I don't mean to start a rant here, but since the basketball season in my area is virtually over, I thought I'd might like to share some of the experiences I've had over the past year.

This year I had a lot more high level games than I had last year, but with the higher level of basketball, comes the higher level of coach idiocy. All the altercations I've had with coaches over the past year have really got me thinking if I want to take this abuse again. But one official whom I was working with made this comment, he doesn't like the fact that you're in control when your half his age. I thought this to be an interesting comment, and it made sense. I call what I see, I don't favour one team over the other. I've been told that I can go far.

My question is aimed at younger officials, or those who started when they were younger, i.e. high school aged.

Of all the complaints recieved from coaches, how many do you think were based on age??

Also, has this caused anyone to hang up the stripes for a few years, and let the aging process do some work before stepping back on the court??

I did not start very young, but I was doing varsity games in my early 20s. I know I was tested by coaches when others were not. And even now I am in my 30s, I am still much younger than many coaches and get challenged at times. But that comes with the territory. I would not worry about it. Just understand that is something you will have to deal with from time to time and when you get around the same age of the coaches and other adults involved in the game, things will change.

Peace

I've got the opposite problem. I'm 47 and older than many of the coaches. It can really grate on me when some young punk that hasn't read the rule book gets in my face about the application of the rules. I just wanna hit'em with my cane.

1. Know what you are doing, and do it well.

2. Do it with confidence, but not arrogance.

3. Never let them know that you know they are baiting you (never let it seem personal).

If you come across as competent and professional, especially if they try to get under your skin, it will usually stop. Sure, some coaches are always trying to get an edge and will never change. But many may just think that you look too young to be able to do the job. For the latter group, it's like anything else in life. Show you can do it without seeming like a young know-it-all and they will quickly forget your age and begin regarding you as any other official. And if you master this on the court, you will be successful in other areas of life.

Being young and good doesn't really suck - it puts you ahead of everybody else who got to where you are a little later. If you get really good at what you do, it gives you more opportunities to advance because you have more time to advance. When you get to the age tha they would look at you for a college official, you will have much more experience than the average ref your age.

I'm with you on this one. I'm 60 and if I want to hit them, I have to have someone hold my walker for me. :D

Ref18,

I still at 27 (5th year of HS varsity) get abused constantly about being young (especially since I look closer to 22). It seems to come with the territory when you start this avocation at an early age. After a coach sees you a couple of times and realizes you can do the job, he'll back off.

Some coaches tend to test officials of all ages and abilities especially when their is something to use to test them (being young, old, overweight, short, wear glasses, etc). As hard as it can be at times, we have to let it roll off our backs and work the game the best that we can. Problems can arise if you take a "Hey, does he go to school here" type comment and T someone up. Then they know they got in your head and you can be rattled.

The key is to be the best you can be. Look the part and work hard. I would never suggest hanging up the stripes for a few years, just to look older. There's only a finite number of games/years you will be able to work and I would never suggest missing some just because you are young.

OCReferee

You can do a great job, if you work at it. I suggest getting some video tape of yourself and looking for physical things you could do to add some presence. Perhaps wear your hair differently, or change your posture a little, adjust the look on your face. Whatever. Get an adult to make suggestions. Work on your voice. As someone else said, be confident not arrogant. Think to yourself, "I'm in a D1/pro training path. I may not be there yet, but I'm headed in that direction. I can give these teams today a great game, and they'll see that I'm quite capable." Find ways to give your partners faith in you, and trust in you. Keep taping games so you can see your improvement, and discover new things that need work.

Those young'uns are breaking my heart! :cool:

Enjoy the journey, fellas.

I did what you have asked about. I started when I was 14 working our local church leagues. I got my drivers license on the day of my first "real" scheduled softball game. I worked HS baseball while still attending HS (the only restriction was I couldn't work games in my school's region). I started working city league basketball. I even got my first varsity football assignment (but sadly was in a car wreck on the way there). Then at 19 I took a couple of years off and came back. Then packed it in entirely once I got into my career. Now, at age 36, I'm back. I WISH I HAD NOT PACKED IT IN ALL THOSE YEARS AGO.

There will always be things that coaches will dislike about officials: height, weight, age, gender, attitude, reputation, style, mannerisms, etc. etc. etc. Fortunately youthfulness will fix itself. Hang in there. As near as I can tell, the problem isn't that they think you're too young to be a good official...the problem is that they see your age and assume that you're not mature/professional/experienced/etc. enough to do a good job. That's a perception you CAN overcome. :)

2 words - Be professional.

