help request: non-NF game

[BillyMac]

An informal pregame will get most of your questions answered.

I'm pretty sure that the sponsor requesting certified officials is probably more interested in the calls improving the quality of the games than in the mechanics of how you make those calls.

A few games over the weekend will not diminish your mechanics skills.

[Raymond]

My judgement stays the same, my mechanics are flexible. I'm definitely bouncing the ball across the lane whenever possible, especially if it is 2-man.

[BillyMac]

Billy Flexible Mac.

Originally Posted by Raymond

I'm definitely bouncing the ball across the lane whenever possible, especially if it is 2-man.

Did it back when I was working Catholic middle school games. Never did it in a high school game.

Also, only switched when convenient (usually shooting fouls).

Always use sharp signals, it looks good to the players, coaches, fans, parents, and most importantly, the sponsor.

I'm working Special Olympics Unified Games next week where both the rules (flexible travel rules in low level games) and the mechanics are quite flexible, but my sharp signals will make the players and parents feel appreciated.

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by BillyMac

Always use sharp signals, it looks good to the players, coaches, fans, parents, and most importantly, the sponsor.

And a really strong whistle.

[Kelvin green]

In a running clock game. Do mechanics right. Don’t rush... I switch on everything like I’m supposed to... if clock is running I may even take my time a little more. The more you push things the more likely it can go wrong.

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by Kelvin green

In a running clock game ... Don’t rush ...

Agree. Just because the tournament organizer wants to "rush" (running time) doesn't mean that we have to rush.

[Amesman]

These guys are all right (and alright).

You won't lose your season(s)-long skills if you take it easier for a weekend.

You're also liable to learn a lot about your game, and how effective it can be. As the others said, remain emphatic with your mechanics and you'll earn (and get) the respect you deserve from the players and coaches (and for what it's worth, quite often the fans).

That's not to say overdo the emphasis when unnecessary. Use common sense. This isn't likely to be the highest skill levels of ball, and there will be other issues ("Can you double-tie your shoelace this time, honey, since it's the third time this quarter you've tried to tie it?") to deal with.

Above all, don't fall prey to the lackadaisical, non-hustle too many beer-money brethren lapse into. That's like blood in the water for the piranhas.