Pearls of wisdom for the new ref.

[rainmaker]

Originally Posted by Mark Padgett

Gee - how many times do I have to post this? The number one rule for officials is "Tuck your whistle in your shirt before you take a leak".

...or use a shortie lanyard.

My #1 advice:

You're never as bad as they say you are, you're never as good as you think you are.

#2: Every game, write down 5 things you wish you'd done differently, and 5 things you are glad you did that way. Then choose one each to be sure and do correctly in the next game. I mean, one "bad" thing to improve, and one "good" thing to continue doing.

smilies added by my 8-year-old.

[kiwiref]

For new refs, I would say stick with the basics: know the rules; get to the spot; call what you see; use every opportunity to learn from those with more experience; don't give up.

[Mountaineer]

Always check your zipper before you walk out of the locker room!

[Back In The Saddle]

Talk to players and coaches. Your silence compounds their frustration. However, a well-timed word can let some pressure out of the boiling pot.

Don't be afraid to say, "Coach, you know what? I didn't like that call either." But make sure you don't have to say it too often.

Watch the big dogs work. Ask questions. Learn not only what they do, but why.

Go to camp.

Make sure the coaches see you sweat. They'll forgive you a lot if they see you working hard.

[Bad Zebra]

• Hustle.
• Be decisive in your calls, even if you regret blowing the whistle a little. Half the job is selling it.
• Never loose sight of the fact that the kids on the floor have put in A LOT of hours in preparation for this game. You are there for THEM, not a paycheck.
• At most, you have two allies for each game (partners). Trust them.
• Have fun...when it stops being fun, get out.
  

[JRutledge]

Most of all have fun. If and when this does not become fun, get rid of those things that you do not enjoy. It might be the level you work, the travel you have to incur or the people you spend time with.

This is why I only work about 3 times a week for the most part and I do not work girl's basketball anymore. I also want to work many conferences so I can avoid working the same team 5 or 6 times in a season.

It is all about finding your niche in officiating. Not everyone should have the same goals and the same expectations during their career.

Peace

[Mark Padgett]

Oh yeah - don't forget to ask the coaches if they want to buy foul insurance.

[Jimgolf]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

This is why ... I do not work girl's basketball anymore.

Be consistent, call it the way you see it, be true to yourself. And let the howlers howl.