Pearls of wisdom for the new ref.

[IBblind]

I am putting together a program for new officials at our upcoming Assocaition meeting. I would like to get ideas from this board. Looking for those pearls of wisdom that have been handed down to you from veteran officials, that have made you a better official. Not the stuff in the book. I'm looking for those little things that set the top officials apart from the rest. Things like game preparation, communicating with coaches, players and other refs, what it takes to be the best, that sort of thing. Thanks for your help!

[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".

[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.

[kiwiref]

Originally Posted by Mark Padgett

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

This is the best one, by a long shot. Can we get quotes? Also, any discount for those taking multiple policies?

[dave30]

Fun is most important to me too. If your idea of fun is refereeing the best athletes and getting to the college level then you should work towards that goal. If you are happy working 7th grade games, then be the best 7th grade ref you can be and keep it fun. If you are used to working high level high school or college ball and you get stuck doing a 5th grade BCI or AAU game, give a good effort and make it fun for the kids. You are there for the kids, not their parents or coaches. Get the kids on your side, show them you are not the enemy, that you are there for them to enforce rules and keep it as fair as you know how and it will all work out in the end. Kids get mad, but they sure seem to get over it a lot quicker!

[Jurassic Referee]

Originally Posted by RonRef

Wing Official - STAY WIDE, don't rush in on every play trying to get a spot, be patient! We had a guy a couple of years ago that was over eager and came in to quick and blew his knee out when he got leg whipped by a player on the fringe.

I think you have the wrong sport, Ron. This is basketball, not football.

[just another ref]

In a perfect world, the officials are strangers to everyone in the gym except each other. Most of us do not work in a perfect world, especially at the lower levels. Dealing with the people you know, even close friends, is sometimes the worst part. Be prepared to go home thinking: I can't believe he said that. I can't believe they got that upset. I can't believe I had to have Grandma thrown out of the gym. etc. etc. Even more importantly, be prepared to quickly put all these things behind you and move on.

[Mark Padgett]

Originally Posted by kiwiref

This is the best one, by a long shot. Can we get quotes? Also, any discount for those taking multiple policies?

Usually, the policies don't cover pre-existing conditions, like the coach being an absolute jackass.

[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.