Watching Games From Around the Country
 

One of the things I have found valuable, is to watch how the game is officiated at the same level but around different parts of the country. There are so many times where I have gone to watch a high school or college game where I pick up on little differences in mechanics or where I see rules being enforced inconsistently.

Its actually made me a better official, I believe, because it forces me to go look at the officials manual or to re-read portions of the rule book. I enjoy watching games late in the year on TV when they are showing high school playoff games on NFHS tv or through the Fox Sports channels.

As an example, tonight I watched a game, both the U1 and U2 where standing almost on the free throw line elbow for the jump. Maybe they are being instructed to do this by their state association, but it forced me to look at my IAABO manual and realize that I am actually standing a little deep (free throw line extended), whereas IAABO shows it as top of the 3 point arc extended.

I would encourage others to try observing outside your area, I think you would be surprised.

NFHS manual positioning is 28-foot line.