New poster

[fiasco]

Originally Posted by Junker

One nugget not mentioned is that as the new guy, always offer to buy the first round after the game.

Crap. I don't think this bodes well for me as I'm kind of anti-social and just like getting in, doing my job, and going home to my wife. I'm not a big fraternizer.

[Ignats75]

FWIW I do have a goatee. I actually offerred to shave it (over my wife's objections) to two very respected assignors, when I first started out. They both told me there was no need.

As for fraternizing, thats a tough one and may vary from area to area. Around here, if you want to advance to the varsity level, you will need to be known. You will need Varsity guys to talk you up to the conference assignors. Unfortunately, there is some politics to it. While its not quite as required as having to bribe everyone with foamy adult beverages; you are entering a pretty special fraternity and need to let everyone see whether you pass the foxhole test...you know, will they let into their foxhole when the bullets start to fly. Going to the association banquet. Attending all the meetings. Going out those couple of times a year when everyone agrees to meet at Quaker Steak & Lube. I would encourage you to do that. If you never go out, it will be that much harder for you to earn the trust of the veterans.

[Jurassic Referee]

Originally Posted by fiasco

Crap. I don't think this bodes well for me as I'm kind of anti-social and just like getting in, doing my job, and going home to my wife. I'm not a big fraternizer.

You'll learn more after the game over a beer/diet coke() with the guys than you will at most meetings, especially if your partners are experienced, solid officials.

[Junker]

Originally Posted by Jurassic Referee

You'll learn more after the game over a beer/diet coke() with the guys than you will at most meetings, especially if your partners are experienced, solid officials.

Well said. Before I worked varsity, I'd work my lower level game and go watch veterans I knew. After the game, on Friday nights we would go have a beverage or two and I'd sit in the corner, listen and ask questions. Its a great way to learn!

[fiasco]

Originally Posted by Jurassic Referee

You'll learn more after the game over a beer/diet coke() with the guys than you will at most meetings, especially if your partners are experienced, solid officials.

Sigh. I guess this is the part where I decide how serious about this I want to be. Not with regards to learning the rules of the game and becoming a good official, but with regards to advancing as far up as I can.

I know most guys are different, but I'd just much rather be at home with my wife than hanging out in a bar with some relative strangers. Perhaps that will change as I get more into it, though. I see your point.

[Junker]

Obviously family is more important. You will find that officiating is like anything. If you truely want to excel, it is going to take a time commitment.

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by fiasco

I know most guys are different, but I'd just much rather be at home with my wife than hanging out in a bar with some relative strangers. Perhaps that will change as I get more into it, though. I see your point.

You must not have been married very long.

Peace

[fiasco]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

You must not have been married very long.

I find it oddly disturbing that this is the reaction I always get when I make a statement like that.

What can I say? I love my wife and she's smokin' hot.

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by fiasco

I find it oddly disturbing that this is the reaction I always get when I make a statement like that.

What can I say? I love my wife and she's smokin' hot.

Fiasco, it was a joke. And that fact that you said she is smoking hot tells us that you have not been married long at all (this is also a joke). (See the smiley face after the post. This usually means someone is joking, since you are new and all.)

Also some of the best teaching of officiating goes on after the game is over or at the local bar or restaurant. This does not mean every single night you work you must go out, but if you want to learn the ins and outs of officiating, I would not be so quick to dismiss this practice. Sometimes a recommendation or vital information will be given at on of these establishments. Remember, you did ask what you needed to know to become a good official.

Peace

[fiasco]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

Also some of the best teaching of officiating goes on after the game is over or at the local bar or restaurant. This does not mean every single night you work you must go out, but if you want to learn the ins and outs of officiating, I would not be so quick to dismiss this practice. Sometimes a recommendation or vital information will be given at on of these establishments. Remember, you did ask what you needed to know to become a good official.

Thanks. I do understand this as it has been explained to me.

All I'm saying is that I'm not much of the going out and drinkin with the buds kind of guy. If that means I won't move up the ranks as fast, I'm either going to have to rectify that by going out now and then or being content with where I'm at. That's just a decision I'll have to make personally. I'm not trying to FIGHT what you're saying at all, and I trust your judgement, I'm just saying it might not be for me.

[refnrev]

fiasco,
Do your game and go home to your wife. These guys are just messing with you. This board is filled with a lot of people with wierd senses of humor and a lot of people with no sense of humor at all! Good luck on the upcoming season and welcome to the fraternity of zebras.
Now, as for pants..... I have never been a fan of beltless pants, but will be wearing them next year for the varsity games. But, if you're just starting out and working all low level stuff it makes no difference... and truthfully doesn't even make any sense to go out spend 60 - 70 bucks on a pair of referee pants. See if you enjoy it first, then you can upgrade on the equipment. As for your comment about never noticing someone's pants, only a group of referees will. Worry more about rules and calls first. Then get you some good Cliff Keens, Sansablets, Honigs, or Smittys down the road.
But if you wear a size 36 waist tjones1 will have a deal for you on Honigs pants!

[mick]

Originally Posted by fiasco

I find it oddly disturbing that this is the reaction I always get when I make a statement like that.

What can I say? I love my wife and she's smokin' hot.

That's fine. But you weren't listening.
A lot of knowledge is gleaned right after a game, while the numbers, faces and actions are still clear in many minds.

In the original post you asked for "advice you would give to a new guy starting out". It was offered.

• Bearef offered: Be willing to accept constructive criticism...
• SWMOzebra offered: Remember, making mistakes is easy. Learning from the mistakes you make can be more difficult, but will make you a stronger official.
• Dan ref offered: Learn to keep your mouth shut. Really.
• Junker offered: One nugget not mentioned is that as the new guy, always offer to buy the first round after the game.
• Ignats75 offered: Going out those couple of times a year when everyone agrees to meet at Quaker Steak & Lube. I would encourage you to do that. If you never go out, it will be that much harder for you to earn the trust of the veterans.
• Jurassic Referee offered: You'll learn more after the game over a beer/diet coke() with the guys than you will at most meetings, especially if your partners are experienced, solid officials.
• Junker added: After the game, on Friday nights we would go have a beverage or two and I'd sit in the corner, listen and ask questions. Its a great way to learn!
• Rut offered: Also some of the best teaching of officiating goes on after the game is over or at the local bar or restaurant. This does not mean every single night you work you must go out, but if you want to learn the ins and outs of officiating, I would not be so quick to dismiss this practice.

There it is. Believe it.

[dblref]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

You must not have been married very long.

Peace

I agree with fiasco on this point. My wife and I have been married 39 years, and I definitely prefer going home to her rather than out to the bar. Keep in mind that she does grant me a "kitchen pass" on occasion, but I don't use it that often.

[Time2Ref]

Very interesting........VERY interesting.

Not one rule discussed here, yet many valuable things to learn about officiating.

What have we learned so far?

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by Time2Ref

Very interesting........VERY interesting.

Not one rule discussed here, yet many valuable things to learn about officiating.

What have we learned so far?

Officiating is not all about rules. Actually most of officiating has nothing to do with rules. But you knew that already right?

Peace