What Do You Know Now That You Wish You Had Known When You First Started?

[Adam]

Originally Posted by Texas Aggie

5. When you warn, don't issue an ultimatum. Don't say, "coach, the next time you say something, it will be a ..." Instead, say (e.g.), "OK, coach, that's your warning about being out of the box." Then, blow your whistle (assuming dead ball or soonest one) and say, "coach/bench has been warned about being out of the box" loud enough for your partner(s) to hear it.

Only do this if the more senior officials in your area are doing it, and if it's expected by the assigners you're working for. It's not an "approved" mechanic, and it's not done in all areas. I can say it's not done that way where I am, and if I did it the other officials would look at me crooked.

Originally Posted by Texas Aggie

7. After a game, take your whistle off and and get off the court.

I never take it off on the court; I just tuck it into my shirt. Other than that, you're right. Get off the court. No reason to give the knuckleheads extra time to be knuckleheads.