I'm not feeling challenged. Advice please...

[eventnyc]

Originally posted by WyMike
It's the last couple of weeks of my 1st season and I didn't bother to sign up for any more MS games. I've been to the same schools, worked the same teams, have talked to the same players and same coaches enough for one year. On top of that I'm still working mostly with other 1st year or 2nd year guys whom have little regards for the proper mechanics.

I want to become a better BB official and move up through the ranks and have asked other 'older' officials to 'mentor' me. They'd like to, but they get assigned to games and "don't want to take away the other games for the younger officials".

Should I resign myself to working small games the assignor doesn't even bother with (Assignor leaves these games open and we all 'volunteer' for them as they fit our schedules.)? Should I mention to the other new guys what we need to be doing better? Like proper signals, court coverage, etc?

I have done a few soph girls and boys, and a couple of girl JV games with a couple of 3 year guys and have gone out of town to do a few all day tourney's. But this first season seems unfulfilled for some reason and I cannot wait for the football season to begin again.

Any thoughts, comments or advice?

You have to practice, practice, practice.

I'm not sure if the 1st or 2nd year guys have little regard for the mechanics. Do you discuss mechanics during your pregame? Make sure that when you work with the newer officials, and seasoned officials, you mention that you are trying to "become a better BB official and move up through the ranks." Many officials will take short cuts like failing to switch on fouls, bouncing the ball across the endline so that the trail doesn't have to move. Tell them your concerns during the pregame and ask that they follow proper mechanics. If they do not, and you know the proper mechanic, follow it. Force them to move over rather than bouncing the ball. Move yourself!

Without working a lot of games and practicing, you are dooming yourself and your aspirations to move up. Ask an older official to mentor you. They don't have to work the game to mentor you. They can easily watch your performance and offer critique afterwards. Offer your game fee if you have to or take them out to lunch to discuss the game. I'd bet you'd even find a few who wouldn't accept the offer.

Don't "resign yourself to working small games the assignor doesn't even bother with." WORK THEM! Learn during them!

Your first season may seem unfufilling because you haven't worked with the right frame of mine! Just my opinion.

I can't wait for football season either! But, I will work basketball up until it arrives. I suggest you do so as well.
After all, you can't get to Carnegie Hall without practicing!