The 10 Rules of Officiating

[Mark Padgett]

I like to quote certain "rules of officiating" that I've made up over the years here on the board. I've had two people ask me if I would post them. Since I have nothing better to do (and you, obviously, have nothing better to do than read them) - here they are.

Number 10 - "When you're on the court - always look sharp. That doesn't include the top of your head."

Number 9 - "There's only 2 (sometimes 3) people in the entire gym who don't care who wins - you and your partner(s)."

Number 8 - "Remember - it's just a game. But you get paid anyway. What a deal!"

Number 7 - "Never swallow your whistle - it's there to be blown and besides, it tastes really, really bad."

Number 6 - "Parents know as much about the rules as they do about raising children."

Number 5 - "When in doubt - don't be."

Number 4 - "Always bring your English-Jibberish dictionary to the game so you can understand the coaches."

Number 3 - "Coaches have a shorter leash than a puppy."

Number 2 - "NO OVERTIMES!!!"

and (drum roll please) Number 1 - "Tuck your whistle in your shirt before you take a leak." This applies to both males and females.

[bigdog5142]

CLASSIC! I needed a laugh today...good stuff.

[Splute]

Ah, guess this means the season has started!!! Lets git r dun

[Zack]

I thought number Number 1 should be that "There are three temas on the court, Team A, Team B, and the officials. At the end of the game the Officials always win."

The season is here

[Mark Padgett]

I probably should have also posted the referee's motto:

"Occasionally wrong - but never indecisive."

Also - I had a buddy tell me once that if you ever start to feel intimidated by a coach, just imagine him naked. I DO NOT recommend this - unless, of course, the coach is an absolute babe (preferably female - but not that there's anything wrong with that).

[BillyMac]

From Mark Padgett: "Number 2 - "NO OVERTIMES!!!""

I disagree. I love overtimes. They can be the most exciting part of the game and officials have to be on their toes for four more minutes of a close game. I've been on this "soapbox" before: Officials know that we're kidding when we say this, but nonofficials, who often frequent this Forum, may be led to believe that we want to work our 32 minutes, get our check, and hit the road as soon as possible.

[Mark Padgett]

Originally Posted by BillyMac

From Mark Padgett: "Number 2 - "NO OVERTIMES!!!""

I disagree. I love overtimes. They can be the most exciting part of the game and officials have to be on their toes for four more minutes of a close game. I've been on this "soapbox" before: Officials know that we're kidding when we say this, but nonofficials, who often frequent this Forum, may be led to believe that we want to work our 32 minutes, get our check, and hit the road as soon as possible.

I always felt that if you want to work for free, go volunteer somewhere.

[Mark Dexter]

Originally Posted by Mark Padgett

I probably should have also posted the referee's motto:

"Occasionally wrong - but never indecisive."

Amen to that!

[Dan_ref]

Originally Posted by Mark Padgett

I probably should have also posted the referee's motto:

"Occasionally wrong - but never indecisive."

Disagree with your motto.

I've gone for help on OOB calls I was not sure of. Also if action under the basket on a shooting foul caused me to not know if the ball went in or not.

Just two examples of preferring indecision allowing me to go to my crew for help.

Referee's motto: Let's get it right as a crew.

[Mark Padgett]

Originally Posted by Dan_ref

Disagree with your motto.

It's a joke, Dan.

[rainmaker]

Originally Posted by Dan_ref

Disagree with your motto.

I've gone for help on OOB calls I was not sure of. Also if action under the basket on a shooting foul caused me to not know if the ball went in or not.

Just two examples of preferring indecision allowing me to go to my crew for help.

Referee's motto: Let's get it right as a crew.

That's not the kind of "wrong" or "indecisive" he's referring to. Calling the OOB decisively, and then looking decisively at your partners to help you get it right is fine. Indecisive is weak whistle, sloppy mechanics, debating in your mind before signalling -- you know, like me!