Training new officials quickly

[Back In The Saddle]

It was a success, I think. It was billed as a training for officials and coaches, and although the coaches were originally supposed to break off and do their own thing the schedule got rearranged at the last moment. So the coaches ended up sitting through the officials training too. Maybe, just maybe, this will produce some more informed coaches. Hey, a guy can dream

I put together a powerpoint based around the four points that answered Kelvin back about. It had graphics of the court showing positioning for common situations, areas and lines, an illustration about matchups and closed look v. open look. Then we took a couple of minutes to have the group run through basic signalling together before we hit the court.

We spent a little over and hour working a scrimage. I had another HS ref with me, and we ran with the new officials, stopped things occassionally to talk about some point or other and frequently asked them who they were watching. They did a pretty good job considering. We weren't having to re-cover information from the powerpoint, so I think that was fairly effective. I was surprised by how uncomfortable everybody was with reporting, however. So next time (afterward I was assured that there will be some next times), I'll have to add additional emphasis on reporting into the mix.

We had only four officials there, so everybody got plenty of floor time. When I talked to them afterward, each of them had very positive things to say. Some seemed surprised at how much better things went for them with some training. Most of them, I think, were used to just enduring their games, hoping nothing blew up on them.

Thanks to everybody who contributed. BillyMac's handout went over well and left the building with all the officials and several coaches. Hopefully that will equate to further study If nothing else, the officials can say, "Coach, it was in the handout!"

Now we need to address the follow-up aspect. I'm hoping to get around to all their leagues a few times this season. My hope is to arrange to have their "best refs" working when I come and to work with them. They, in turn, can work with those that are coming along behind them. I'll have to inquire as to whether we've got any pizza party money in the budget