Being a new ref I watch a number of refs and their mechanics. I also work on mechanics that aren't instintive, like the raised fist for a foul and the raised open palm for a violation. Everyone seems to use the raised fist to signal a foul. However, when I watch senior officials, I don't see the open palm used regularly, especially at the college level (they move right into their signal, such as traveling, double dribble, etc.). I have a terrible time remembering to raise my open palm for a violation. In talking to a few senior officials I work with, they say I should use the raised palm. However, when they don't, it doesn't seem to impact me. I hear the whistle, I know my partner(s) is calling something. Is the open palm truly necessary?
|
How long is this thread gonna stay here? |
Quote:
You are a nobody, they're grizzled veterans. I don't agree with it but do NFHS mechanics, you have not made a name for yourself yet. And when you do become a veteran, I hope you conitnue to use NFHS mechanics. |
My real point in this...
is that I see so many senior officials not using the mechanic. Since I am a nobody, when I do become somebody, will I too be able to dispense with this mechanic? Or, do most of you somebodies diligently use the mechanic?
|
Mechanics are mechanics. In the fast paced basketball games bad habits or lost good ones come into play.
Comit to yourself to use them all and your influence will be felt and observed by future referee's. We all see it; reporting from the base line, improper signaling, no open hand, and other short cuts. it doesn't make it right. |
Re: My real point in this...
Quote:
|
snakey might have been a little "rough" when he said you are a nobody. but he is, i think, just restating the "do what i say not what i do". you are being evaluated by senior officials to see if you can move up. they will want you to do things "by the book." so do them that way. the fact that they dont all the time doesnt mean you shouldnt learn it that way. hypocritical, perhaps. plus, it can never hurt to learn to do things right. senior guys will always blame it on their "college experience" :)
so get that rules book and officials manual and practice making calls using the right mechanics. and if you have a question, go to the referee magazine website and order a book called "basketball officials guidebook: crew of two, highschool mechanics". it is awesome and will really help you learn your mechanics. then get a ref buddy or a spouse and call out vilations and fouls and practice calling them. it sounds silly, but it really helps. |
No one I have ever run into uses 100% perfect mechanics. I know many of us would like to think we do, but we by far fall short. The only thing the stop clock mechanic is going to do is show you know the mechanics. It does not show that you can officiate or that you can call plays correctly which after all is the most important thing. I agree that you should use the mechanics properly, but if the people that do the assigning in your area do not care, it really does not matter what mechanic you use. The NF mechanics are a guide, they are not absolute. If you do not believe me ask officials from North Dakota and Louisiana how important they.
I also agree with Snake-eyes on this to. Whether you say you are a nobody or someone that has not earned a certain amount of respect with the officials in your area, either way you are not in a position to do many mechanics differences at this point of your career. Once you have reached a point where you are respected by all (which might mean you have to work a couple of state title games or work D1 or any other high level college ball). Only then will you be able to do whatever you choose to do. Peace |
I agree
That I need to know and use all the mechanics as prescribed. In fact, as I became a new ref, I thought the exact mechanics as described were mandatory. I became surprised as I payed closer attention to refs that many did not use the stop clock signal. Regardless, I continue to work at my trade. I am learning to really enjoy reffing, especially the close, hotly contested games where the gym is loud and the coaches are on edge. Call me crazy...
|
Re: I agree
Quote:
Peace |
Congratulations you have been bitten by the bug and you are well on your way to being a solid official.
And the reason you don't see alot of D1 college officials using the stop clock signal now is because most D1 schools use the PTS (Precision Timing System) to start and stop the clock. So when a ref blows his whistle the clock stops automatically, hence no need for the signal. |
Quote:
Peace |
Quote:
Let me tell you a little story, lmeadski. Last year, at the Louisiana State Finals, a crew of officials were using college mechanics. Mac Chauvin, the LHSAA Director of Officials, replaced the entire crew at halftime with the crew that was scheduled to work the next game. Use the NFHS mechanics until your assignor/supervisor tells you not to. |
Zoinkees!
Can't get a much firmer endorsement for using the proper mechanics, eh? I am working at the stop clock mechanic. For some reason, the foul mechanic was easy to pick up. I must be too eager to get to my violation call on the others. I am workig on it. Thanks for all the advice and encouragement!
|
Quote:
As I have stated, all of the state officials I have ever met or watched use NFHS mechanics. |
All times are GMT -5. The time now is 06:28pm. |