Anyone have a good list of items to be covered at your pre-game crew meetings? I have one of those little magnetic floor diagrams with a checklist on the back, but I'm sure the experience level on this board would add a good number more items to that list. Hope this post doesn't launch an avalanche of posts...but I'm anxious to see the responses.

I carry my topics for discussion on a laminated card that fits in my wallet. I will add line items as neeeded during the season,

New rules
Communication after whistles
Double whistles
Switch on all fouls
Technical fouls, 5th Foul
Lead inbounds below free throw line
Free throw line violations
Timeout spots, warning, location
Shot clock violations, starting, operator errors
Made basket & fouls
Throw-in Mechanics
OB on opposite side/Help
3 Point goal & signals
Zone coverage
Press situations
Jump balls/Held balls
Basket interference
End of quarter clocks
Block/Charge NO BLARGE
3 Seconds
Bench, coach decorum & box
Cover each other with coach
Speed of play

These are just reminders to spark conversation between my partner & I.

Pregame Card
 

Referee And Umpire
- Captains At Five
- Coaches At Two: Equipment, Uniforms, Sportsmanship
Rule Changes
- Contrasting Colored Lines Deleted
- Home Team White 2007-08
- Intentional Kick Rule Expanded
- Obstructing Opponent’s Vision Rule Expanded
- Players Ejected For Leaving Bench If Fight May Occur
- Continuous Motion Clarification Applies To Nonshooters
- Blood Or Injury Clarification: Different Teams, Two Time Outs
- Running End Line Clarification
Points Of Emphasis
- Closely Guarded
- Time Out Administration: Coaches Calling, Player Control
- Player Positioning Status: Players On The Court, Legal Guarding Position On Sideline Or Endline
- Specific Unsporting Acts: Face Guarding, Flopping, Inappropriate Language
Mechanics Changes
- Illegal Use Of Hand Fist Signal
- New IAABO Manual: Time Out, Intermission Positions, Sideline And Endline
Responsibilities
Alternating Possession
- Start Of Game
- Pocket Whistle, Halftime
Fouls
- Double Whistle
- Free Throw Shooter
Out Of Bounds
- Question
- Get It Right
Throw In
- Eye Contact
- Watch Time Signal
Court Coverage
- Primary Coverage Areas
- Get It Right
- Press Coverage
Special Ground Rules
- Prep School: Boys Or Girls Rules
- Court Features
Style Of Play
- Coaches
- Team Rivalry

[Edited by BillyMac on Oct 6th, 2005 at 10:19 AM]

Good lists, but you forgot at which watering hole the postgame conference will take place.

I don't know how it is for other people, but for me, pre-game meetings are all different. I won't have the same pre-game meeting at the end of a season that I have at the beginning. It won't be the same with partners that I've worked with many times, vs. first-time partners. It certainly won't be the same meeting before a MS game vs. a college game.

For me, a pre-game is extemely important in getting ready for THAT game. Having a good list is a good starting point, but I have seen people cover shot clocks before a MS game, just because they're just following that list. Cover what you need to for THAT game. Are you working with a rookie? Maybe you need to cover some of the basics, like court coverages, that you wouldn't need to go over with veteran partners. Is this a rivalry game? Maybe we need to be on our toes from the beginning - watch for taunting during warm-ups. What types of offenses do the teams run? If one team likes to use skip passes, maybe we don't need to rotate as often. I'm sure there are many more examples. Just be careful not to just blindly follow a list, and think that makes a good pre-game.

M&M Guy,
I do not disagree.
However, going through a set list can provide stimulants for further discussion and anecdotal situations. By using such a foundation, the process of mentally preparing for a game is expedited and focused.
A set pre-game list is a good tool regardless of the content. ;)
mick

You brought up another good point about further discussion. A good pre-game is not a one-way speech, but a discussion between you and your partners. Making sure everyone is involved is a good step towards insuring everyone's involved in the game.

You know, last night was the first time I actually had a craving for pea soup and Linda Blair movies. Do you think there's any connection between that and my "666" posts?

Agree with Mick. A list makes you thorough and prepared. Just because you have it on the list doesn't mean you have to address it before every game. If I go by memory, I will sure to forget something that should have been addressed for the particular contest.

I also agree that the pregame conference shouldn't be a lecture from the referee. The referee may lead the discussion, but he/she should make the other officials comfortable with contributing to the meeting and even draw some things out from a "quiet" official if they aren't participating.

Z

I don't use a list myself, as much as I hate to agree with a Chicago fan I think 2M has it exactly right. Discuss the game at hand, discuss any tricky situations you might have recently encountered, discuss how to handle unusual situations, if you don't know the crew get on the same page with respect foul calls, put your jackets on & go wait on the sideline.

Sparky,
That surprises me for the levels that you work.
The most complete pregames I've had are before the few upperish level games I have worked.
The higher the level the more intense the pre-game.
mick

Kinda surprises me too. My D-1 friend says that after all three officials are completely dressed, they sit down in the locker room and do an uninterrupted pregame that often lasts an hour. He has a typed written list that he refers to when he is the R.

Z

I didn't say the pregames are not complete & intense.

I just said I don't use a list.

I have used a pregame list before, but usually only when working with people I don't usually work with. When working with officials I've worked with quite a bit, it's usually discuss the game at hand and find out how things have been going outside of basketball. If there did happen to be something we screwed up in a previous game, going over it agin usually happens.

Using Artie's CD instead? :) Just got one last week. Haven't even gotten through it yet.

Had mine a coupla years now.