A philosophy question?

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by iref4him

As a veteran official, if i have agame with a new official we will pregame. I will pregame on the floor, during time outs. I try to talk to them and let them work their game. I try to give them confidence. Ask them to rmemeber calls so we can discuss them at any breaks.

A veteran official did this to me, I started to feel at ease as the game went on. He also went to both coaches and told them "Leave him alone tonight, If you have a probelm talk to me. If you get in his face I will 'T' you up." Both coaches listened to the veteran official and let me alone and I worked the game.

I have done the same thing since then as a veteran official. It has been effective.

That is a terrible idea if you ask me. Now you just put the bull eye on the rookie throughout the game. Not all new basketball officials are new to the game or do not have an understanding of what they are getting into. Doing this will also make a coach think the newer official is not as skilled (which might not be true). I would never do this. If you’re afraid of a younger official quitting, then you need to train them properly and they will be steps ahead at the beginning.

Peace

[rainmaker]

I've been "handled" that way by a veteran ref, when I was working a game where I had no business being, and it worked out great. I've also had a vet say that to a coach when it was a disaster for me. So I'm not sure what's best.

I will tell you what the guy did, who did it right, because I asked him later what he said. He said, "Coach, I think she's a great ref, and I've worked with her before, so I know. I know you're not going to see it at first, because she's inexperienced and doesn't project confidence. But if you watch the game closely, you'll see that she's consistent, she knows the rules, and she's working her tail off for you. It's really important to give the newbies a break in situations like this, becuase that's how they get better. Although in her case, getting better just means believing that she's as good as she really is."

Needless to say, I was flattered, especially since I knew he was a really good ref, and I figured if he thought I was good, I must be. But also, he covered for me, and sort of made excuses for me, but without belittling me. After the game, both coaches came to me and said "I really didn't think you could handle it but you did a great job." One even called my assignor and told him.

So in that case it was good, but I'm not sure it's a general practice that's healthy.