What is more important . . .

[Almost Always Right]

Rules Knowledge or Game Management?

[tjones1]

To manage the game, gotta know the rules.

[Junker]

Gotta have both. I don't think you can put one more important than the other. I will say that rules knowledge is easier to acquire, management takes experience.

[ChrisSportsFan]

Which wing of an airplane do you consider most important?

This kinda doesn't work without both.

[blindzebra]

Court presence is the third part of the official's trinity.

Gotta have all 3 to be a good official.

[zebraman]

We've been through this discussion before. One or the other doesn't cut it. Gotta have those two things and much more.

Z

[bradfordwilkins]

Of course I agree with all of the above.

Although to some extent if you really twisted our arms and had to make a decision, I think you would say knowledge of rules are a twinge bit more important...simply because it is WITH THE RULES that you can manage the game. The better your understanding of the rules, the more capable you are to manage the game within the confines of the rulebook.

Just my thoughts.

[Jay R]

Since everyone is on the fence, let me give you the correct answer (at least my version). Court presence is more important than rules knowledge. I know you asked about game management but I changed it to court presence the two are related.

Keep in mind that I have always stressed knowing the rules. I always make high marks on my association's exam. But the bottom line is that rules knowledge by itself will not let you get you through a high intensity Varsity or College game. It is common knowledge that Tim Higgins is not a rules guru, but is there anyone better at dealing with coaches, players and the pressure of a big game?

[Dan_ref]

Originally posted by blindzebra
Court presence is the third part of the official's trinity.

Gotta have all 3 to be a good official.

The other 2 being a pair of fishnet stockings and having been dropped on your head as a baby.

[rainmaker]

Originally posted by Dan_ref

The other 2 being a pair of fishnet stockings and having been dropped on your head as a baby.

Now if I could just get the court presence thing put together...

[Forksref]

Both. There is no substitute for experienc, but you can get off to a good start by knowing the rules. It doesn't take years to know the rules, but years to have the game management down. Also......work on you signals and floor coverage now.

[mick]

What about test scores?

[Mark Padgett]

Originally posted by Almost Always Right
Rules Knowledge or Game Management?

Neither. Looking stylish.

[Forksref]

Originally posted by mick
What about test scores?

Knowledge is better than test scores. Refer to NCLB.

[ditttoo]

Knowledge of the Rules, Game Management or Court Presence.....answer is, "it depends". Depends on the situation, who's coaching, what you had for dinner last night...you gotta have it all depending on what you need at the time.

I like the "which wing is more important on an airplane" comparison. Perhaps more important that "having all three" is making sure you "don't just have one". Excellent Court Presence becomes a pompus a** without knowledge of the rules, and unquestionable rules expertise turns you into a Jerk without the presense or game management finese. It's definitely a delicate balance and certainly a dynamic one depending on the situation - you gotta have it all. Being a Referee, you're expected to be PERFECT your first night, and to get better with each game.