college officials help!
 

I am working my first "college game" next week, it is just a juco pre-season scrimmage, but I am hoping that it leads to more opportunities..anyway I am looking just for some general advice, specific things that I need to be aware of going in. I have worked high school extensively and am aware of the rule differences between nfhs and ncaa, however, I wanted to get some more practical advice. Specifically if anyone can provide some examples, etc, of how the absence of the "airborne shooter" comes in to play I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks in advance!

sorry just to clarify this is a men's game..thanks!

The answer is simple...
 

Go out and referee the way you always do. That is what got you to this level. If you go out and try to change what you do because it is a "college" game, you'll have problems. The airbore shooter almost never comes into play. Don't focus on that. Worry about calling the play and getting it right. If you have a strong crew, they'll help you out if that happens (which it won't). Call the plays as you see them and keep it simple.

Just a couple random thoughts. First, don't sell yourself short. It's not "just" a juco scrimmage. It's a college assignment, and that's very cool. Congratulations.

If you don't use the shot clock for high school games, then I'd suggest looking over the shot clock rules; and during the game, try to be aware of the shot clock as often as possible. It can be your friend (help with backcourt counts) or it can be your enemy (table screw-ups). Either way, it will pay to keep a close eye on it.

If possible, get there early and have a real pre-game with your partner(s). This will give you a chance to prepare mentally and will also give your partner(s) a chance to get comfortable with you a little bit.

Call your game. Don't be lenient because it's "just" a scrimmage. Call the fouls and the points of emphasis, because they'll want to know what they'll see when the season starts.

As far as the airborne shooter, the rule differs from the high school rule in that once the shooter releases the ball, a player control foul cannot be called. So if A1 jumps, releases a try and charges into B1, the basket will count if successful and B1 will shoot 1-and-1 if Team B is in the bonus. (In high school, this would be a PC foul and the shot would NOT count and B1 would NOT shoot free throws.)

I'm sure there's other stuff, but that's enough for one post. Others will have some ideas, too, I'm sure. Good luck!

I've never done a college game of any variety, so even the "just-a" type sounds good to me. But what I"ve done whenever I've moved up to "the next level" is to a) try to watch a couple of games at that level that day or the day before; b) as scrappy said, be sure you get a good pre-game. A real, complete, lengthy pre-game; c) practice some self-talk items ahead of time, especially to use for the first few minutes until your nerves settle down; d) have a friend or spouse or sweetie who comes to your game, watches and then goes out for a cold one with you afterward. Be sure they're all set to be congratulatory and celebratory.

Most of all, enjoy yourself. You worked hard to get there! You deserve it! Live into it, and have fun! That's what it's all about.

And...don't forget to address the coaches as "Your Majesty", bow down before them and only speak when spoken to.

Yeah, right. :p

Wow, Mark, not the traditional advice about tucking in the whistle, staring at pants, or puking on shoes? Tell Merry to get your prescriptions refilled. You're losing what little of it you've got left!!

kbilla,

When you get out there you are going to be in a whole new world. The play is going to be a lot faster therefore it will take a little while for your eyes to adjust to the speed and athleticism of the players. Don't worry you'll be fine. Just get the blatant obvious plays until you feel adapted. Also, tell your partners to not be afraid to come get a call, cause you'll be better off not calling and thinking "that was a foul" and letting your partners get it, rather than blowing your whistle and saying "dang, that wasn't a foul". In shorter terms, have a patient whistle and let plays start, develop and finish.

Good luck and congrats on getting the assignment! Remember you have to start somewhere. It's not a "just a" game, but it is your game and I know it means alot to you cause it shows that you are moving up.

I think I'm running on empty. Those mail order meds just aren't working and I followed the instructions about sending all that cash to that Nigerian government official.

BTW - she spells it "Merri" and is really touchy about it. With that "extra U" in your name, you probably know how she feels.