I started in this business at 18 and there were plenty of good officials back then. Ways to earn respect and stick out:

1 - Show up early and be dressed better than anybody in the gym. When coaches, ADs, and yes, even fans see you looking sharp, the image is presented that this person cares about what they are doing.

2 - Look sharp and confident on the court, but not cocky. An up to date uniform, shined shoes, and good mechanics buy you a little more respect. By the book mechanics are good, but it helps to sprinkle some "selling the call" mechanics on the big ones as long as you don't have anal supervisors/evaluators.

3 - Communicate. Learn your coaches. Most of them want to talk to you during the game, particularly when you're in the C slot in fromt of them. Know which ones like to joke around. Know which ones like quick, concise, professional answers. And know which ones just want you to listen and not talk back. Let them feel comfortable with you. I want them to use my first name (although some will frown on this, too.) When you're young, you'll get worked...no doubt about it. Don't be offended and take it as good fun. It's a test of your personality skills. When coaches cross the line to earn the "T" (and they will), make sure that line is at the end of a distance race, not a sprint.

4 - Learn to ignore the lunatics in the stands and on the benches. Some people will never get it, some were never taught common courtesy, and some use sports as an outlet for rage that they think they couldn't get away with in any other aspect of life. If you're a good official, those people will be in the minority and the great fun, challenge, and camaraderie will more than offset the occasional loser you'll deal with over the years.

How old are you and what level are you reffing?

First of all, thanks for all the suggestions, I'm 17 years old, 3 years of reffing behind me. I work a lot of the rep ball in my area. I've only reffed one game with players who are older than grade 8. In the beginning of the season I saw quite a bit of rec-leauge. I think I did just over 200 games this year.

I've invested quite a bit into my appearance, (patent leather shoes, beltless pants, etc).

The main thing that has me looking back on the season negatively is that I hear that my name is flying around the association in a negative way, because of the way I deal with coaches. This has me looking back on all the altercations I've had over the season, and I think that I've handled them all well and according to the rules, but I'm trying to figure out whether I'm calling too much, or the other people aren't calling enough.

I do not want to sound too mean here...
I have officiated a long time. A lot with young partners, alot with old ones, and alot my age. I have a 21 year old son who has officiated, he officiated long before he ever joined the Army and long before he ever went to some forsaken place known as Afghanistan. I have seen him in action, I have seen his how he interacts. I have never been to one of your basketball games so I have never seen you, but you think you handled the situation well and within the rules... My question is what did your partners think? not what you thought. You may have a perception of yourself but others see you in a different light

Generally (I have 20 plus years work experience in state, private, law, and military settings) a person like you describe does not have great experience, background, maturity, or communication skills. The coaches know that you are no different than their players or their own kids...

Here is a key insight to what you said... "looking back on all the altercations..."

I will whack a coach or a player almost as fast as anyone if they cross the line, but I dont have altercations. 8th grade coaches are the worst particularly volunteers away from school. Have I argued with them?yep! Have I told them off? yep! Have I told a few to sit down and shut up? yep! but over the past few years I have learned that skill and as a old Kenny Rogers song goes... I know when to hold em, know when to fold them, know when to walk away, and know when to run. I never count the money while sitting at the table...

I

A third year official barely understands the game let alone knows the nuances of the game enough to understand many times what a coach wants or needs, when to talk to him, when to shut up, or when to whack him...


-if you had marginal situations that you did not seek a senior officials' advice...
-if you acted rashly, quickly...
-if you should have backed off but did not...
-if you were always right...
-if you argued rules with a senior official (particularly if you were wrong)
-if you argued with a coach and told him he was wrong.

it make be a maturity, judgement, people skills type of thing...

Go find a n offical in your association who has seen you work that you trust who also is in the know about rumors perceptions, etc. THEN ASK, but you must be ready for what he/she will tell you. LISTEN Only, no yes, buts... no justifications, no let me explain my sides just listen and say thanks. Then analyze what he or she said, do it a couple of times you'll get a better perspective than thinking you did a good job.

