New poster
 

Okay, so I'm a new poster. I just ordered my NFHS rule books to begin studying for a spring qualification test so I can get some rec league/AAU games under my belt before next season starts.

I've been lurking for a week or so now and have come to learn certain things about being a part of the board:

1) If you don't know what you're talking about, you're gonna get trampled on, so know your stuff.
2) Jurassic Ref is always right. But when he's not, he still is. Just accept it and move on.
3) If you're not an official, you pretty much don't know what the he11 you're talking about when it comes to the rules and being a ref. (I would mostly agree with this one.)

Anyway, just wanted to say it's good to be here and I've learned a lot so far.

Here's my question:what are your TOP 5 pieces of advice you would give to a new guy starting out?

Find a good mentor...
Read/study the rules and casebook...
Be willing to accept constructive criticism...
HAVE FUN...
Don't buy pants with belt loops:D

Welcome. Sounds like you've arrived well prepared!

Don't over-officiate--trust your partners!
Always hustle--there's no substitute for being in the right spot at the right time and looking in the right direction.
Excel at working off ball, finding the angles, and refereeing the defense.
Treat everyone with respect, dignity, and courtesy.
Strive to be the wisest (rule-wise and common-sense wise) person in the game.

Really? Never heard this one before...

Yes really. Now some will agree but I equate officials wearing pants with belt loops as a football official and a baseball umpire wearing an adjustable hat. It makes you look like you cannot take the time to detail (IMO). If you cannot take the time to find pants that fit, you might not take the time for the many other things that requires a little extra time off the court.

Peace

Interesting. So are ALL of your pants (officiating and otherwise) sans belt loops?

Agreed...........good analogy. To tag on to that theme, the frayed belt never helps either.

Work as many games as possible
Ask any questions you may have
Find a mentor
Study Rules/Case Books & look the part (don't go dressed to games ;))
Have fun

When you've been here a while, you'll find out that Jurassic will be wrong every now and then, just like anyone else. And when Jurassic is wrong, he will admit it.

Yes, all my pants are belt less. I have not worn belted pants since my first season. And half way through that season I bought a couple of pair of belt less pants.

Peace

Don't do mens/adult rec league games until you have a whole season of middle school games under your... I guess that won't work either as you are not supposed ot have a belt.;)

I will try again.

Youth rec league is fine, but don't officiate adult rec league games until you have officiated a full season of middle school games.

I understand your officiating pants are beltless. I'm asking about your everyday pants. Or do you wear your officiating pants to work, etc?

I only ask because I don't understand (probably because I've never owned a pair of officiating pants) why the standard belt loop pants are frowned upon. In modern society, belt-less pants are reserved for women and senior citizens.

Welcome!

1. Know the rules and don't be afraid to ask questions.
2. Find a mentor you respect who will help you become a better official.
3. Just like real estate...location, location, location - know where you're supposed to be on the court and how to move in relation the action for the best angle.
4. Work as many games as you can...there's no substitution for time on the court.
5. Remember, making mistakes is easy. Learning from the mistakes you make can be more difficult, but will make you a stronger official.

Good luck!

Let's start with the top 1 advice.

Learn to keep your mouth shut. Really.

Good luck with your aau games, you're gonna have fun.

Do you have a source for this information?