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.

[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.