for delay of game while I headed for the nearest rest room, :p.

MTD, Sr.

Mark you are the funniest and wisest referee I know...

Thanks. ;)

Mark P there is a completely different word for you...

:)

As always... slow down. I'm such an impatient person that I want to get things moving as quickly as possible, but there are times when you have to stop and think to make sure you do the right thing.

Misanthropic? :p

Avoiding human society doesn't land you hot moms.

You nailed it!

I learned it is getting close to being time to take that long hard look at things.

I took a short look during the last week (my last game for the year was probably last night) and have set a few goals from myself before the start of next season. If I can hit those personal goals and basketball things stay the same...well, it's time.

Taking the rest of this week off, then start working on those goals.

I have learned mostly on this site, there are people that love to talk big and bad, but when put in a position to prove they can work, they can't. ;)

Peace

So you've met people from Naperville also?

How long you been refereeing?

I've learned that when fans and players approach me outside of the sport, it is generally a good conversation and there is no reason to fear it.

At first, I would see a coach or loud fan at the gas station or grocery store and avoid them. Now, I'm more likely to say, "Hey, Coach. Good game last week." It's always been friendly.

Total of nine years...with a forced medical break of five years between years seven and eight.

I started late in life as well.

Is your screen name because you have a pace maker?

Away from the gym, I've never had a bad experience with a fan/coach/player who has recognized me from officiating. When at a venue I try to avoid all interaction.

There is one current coach (he doesn't coach in any conference I work) whom I give a "bro"-hug and handshake to any time I see him b/c he has always been a good person to me, even when I was working his games as a new varsity official.

Yep...I'm not clever enough to come up with anything overly creative.

BTW...I know of at least two others in our association with pacemakers.

It's really interesting when I work with an older guy because I'm only 22. So when I work with a guy in his sixties, we make pretty interesting book ends.

Junior is only 26 but looks like the Hunchback of Notre Dame (but he expects to get drafted in the 1st Round by the Cleveland Browns, :p) from carrying me all of these years.

MTD, Sr.

In high school:
A thorough knowledge of the rules along with all my efforts in good mechanics; are critical if I truly care about the game and the young people that play the game.
Mechanics may get me to the next level tomorrow, but the rules are all that matter for the game I'm doing today...

Wait....isn't the first delay of game a warning?? :D

He can't be much worse than most of their first round picks of late.

2nd year official in Chicago area
 

I learned that getting boo'd by the fans isn't the best feeling. But I just call my game regardless.

I also learned that I get very comfortable after my first whistle. Its like a wakeup feeling in the morning after you sip your coffee. Then its game on.

I learned that I also need to hear coaches but choose better words to use and be more stern. Lots of times there loudness don't bother me but then they tend to ride me loudly for too long.

You'll get over getting boo'd. Eventually fans/coaches acting like clowns is just entertainment. Once a year, maybe, fans will get to me. Even then it's more me missing a call then the fans/coach throwing a fit.

At least for me...I have realized that when I am hearing the fans I am going through a stretch where I am not on top of my game. It may be I am disgusted with myself for kicking something in a tight game, not feeling 100%, getting hissed off because my partner is calling everything on the floor, etc. But realizing I am hearing the crowd is a little like a 2 x 4 up side the head...gets me to focus more.

Sometimes it is the best feeling, like when you know you're 100 percent right and they're still booing. :D

+1,000,000

This.