The introspective look is tough and it may not be what you really want to hear, but you will really want to hear it if you are to succeed

I'm 17. 4th (going on 5) year official much like you I did the church leauges and rec leagues until this past season. As a 16 year old I was working Middle School, and High School Freshman, and because my assignors, mentors, and association board members believed in me I got some very high level Freshman games and quite a few JV games a school that has some really goood ball games but no-one else like to really drive out too. (BBall_Junkie knows what I'm talking about). NEVER let anyone in the gym but your partner know how old you are. Be proffesional on and OFF the court. I actually officiated within the school district I attend and heres how I was able to do that. I am new to this area, I do not read the sports section I know not who my schools rivals are for basketball, or any of that stuff. I called a HUGE game and didnt even know it till one of the varsity officials made a deal about me gettning that game. I'm going to a DII/DIII college camp this summer to pick up my 3-person certification (required for varsity in my association) Wont get to use it much if at all this season but still, nice to have. Because we're young we have to be on the ball. Apperance really goes a long way. Showing up 5 min before my parter and walking in with a rolling bag goes a long way, more than most people realize. You can do it. I've done it. Theres an NBA referee whos got an 18 year old son who had quite a bit of varsity games this season. I think one of Brad's guys did an artcile on him.

That's just really great advice for any official, regardless of age.

As a young official, I think that everyone on this board given some great advice, but the best piece of advice is to find at least one mentor and get advice from as many senior officials as possible. That truly is the best way to improve your whole game. With regards to appearance, I take it as a matter of pride to be in the best possible shape that I can be in. I truly believe that showing up not only looking athletic but also refereeing like an athlete (great hustle up and down the court, beating the players on a fastbreak, etc) goes a long way toward enhancing your credibility as an official. I think one of the reasons why coaches go after young officials is because they don't see them as athletes, and showing up in great shape dispels that.

The other aspect that has been discussed is game management. Some coaches think they can intimidate new officials and badger them and often they can. In my dealings with coaches, I simply try to be professional and I won't get into confrontations with coaches. I am very open and will listen to questions, but as soon as the tone turns critical, I let the coach have the last word and get out of there. If a T is warranted, I'll call the T and end the discussion there. Some officials will stand and argue a rule interpretation or take offense to comments and continue a discussion, I will not be that guy, no matter what the coach says. The final thing is that you can't be afraid to use the technical foul, there's nothing worse from a personal and game management standpoint than to know you should have called a T or ejected someone, but that you were afraid to do so for whatever justification.

I'm 29 and started officiating NFHS games at 21. I started in MD/DC, did 5 years, and then moved to Nevada.
My perception is that when coaches see a new face, they form an opinion based on appearance.
If the official looks young, they think that he is inexperienced. If the official looks old or overweight, they think he is slow and will be out of position.
Basically, you just have to deal with these first impressions.
After a few years in MD/DC most of the coaches learned to accept me and weren't worried about my youth.
After moving to Nevada, I had to start over with the coach/official relationships. Most coaches thought I was a rookie. For many of them, it only took a couple of calls and a quarter or two of basketball before they accepted me. For some coaches, it took a warning, and for a select few it took a T.
I agree with those who wrote that a lot has to do with how you carry yourself and how you interact with the coach, but mostly it just takes some time and experience working games for that coach. He needs to see you and learn a bit about you before the comfort zone sets in.

Lastly, I think this was a very interesting question, but I have had a harder time because of my age with other officials, not with the coaches.
I think some of it is jealousy. Many of the local veterans had the attitude that I shouldn't be assigned to certain games because I didn't have enough experience. I found one particular case amusing when a 10-year year guy, learned that I had 8 years, just this past season! He kept going around saying that I was a 3rd year official. I guess it is similar with fellow officials until they see you work a few games and get to know you, their early perception based on appearance will be dominant.
Bottom line:
If you work hard and are good, you'll get your shot. Some sooner than others. Don't worry too much.

I am not surprised - this happens in every workplace. The young person that advances quickly, or the youthful looking person who has advanced, frequently draew the jealousy of older co-workers, especially those who have ceased advancing. You are a threat.

Again, these are valuable life lessons. Learn how to deal with them on the court and you will be much better equipped for life off the court. Officiating is a hobby, albeit one that pays and one that requires investment of self rather than money. But you can certainly use the lessons in many other situations that can pay quite well.

That's the main problem, the thing that's going around is that I'm, giving out too many T's. When I was at a camp last summer, there was a situation where I should've T'd a coach, but I looked the other way. The evaluator from that game gave me some great advice, "If you go home regretting not giving out a technical, you should've given it" I took this advice to heart, and I have no regrets this year.

Hey J,

I bet this is frustrating. I've been there myself. Does your board have a mentoring program? If it does, I would make good use of it. See if you can get great refs to come out and watch you - Foxy and belcher are excellent examples. Or even to ref with you... a guy like Foxy could easily ref a grade 8 game with you, while observing you as well. We have them here in KW, and call them "Partner Evaluations".

Also, in regards to the negativity, I personally think it is quite immature of these people to toss around your name like they are doing. I'm guessing that they're adults who don't realize that you're only 17. And although you've been reffing for 3 years, and probably an intelligent 17, you'll find that you will mature /alot/ in the upcoming years.

