If you could give ONE piece of advice (wisdom) to a new official what would that be?
Tools in Ohio

Mr. Padgett,

Could you please enlighten this inquisitive Buckeye with your sage advice?

I would simply say, talk to your partners after every game asking them what you can do better. You may get conflicting advice from some. So, use what you think would work for you and throw out the rest.

Communicate with your partner throughout the game. It's the one comment that every parter stressed before every game my first year. As an aside, remember that communication works both ways and hopefully you can learn a lot from the communication you receive from your partner.

ditto what Berry says. Also, get a mentor, preferably a college official who goes to camps.

Stay informed and ask questions. The more you can learn the better. I know that I am still learning every time I walk on the floor.

Use forums like this one, experienced officials (as Bart said, find a mentor), and read publications (Referee Magazine, NFHS Quarterly, and IAABO Sportorials to name a few).

Count the players before you administer the ball.

Try one of the suggested points from your partner on your next game. That way you are not changing your game consistency from quarter to quarter. Ask your partner to demonstrate what he/she is trying to get across to you. But do remember to only consentrate on one "New Mechanic" every game. You won't get confused as quickly, and by the way have fun! By next season you should be up on all official mechanics, rules and cituations!

Just leave the fishnets out of it, please...

Make eye contact with your partner(s) before every time you put the ball into play.

Mark,
Good idea.
Good thought.
I think the order of words needs some reworking.
Maybe a couple more humanities electives ? ;)
mick

A good pice of advice I received my first year was, "You are probably not as good as they say you are...and visa-versa." :)

[Edited by Mike Burns on Nov 10th, 2003 at 07:36 PM]

You can use this saying beyond basketball reffing. I always use a corollary of it for the teams I coach.

We are never as good as we look when things are going great, and we are never as bad as we look when things are going badly.

This is my second year officiating and I have to agree with everything that has been posted. Also, as the season goes on, do not be afraid to take on a game that may be a little higher than you have been doing. I did a lot of 5th, 6th grade rec league and church league games. In Feburary I took on the local "big time" middle school travel league (kids who will be playing varsity no later than 10th grade) and the level of play made me a better official. Not to mention I worked with some officials who did a lot of high school ball and did this league for extra bucks on the side as opposed to guys who were in the same boat as me in the lower level league.

Lastly, don't take your games home with you. Do not let a missed call or a jerk coach get to you. Reflect and learn from what you go through and use forums like this for advice but do not let a game ruin your day.

Get a mentor.

Pregame, pregame, PREGAME!!!!
 

Always have a pregame before the game with your partners. Even if it is 5 minutes.

Peace

GO BUCKEYES!!!

Work as many games as you can.

Watch as many games as you can -- by that I mean watch veteran officials, introduce yourself to them, ask to sit in on the pre-game/half-time/post-game conferences.

This is my second year officiating and the thing that helped me out last year was asking questions. If there is something that you think you did wrong ask your partner a question about it. There is no such thing as a stupid question. Your partners are the only ones are your side out there.

Always understand that you are most likely to bear the load of seasoned coaches who can smell fresh meat on the court. This doesn't mean you have to take that kind of treatment, but as I've learned talk to your partners and if a coach is really bothering you then let your patners know and if need be ask them to step in on your behalf. It's so easy as a young official to throw T's around like their going outta style, but be patient. I've had to do that a time or two, especially when I work with seasoned officials in a high level varsity matchup, and the coach knows the other two officials and doesn't know me. Anyway, be prepared for that, it sucks, but it's reality. If anything it should motivate you to become a better official so that the pea-brained coach has no reason to say anything to you. Have a great first season, you'll never forget it.

2 things from me:

1. Have fun
2. There's a heck of a lot the defense CAN do that is NOT a foul.

After every game, and at halftime, use the rule book and case book to look up any unusual plays or plays where you were uncertain.

Haaa good point, There is no substitute for knowing the rules.