First games of the season.

[FrankHtown]

The UIL (http://www.uil.utexas.edu/athletics/basketball/) sets out the dates practices can begin and when scrimmages against other schools can start. In Houston, we provide referees for scrimmages for a $50 fee/floor for 3 hours. So if a varsity squad is on one floor, and the JV squad is on another floor, the chapter receives $100. This money is used for training materials for the chapter.

Generally, the host school will invite 2-4 other teams to participate, and maybe they split the cost. The games are usually 15-20 minute running clock type games, and the teams rotate. The "veterans" assist the newer officials during the game with mechanics, positioning, answering questions, etc, and all referees are encouraged to help out. The officials are rotated in and out also, so you are not running 3 straight hours. (hopefully)

I don't think I'm too far off if I say there are probably 10-15 schools holding scrimmages on the Saturdays before the real games start.