I bet that the years from 19 - 21/22 will be fantastic for you. You'll have had a number of years behind you to perfect and find your style of mechanics. You'll know the rule and case books inside out (or at least I think by then that you should, if you don't already). You should be in a position to be working solely on issues like game mgmt, flow, dealing with coaches, etc.

As better assignments come along, see if you can work with your mentor, or someone you can trust who will not turn around and bash your name behind your back.

ref18,
I'm only offering this as something to think about. Not having seen you ref, nor having to deal with coaches like I see mentioned on this board (even AAU coaches here seem rather tame in comparison), my thoughts should be taken as nothing more than a blind suggestion.

Someone else caught on to your use of the word "altercations." In order to have an altercation, you need two participants (at least). In all honesty, there is never a good time to have an altercation with a coach. If a coach has a legitimate question, answer it quickly. If he wants to gripe about a call, let him make his point as long as he doesn't get personal. A simple acknowledgment usually is sufficient to diffuse it; a look or simply, "I hear you coach."
After that, give him the stop sign, verbalized with, "That's enough, coach." If he continues, make sure he is talking to himself. Wack him if he goes too far (that's your line). However, this should not be an altercation. Your conversation will only be with your partner or the table from here on out.

My suggestion is to contact your assignor (if you have one) and ask him/her for honest feedback on this issue. Ask yourself some questions as well. Have you ever done or said anything that could have been considered "baiting" by an observer?

Basically, if a coach wants to escalate a situation beyond the courteous and polite, let him do it alone. Don't show anger, don't defend yourself, and don't get into a battle of wits. If he escalates it himself, it is then obvious to everyone that he went out of his way to get the T.

Ref18, I agree with that advice and it has served me well. I too have gained some noteriety among my peers especially by calling a lot of technicals this year. I'm a member of several local associations and I saw a lot of new coaches this year and by and large after I saw a coach that I called a technical on for the second or third time, the lines of communication were much more open. Calling technicals, in my opinion, is not a bad thing so long as the technical is dignified and you don't get into an exchange with a coach, let him have the last word and move on.

As for the negativity surrounding your name in your association, I think you can put that in a positive light. As a young official myself, I think it's much better to be a topic of conversation in your association, even if the comments are negative, than to just be another body who is ignored. The fact that you've drawn that sort of attention tells me that people think enough of your ability to discuss your game. While many of the comments may be negative, as long as you avoid being standoffish and if you take some of their advice, you can significantly improve, and that improvement will be duly noticed by your fellow officials. It's better that people in your organization know who you are than if they just didn't care.

It depends a lot on what KIND of negativity, I think. "That guy is so hopeless!" is a lot different from, "I don't know what he thinks he's accomplishing by ticking off every coach that says a word to him. He'll never get anywhere with an attitude like that." The second one says, "Hey, he's got a good chance to be a great ref except for this one problem." Otherwise, I agree with you about folks talking about your game being a good thing.

Especially if you can surprise them next year with the amount of improvement. THAT's the best thing anyone can do!

I started doing high school varsity at 18 and have been doing it ever since. (and I'm only 22 now).

Do I think some of the bs I get from coaches is because of my age? - yes. Does it affect me? - not really. I just keep doing my game. If that involves T's, then so be it. But I've actally received a crap load of compliments from coaches.

Great post. I'd like to see you expound on this a little though.

young, good, officials
 

First off, let me congratulate you for even taking the time outside of your season to improve your officiating skills. That is not always a gimme, with new (or many other) officials. When I first started (15+ years ago), I had confidence, was loud, knew I was good, and told everyone who would listen. Well, a couple of missed rule interpretations and the ensuing chaos in one of my first "big-for-me" games and the resulting visit with the association's officers, made me re-evaluate things.

1) I was an "okay" official... it was still WAY to early to tell if I could/would go far.

2) My rules knowledge was lacking. Yes, I passed the tests, but I was never the one who was asked about such and such rule, etc. Strive to be the guy who everyone asks for information on ALL the rules. Note: I am not saying this type of person necessarily becomes a great official.

3) Knowledge of the game/officiating was lacking. Yup, I played in HS/College and I repeat... Knowledge was lacking. Watch other officials in and out of your association work. If it is accepted in your pool/association... be present for their pregames, halftimes and postgame. LISTEN to what they talk about, remember you are not there for unsolicited comments. Being present for a few of these meeting, will go a long ways towards (re)building your credibility with your peers.

