I often work games with non-certified refs and would like some tips for things to cover in our pre-game. Some of the guys I work with are quite good, and I've given each of them their own copy of the NFHS rule book. (I even give one to the coaches.) But in some cases I can't assume that the person I'm calling with really knows the rules or anything about mechanics, so my list must cover things that are pretty elementary.

Here's my list so far and I would very much appreciate suggestions any of you might have.

1. Referee/ Umpire - Who's who?
2. Throw-ins (my side, your side and switching Lead and Trail when necessary.)
3. Free-throw Mechanics
4. Procedures for Reporting fouls and switching floor position
5. Double whistle - what will we do?
6. Trail confirm proper direction of AP arrow
7. Who's watching off-ball action and when?
8. "Reaching In" - No contact, No foul!
9. "Over the Back" - No such foul. Watch for contact.

Thoughts?

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Geneva">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by PDLeBoutillier on 01-17-2000 10:30 AM
I often work games with non-certified refs and would like some tips for things to cover in our pre-game. Some of the guys I work with are quite good, and I've given each of them their own copy of the NFHS rule book. (I even give one to the coaches.) But in some cases I can't assume that the person I'm calling with really knows the rules or anything about mechanics, so my list must cover things that are pretty elementary.

Here's my list so far and I would very much appreciate suggestions any of you might have.

1. Referee/ Umpire - Who's who?
2. Throw-ins (my side, your side and switching Lead and Trail when necessary.)
3. Free-throw Mechanics
4. Procedures for Reporting fouls and switching floor position
5. Double whistle - what will we do?
6. Trail confirm proper direction of AP arrow
7. Who's watching off-ball action and when?
8. "Reaching In" - No contact, No foul!
9. "Over the Back" - No such foul. Watch for contact.

Thoughts?<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

A few areas to consider:

1)Backcourt violations (all three points over the line...)
2)10 Seconds, 5 Sec. (on throw-ins & closely guarded)& 3 Sec. Counts...when they start & Stop
3)Fumble, muffs...

4)charge/block...watch defender, torso...

Good Luck

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.