Finally, my first official HS Game. Any suggestions?

[NURef]

I've been officiating 20 minute running clocks for 2 years now and Tuesday will be my first real HS game.

I feel like I'm ready but something tells me I need to refocus on some basics instead of trying to remember the exact situation used in my case book for RPP. Any last minute recommendations...maybe the top 3 things to keep in mind as I take the court?

Have a great Thanksgiving!

[Bad Zebra]

The four primary principles always help...
1. Call the obvious
2. Referee the defense
3. Trust your partner
4. Stay in your primary

...and two more that get forgotten:
5. Breathe
6. Have fun

Congrats and good luck.

[26 Year Gap]

Don't forget "Padgett's Rule".

[NURef]

Good suggestions...thanks!

What's "Padgett's Rule"?

Thanks

[rgncjn]

Padgett must have had an early bedtime tonight. I am sure he will post his rule as soon as he sees this!

[Mark Padgett]

Originally Posted by rgncjn

Padgett must have had an early bedtime tonight. I am sure he will post his rule as soon as he sees this!

The New England - Buffalo game just got too boring, so here I am. The first rule of officiating - tuck your whistle in your shirt before you take a leak.

[rainmaker]

Originally Posted by Bad Zebra

The four primary principles always help...
1. Call the obvious
2. Referee the defense
3. Trust your partner
4. Stay in your primary

...and two more that get forgotten:
5. Breathe
6. Have fun

Congrats and good luck.

7. Don't call anything you can't explain.
8. You're neither as bad nor as good as they say your are.

[Mark Padgett]

Originally Posted by NURef

I've been officiating 20 minute running clocks

Really? Most of us officiate people. How does that work? Do they actually go up and down the court or just go around and around? Huh - "running" clocks. I knew clocks had arms, but I didn't know they had legs. I guess you learn something new every day.

[rainmaker]

Originally Posted by Mark Padgett

The New England - Buffalo game just got too boring, so here I am. The first rule of officiating - tuck your whistle in your shirt before you take a leak.

Just now got too boring? It was too boring an hour ago. The only good thing about it is that one of the players for Buffalo is named Copeland Bryan. 17 years ago, we named our second son Copeland, and I"ve never found another person with that first name till now. But there is one on the BUffalo Bills! I've been watching just to catch a glimpse.

[26 Year Gap]

Originally Posted by Mark Padgett

Really? Most of us officiate people. How does that work? Do they actually go up and down the court or just go around and around? Huh - "running" clocks. I knew clocks had arms, but I didn't know they had legs. I guess you learn something new every day.

Let me guess, these were some phone pranks you played as a child [or maybe as an adult].

"Is your refrigerator running?"
"Yes."
"Better catch it 'cause it just went down the street."

"A&P"
"Do you have Prince Albert in a can?"
"Yes"
"Better let him out before he suffocates."

"A&P"
"Do you have pig's feet?"
"Yes"
"So THAT'S why you walk funny."

[ChrisSportsFan]

Originally Posted by rainmaker

Just now got too boring? It was too boring an hour ago. The only good thing about it is that one of the players for Buffalo is named Copeland Bryan. 17 years ago, we named our second son Copeland, and I"ve never found another person with that first name till now. But there is one on the BUffalo Bills! I've been watching just to catch a glimpse.

Oregon may not have many Copelands but Texas sure does. That's a pretty cool name.

[dblref]

Originally Posted by Mark Padgett

Really? Most of us officiate people. How does that work? Do they actually go up and down the court or just go around and around? Huh - "running" clocks. I knew clocks had arms, but I didn't know they had legs. I guess you learn something new every day.

No, no, no, Mr. Medication, clocks have "hands", but not arms. You never hear "when the big arm is on the 3...."

[jdw3018]

Originally Posted by dblref

No, no, no, Mr. Medication, clocks have "hands", but not arms. You never hear "when the big arm is on the 3...."

My wife once dated a guy with a small hand (this was, in fact, before we were married. I don't know who she's dating now ). It simply didn't develop correctly and was about one knuckle short of normal size.

His friends all call him "Clock". It's pretty hilarious if you get it.

[rainmaker]

Originally Posted by ChrisSportsFan

Oregon may not have many Copelands but Texas sure does. That's a pretty cool name.

Well, lbviously we think it's cool, too!! You're saying there are Copelands as a first name?? Wow, Texas. I may have to re-think my whole approach.

[gordon30307]

Originally Posted by NURef

I've been officiating 20 minute running clocks for 2 years now and Tuesday will be my first real HS game.

I feel like I'm ready but something tells me I need to refocus on some basics instead of trying to remember the exact situation used in my case book for RPP. Any last minute recommendations...maybe the top 3 things to keep in mind as I take the court?

Have a great Thanksgiving!

I'm guessing this is a lower level game. When you walk in the gym check for championship banners (for the lower levels at any rate) there are none. If you miss a call (and you will) don't sweat it. Wins and losses at this level are not important. It is important that you be on time, huslte, and do your best. Treat it as a varsity game. Keep a journal and make a note of the things you did right and those you need improvement on. Get feedback from your partner. Stay in your primary and call what needs to be called. Take your time:

1. Reporting Fouls
2. Administering free throws There are 5 correctible errors and four involve free throws.
3. After time outs be sure to give the ball to the proper team. (Trust me it happens)
4. Ditto for held balls.

The players your'e reffing are learning how to play. You're learning how to Ref. The best of the best was in your shoes at one time. Good luck.