Also BTW - I spoke with Bruce today and he said he is ready to schedule our first ref meeting for TBA. You should be getting an email soon.

thanks everyone for the great advice, i truly appreciate it!

I am in the same boat as kbilla. It is my 3rd year in the officiating business and my first in College. I have a college game at the D2 level next week and I also have 2 J.H. games that week as well. I dont know how well the adjustment will go. What are a couple of main things I need to tell myself that this is a college game with men, not a high school game with boys?

I too am doing a Juco scrimmage this week, and I have a question what is the dress going to a scrimmage?

I know for a regular college games one must wear a suit, is it the same for a scrimmage as well. Thanks for any help in this matter.

Acceptable attire is a prom dress with heels and fishnets. Matching purse is optional.

http://images.buycostumes.com/mgen/m...iser/12876.jpg

lol

The biggest adjustment you will face at the college level is the speed, strength, and size of the players. Things will happen a lot faster than you're used to.

The best advice I can give is to have a very patient whistle. Contact that would knock some HS kids down, won't affect the play nearly as much as you might anticipate (think bug on a semi-trucks' windshield). See the play and react to the play - don't anticipate.

As for dress code, normal game attire is expected in my area. I wouldn't worry about pre-game jackets - I've always brought one, but never had to use it for a scrimmage.

Congrats on the assignment! Have fun and be sure to learn one newtip/trick/technique from your partners...we will all be better officials if we do that in every game we work.

I had my first scrimmage this past weekend (we could wear shorts during the game). The scrimmage was 90 miles from my house and I was driving with another official. I wore my shorts, a regular t-shirt and my flip flops (as if I was going to a summer rec game). I knew I wasn't dressed appropriately when I picked the other official up (veteran college official), who had slacks and a polo type shirt. I couldn't go back home so I just flew to the game site, got there in time to hit a walmart and picked up a pair of dress type sweat pants and a polo type shirt. I know better now. I was told when I first started attending college camps this year to always look some what business casual. Even if you have on some shorts (khaki or dress) always have a polo type shirt or a shirt with a collar. Scrimmage should be the same. As for real game days (college or high school) it should always be a suit or a jacket at least.

so how did the game itself go? if this was your first college game, what tips can you give as far as adjusting?

The games went well. Just call your game and know that you've graduated to a whole new different level so your calls need to be elevated. Many have touched on that. My biggest fear was and still is the shot clock. When I saw that shot clock I was like oh lord, I forgot about that thing. Then in this scrimmage they didn't use it. This is one area where I will need to work on. Shoot, l need improvement on checking the clock, let alone a shot clock. Does anyone have any helpful hints on how to get to the point that checking the clock and score becomes almost automatic?

personally I don't have any idea what the score is during the game until around the last two minutes (intentionally)...at halftime I guess I'll glance up there as we are walking off, but it really doesn't matter until you get down to the end from our perspectives...as far as the clock, I also ignore it until I feel we are around a minute left in each quarter/half. Then I'll glance up every dead ball...when we get around 10 seconds with a live ball, I'll glance up and then try to lock down and count down the last 10 seconds or so in my head...seems to work for me..

but thanks for the heads up on the shot clock, you are right that might be the biggest adjustment mechanics-wise, just getting used to having it there and when to reset, etc....speaking of which is it me or is the mechanic for a shot-clock violation the same as basket interference/goaltending? I guess I always knew that from watching games, but never really thought about it....

I would suggest you exclude this method of thinking. You should know everything about the game that you can and you should always know how much time is on the clock. What if a player, when the clock is dead, tosses his teammate the ball and the kid who had the ball thrown to him doesn't touch it till it gets to around halfcourt, and the clock has been running? Or just the opposite, a kid touches the inbound and the clock doesn't start for three seconds? Then what do you do. This is all valuable time in the game, regardless of when it takes place. ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS know your clock status! And remember that under 1 min. in the last half that it stops when it clears the net. Don't be afraid to go and reset the time if needs be.

