Hello,

I live in the Los Angeles area; and I was interested in becoming an official for highschool basketball. Who do I contact to make this happen?

Your responses are greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

Try the California Basketball Officials Association/San Gabriel Unit at 213-720-1949.

Don't forget to contact your nearest mental health professional. ;)

Thank you for your help
 

I'll especially keep in mind the mental health professional.

Mark, don't scare him off before he's started.

Go to http://start.officiating.com

Hey - I'll give him the same advice I give all new refs: get a tape recorder, go to the zoo and record an hour of monkey screeches. Then, lock yourself in a closet and play the tape in a continuous loop at full volume while running in place for about 2 hours. While running, keep yelling "SIT DOWN COACH" at the top of your lungs.

Then, you'll know what it'll be like the first time you step on the court.

Mark
 

Do you suggest that he get a photo of the Baboon to represent the coach? :D

Re: Mark
 

I don't think it would be a good representation. Baboons are generally much better looking than coaches.

Great idea except I wouldn't use monkeys. I have four children and I can get a number of hours of whining and complaining that could be used as a substitute for coaches. I would suggest a a couple 4-year-olds to represent the whining coaches, and a teen-ager to represent the screaming and unresponsive coach. ;)

Which brings to mind the advice I always give when we go through this routine, and this advice is serious. Treat the coach the way you would any four-year-old child (except for wiping food spills off his clothing!) If you think of this guy or gal as acting like a four-year-old having a temper tantrum, it's a lot easier to handle.