Advice for a New Official

[Gimlet25id]

First let me say good luck and welcome back! The one piece of advice I would give if I only could choose one would be to find someone who you respect as a official and is someone you think you would most like to emulate on the court. Then see if you can create a mentor/men tee relationship with that person.

Wish you all the luck and lots of success.

[Bad Zebra]

Always be open to feedback. One thing I have learned is that there is no shortage of good veteran officials willing to share their knowledge and expertise with you. They know that new blood is critical to our avocation. As you get several seasons in, you may think you know what you're doing and you're ready to move up. You may even resent the feedback, because sometime it comes unsolicited, but it is invaluable. Welcome and good luck.

[tjones1]

Get back out before it's too late! Just kiddding, welcome back.

Listen to as many people as you can, it's up to you (to yourself) to decide which is the good information and which is the bad information. Best of luck.

[rainmaker]

tape, tape, tape. THe best way to improve, and to see what needs work, is to tape yourself, and then watch your tape. Have someone else watch your tape. It's surprising what shows up, and how much more quickly you'll get better if you do this.

Beyond this, I'd say the best thing to do is keep studying the rules, and keep asking questions. You'll never be perfect, but you should never quit trying.

[Back In The Saddle]

Practice, practice, practice.

Evaluate, evaluate, evaluate.

Watch and learn, watch and learn, watch and learn.