PANIC

[mcrowder]

Ok, guys.

Many of you know me from the football, baseball, and softball sites. Our local area has had repeated problems getting folks to show up to referee youth basketball... and being a known "impartial" party who actually gives a crap (and can be relied on to show up!), it sounds like I'm going to be asked to jump in, put on the stripes, and work games the next 3 weeks.

No clinics.

No experience.

Everything I learned, I learned from TV (and from being a football ref, I know that's often the WORST place to learn how to officiate).

I plan on blasting through the rulebook a couple of times before Saturday. But you guys know what I should worry about - what am I going to miss on a quick pass through the rules, and what tips can you give me to survive week one. (PS - it's actually likely I'll be calling these games alone!)

PPS - I think (THINK!) I'll have no problems with coach-ref interactions, as I know most of the guys from refereeing their teams in football or baseball/softball --- and they know what lines not to cross (I hope).