The pregame is probably one of the most important tools at the officials disposal. The question is how long do you think a pregame should last? is it any different for someone you work with on a regular basis? with a new guy? playoff, or state tourney game?

If I am working with a new partner, I like to have a thorough (10-15 min.) pregame. Otherwise, I rarely go more than 7-8 minutes, but we cover the main points.

BTW, I know it wasn't necessary to use the quotes, but I just learned how to do this and it is neat. Just like a Christmas toy. :)

Pregames are different depending on the partner(s) involved. If it is someone that I am working my fifth game of the season with, it may be something like. Have you had these teams yet? If it is with a newbie I am doing a 10 to 15 minute pregame. I want him to know I can be communicated with at any time. I want him as comfortible as I possibly can on the court.

There are occasions where we are driving to a game. This is different. We are talking about basketball most of the trip. Once we get past FOR(Family, Occuppation, Recreation). We may talk about the game last week he had or the game I had. All kinds of strange situations that we have encounted and how to deal with it. We may go into complete detail philosophy of officiating on the trip. At the site we will breifly discuss mechanics and we are ready to go.