Now I'm going to contradict myself. In you and Joetheref's case, for the time being, I would work on trying to check the clocks, but don't get so caught up on it that you forget to ref the game. Leave it to the more senior refs, they should be able to take care of you until your feet get more than wet. If you work on it little by little it will and should become second nature to check the clock on every transition, every time a shot is attempted, etc.

Once again good luck and have fun.

you are correct, i neglected to include that i always check the clock when the ball is inbounded to make sure that it starts (when it should), but that doesn't mean that i am acutely aware of HOW MUCH time is left, meaning i am not checking the clock as the ball is live until we near the end of a period..i thought that is what he was getting at...knowing the "status" of the clock (started vs. stopped) versus how much time is left are two different things in my thinking.....the shot clock obviously is a whole different animal which is going to take some adjusting...

further to that comment though, wouldn't you agree that in on an inbounds play for instance, if the ball is inbounded into my primary that i should not even be worrying about the clock, but rather be focused on the ball and let one of my partners worry about the clock status? it is a fine point i agree, but the clock will take care of itself usually, you look up at the clock and miss a smack on a reach and we are going the other way for a dunk, you are asking for trouble...just trying to make the point (that you also made towards the end of your post) that in general don't worry about the clock, between the three of you it will work the way it is supposed to...

My experience at the college level varies a great deal between the small colleges versus the bigger schools. There are times when the level is not much better than good high schools teams, but they can also be a lot stronger and faster. Be patient as someone mentioned as they can play through more contact. Be professional and approachable but don't let the coaches get away with more than you usually allow. Make sure they know where is the line in the sand. Better to overdress than underdress when you are uncertain.

Good pre-games are essential when working three-person and dealing with new mechanics and rules. Referee your primary and let your partners (especially if they are more experienced) call their areas and deal with the extra stuff. Soemone feels that you deserve this "game" so have confidence in your ability. One of my problems in the past was that I questioned myself too often during a game. If you make a call or a no-call which is questioned, focus on the next call and don't lose your concentration. You can always discuss the disputed call later with your partners.

Review the NCAA points of emphasis at EOfficials.com. This is a good time to emphasize these points such as palming and post play. Regarding the shot clock, it will become second nature to keep track of it during the game. Unlike the game clock, the shot clock will be above the basket or in another position that is easy peak at during live play or at every whistle. I have included a link to an article I wrote for my association which deals with managing the shot clock.

http://66.49.223.188/english/postplay/august_2006.pdf

thanks jay, good stuff!

In regards to this, it is up to you and your judgement when you need to look at the clock when the ball is in your primary. If the ball is coming there or is on its way, be prepared for the play at hand, but you should know how much is on the clock when it is inbounding, so if you do have a foul, as soon as you blow the whistle you should check the clock to see how much time has elapsed. Good questions though.

The trick that I learned to be very helpful in shot clock/game clock awareness is to say out loud the exact time (game clock) that the :35 possession began. IOW, after a change of possesion (made basket, steal, rebound, etc) - when the shot clock starts once possession is established, say "4:50". Now you know two things: 1) the shot clock started on time, and 2) when the possession started.

If the shot clock doesn't start after a couple of seconds you can stop the game and get it corrected. If the shot clock accidentily reset or was not reset properly later in the possession, you now know that the possession started at "4:50". You can then correct the problem as needed based on that info.

For me, this helped me focus on the clock and increased my game awareness. You have to be careful that you don't lose your focus of working the game - but after a while, it will become a habit.

Maybe it wil work for you and maybe not. It certainly helped me.....

One minor mechanical thing you might be able to work on before next week is to not give a preliminary signal (other than on block/charge situations) on the floor like high school officials do. Just a fist at the spot of the foul and then the foul signal at the table.

just another thanks to all who have posted advice, there are some great tips here that I will definitely use!