Call what you *see*, right?

[Smitty]

Originally posted by Maverick
I try never to call anything I didn't see, even if I *think* something happened. About the only call I'll make without actually seeing it is if someone takes a big slap at the ball but I can't actually see the contact. It's usually pretty easy to differentiate the sound of slapping leather vs. slapping skin.

You just contradicted yourself. If you don't see it, don't call it. Simple as that. When I was a newer ref and more easily intimidated by my surroundings and lack of experience, I would once in a while call what I thought happened, but didn't really see. Trust me, it gets you into more trouble than just not calling anything. You can't explain what you "saw" if anyone asks because you didn't really see anything. Once I got comfortable and my confidence kicked in, I am now able to tell a coach flat out "I didn't see it" and that's usually that. I have no problem with it - it just makes me work harder to eliminate those types of situations. Experience is everything in what we do. And experience takes a lot of time and effort. Allow yourself the time to grow and learn.