Reflections From the IM Season

[Junker]

I couldn't agree more with establishing boundaries early. I think this is almost more important working IM games or other non-NFHS games. When I'm working a weekend tournament or some such ball, I look for a T right away in my first game (something I never do in "regular" season games). I have found that this sets the tone on the floor I'm working for the rest of the day. If you put up with unsportsmanlike conduct, you are promoting it to some degree. As Barney Fife says, "Nip it in the bud." On a related note, last weekend I worked a JH tournament that was very well organized. They posted a large copy of the rules by the door to the gym highlighting the fact that, in this tournament, unsporting behavior from fans can be called on the team they support. Luckily I didn't have to use this rule, but it set the tone and we heard very little criticism from the crowd.