Pre-game when ref'ing with non-certified refs

[Todd VandenAkker]

A long time ago, I developed a pre-game sheet on my computer that includes a court diagram and areas to talk about with my partner. I've handed it out to many folks over the years (I update it as needed), and could perhaps share it with you if you'd find it useful. Some of the key areas I want to be sure to cover, though, include:

-looking off-ball (primary areas of responsibility),
-boundary line coverage and how to "ask" for help when unsure who the ball went off of,
-3-point coverage and how/when to change a call,
-communicating fouls, shooters, whose ball, etc. (esp. before granting a time-out),
-allowing for "verticality" and not penalizing the defense,
-simultaneous whistles

There are other areas a good pre-game should cover, but these are some of the more important topics in my experience when working with a new or unfamiliar partner.