How to get better

[JRutledge]

is to work more and more games. You are not going to just know something by only reading it. There are too many situations and plays that you will have to see to get a very good knowledge of what the rules are. The game is also so fast that you will not just learn the rules overnight.

I will give you some tips that will help you understand what is written a little better.

1. Read Rule 4.

All the rules come from the definitions part of the rules. If you have a good understanding of Rule 4 you will better understand what you read in the casebook or other parts of the rules.

2. Get a Simplified and Illustrated Rulebook

This is one of the better tools to understand many of the rules. Basically almost all basketball officiating is judgment. This rulebook shows many of the things we see into action. It gives you a better visual understanding of what you are seeing and how the rules are written about them.

3. Publications

Either purchase a membership here or Referee Magazine (both if you want to). There are several articles that will deal with portions of the rules in better detail from month to month or article to article. I would read these publications and any possible books that might be sold to help with your officiating. Many of the articles deal with the application of the rules as well as the written part of the rules.

4. Camps.

This is another opportunity to work more games and to get hands on instruction. If I were you I would work as many camps to get more experience so that you can learn more of the rules and watch other officials applying the rules.

5. Watch veteran officials

Not to say that veterans will only know the rules, but you will see them apply the rules in action. Then you can ask veterans why they called things or you can see that for yourself. I would watch as many experienced officials as you can and learn from different people as to what to do and what not to do.

Hope some of these things can help you.

Peace