where to get help as a new ref

[dan74]

From a fellow rookie point of view. I didn't have much luck with videos. I bought one with two officials who demonstrated some general positioning and mechanics, but they flew through everything too quickly and lacked sufficient detail to make much of a difference. I bought a second that wasn't much better. My two cents: Buy the additional books that are advertised in the NFHS testing materials, then find out who the better officials are in your area and go and watch.

[Mountaineer]

The mentor idea is by far the best idea out there. Let me take it one step (or two) farther. Ask this mentor to REALLY take you under his wing. Travel with him for some of his games - sit in on the pregame, halftime and post game meetings. Don't get wrapped up in watching the game so you can really pay attention to their mechanics. I'm not saying don't watch the game but be sure to take in their movements too. Ask this mentor to go with you to some of YOUR games. Critique your pregame, halftime and postgames as well. I found when I was a younger official that many older refs were hesitant to really offer helpful criticism - so tell this guy to really help you he has to be honest with his observations. But you'll never ever get better unless you really work on the things that are brought to your attention.

BTW, I still ask people what I can do to get better. You're never too old or too good to improve.

[Official99]

When you get comfortable on the floor start going to camps. I would start in state. Most assignors (at least around here) offer camps for low cost. Start there! Then start working your way to the bigger camps, like the Coast to Coast or Hoop Mountain. A great camp to start with is the IAABO camps. Those are the best instructional camps you could go to. Most other camps like the Coast to Coast or Hoop Mountain camp require you to have some familiarity on the court.

Good luck and welcome!