Quick whistle

[blindzebra]

Originally posted by tjchamp
I'm a new ref and looking for advice on a problem I have. I am reffing 5th and 6th grade house league games. At this age, kids have a tendency to gravitate to the ball. Not uncommon to have 8 kids standing within about 10 feet of the ball. So, vision on some plays gets a little cloudy, and you can only see some things peripherally.

My problem is I seem to have a quick whistle. I blow the whistle based on something I thought I saw, rather than what I saw. As an example, yesterday, I was lead and ball was out by the 3 pt line with about 6 kids out there. I had noticed a little guy playing d by the lane line. Next thing I know he is falling on the floor towards the ball and out of the corner of my I saw that he was pushed. Problem was, he was pushed by his own teammate. So, I have blown the call. What should I have done at that point. I gave the ball back to the team that had possession, and explained to the coaches I just blew the call and they were okay with that.

Further, any suggestions as to how I can control my quick whistle.

If you don't see it,don't call it.Don't guess,don't go by sound,if you can't see it don't put air in your whistle.

Most calls,don't need a quick whistle,you have a little time to decide.Get in the habit of letting the play happen
BEFORE you call the foul. Also try not anticipating the foul.