4) I was deemed "unapproachable".. heck I didn't even fully understand what that meant. After some time, I kind of believed this came from things like.. selling ALL my calls, not taking ANYTHING from coaches (players are different), and probably arrogance. Just do your best with becoming "approachable" by your definition. I am not saying you have to be anyone's best friend out there, work on body language/facial expressions when talking to coaches, etc.

There is a ton of things a person can do while you are learning, a lot of things in this thread apply so I tried not to go over them again. Take it from experience, listen to the old guys, lol, they were in your shoes once too believe it or not.

Great post off-ball - even though it was intended for Ref18 it made me think about some things... KingTriple, what chapter are you from?

Re: young, good, officials
 

Not me, I'm an old "guy" (loose interpretation), and I was never in his shoes. I didn't even start until age 43. I'm trying to go the other direction and get younger!

Re: Re: young, good, officials
 

Rainmaker, if you discover the secret before I do, will you share?:) Hey, maybe it's in the rain water!

I don't post often but I have learned a great deal from monitoring all of your posts. I just wanted to add a general comment to what appears to be a consensus (couldn't resist using that word) among most of you as to what is required of a referee to successfully manage interaction with coaches and players. Add a smile (when appropriate) and you will be seen far more often as a referee (and person)who is approachable and willing to listen! If you are working the same teams on a regular basis, learn names and use them for both coaches and players. It helps establish your presence as a person and not just a rule-enforcing automaton. I don't know if every referee does this in their pregame, but I copied the example set for me by a fellow in my organization who has been at this for more than thirty years; I always introduce myself by name to the speaking captains (as Mr. XXXXX when working with youngsters and by my first and last when working with adults), shake hands, and express my wish for both teams to enjoy a great game. Not a big deal but really sets the tone for anything that might need to be discussed with a player or coach as the game progresses.

Thanks for all of your insight from which I've derived so much benefit!

John

John,
I cannot do that in clear conscience.
All Coaches are named coach and all players are numbers, no matter how long I have known them.
I have made some exceptions above high school.
mick

I can't believe no one mentioned presence :D !

On the serious side, this is where presence <b>really</b> counts. As a coach who is more than 3 times your age, with two of my own three kids older than you, I can offer some of my own advice to supplement what Hawks Coach has said. As a person, you are in a transitional stage in life, going from childhood into fully responsible adulthood. Your own relationships with adults are evolving. In simple terms, you moving from Child (you) /Parent (grownups) relationships to Adult/Adult relationships. Unfortunately, that is never easy. "Grownups" have a hard time entering into the new relationship and seeing a teenager in those terms - as adults. Likewise, teenagers are still exploring their own revised role. Now, throw basketball officiating into the mix, and we have some pretty difficult adjustments all around.

Here's what I see as compounding problems.
1. Most coaches maintain Parent/Child relationships with their players. They then see you physically as someone not too different from their players. It makes it difficult for them to modify their behavior to deal with you as an adult.
2. The relationships between officials and coaches are very complicated. My take is that good officials are able to maintain Adult/Adult relationships with coaches. They show mutual respect for each other's responsibilities and don't need to use power in their dealings with each other. Conversely, when coaches start acting like children, less experienced or accomplished officials start treating them that way. This results in a Parent/Child relationship between them, something that will always be resented.

At your age, you don't have a whole lot of experience in Adult/Adult relationships, particularly with people who are significantly older than you. I'm not saying you don't have those relationships - you clearly do - only that its not really old hat to you yet. Just as importantly, most of your experience is in the Parent/Child relationships, with you as the child. Now, when someone starts behaving like a Child, my guess is that you tend to move into the Parent role very quickly in order to try to maintain control. As an official, you have a position of power in the game, so you are able to establish this role. You may only do it in reaction to behavior from the coach, but I it seems very likely that you do it. All your calls may be right, your appearance may be perfect, all your mechanics may be crisp, etc., but if you find yourself having to exercise your authority through the power of your role, you will have coaches who will resent you. You will also have fellow officials who may think you are all kinds of things.

The bottom line is that I recommend you work conciously to stay in the Adult/Adult relationship with coaches, even when they start acting like children. The best way to prove yourself is to not let anyone know that you think you need to prove yourself, but also realize you don't have to prove yourself by establishing your power position. Really proving yourself will be when you can manage to keep everything Adult/Adult for the entire game, game after game.

This is just some food for thought, and good luck!

Good words, Coach. It reminds me of something I learned regarding the presidential veto. The really effective presidents (and governors) don't have to use their veto very often because they are able to affect the discourse and debate before it gets to that point.