Getting back up to speed

[Hartsy]

What are some of the things that take the longest to come back to you at the beginning of the season? I'll be beginning my second year as an official this winter and hope to hit the court in good form. Maybe you folks can help me avoid the early season pitfalls that may hinder newer refs.

I have been reviewing the rulebooks and reading the board, but that is about all since last season.

Thanks,
JH

[Jay R]

I would not worry too much about being rusty. I find that even in the first game of the season, things tend to come back fairly easy.

Having said that, the off-season is great time to brush up on your rules as you mentionned. I have also been reviewing tapes of my games to look for ways of improving. I even put on old NCAA game tapes that I have and observe the refs: their mannerisms, what they call, what they no-call, how they interact with coaches etc...

The off-season is also a good time to work on your conditionning, I have been working out regularly all summer and I am begining to see the results of the strength of cardio training.

[Ref in PA]

Try to work a scrimage or two in the preseason.

As said earlier, it comes back quickly. But if I had to answer, I would say a "bam-bam" play. In mid-season form you usually make a strong, quick call with confidence. Sometimes at the start of a game at the start of the year if a play like this occurs, you could be a little late on the call - looking tentative. At least I know it has happened to me before after a long layoff.

[JRutledge]

There is no magic formula. In my area we have basketball meetings for about 2 months before the season starts, so we have already talked a lot about basketball before we hit the court. Then you try to work as many scrimmages as you can.

Peace

[Tim Roden]

Read the rule book, attend a few meetings. Watch some NCAA games on TV, do as many scrimmages as you can. Not much else to do.