When to give it up...

[eyezen]

I'm talking about girls basketball.

For those that have, when in your progression is it time to try to get out of it?

Firstly, I don't want to come off big timing nor downgrading the girls game, but frankly it is what it is.

Secondly I know this is a question without a definite answer but any experiences that can be shared is welcome.

This is my fourth year overall, and my first with games above HS. I'm nervous about my next upcoming game on this Sat, not because it's a college game, but because by the quirk of the schedule I've had only 1 boys game (of 7) in the last two weeks including tomorrow night, and am afraid of how I can "rachet up" my game come Sat. I've worked really hard at keeping a patient whistle the last couple of weeks during these girls games but I'm not always consistent with what my partners are expecting which makes for some difficult situations.

My main assignor has already hinted at moving me up to varsity boys only next year, so I'm pretty good there, but for those outstate schools that I use to fill my schedule with, do I just say no thanks?

[zebraman]

Only you can answer that question. Do what's right for you.

As far as having trouble "ratcheting up your game" because you've been workign some girls games, I think that's ridiculous. Lots of officials do boys HS, girls HS and college games. A good official can adjust to the game they have that night.

[eyezen]

You're probably right about that and I worded that poorly, I didn't mean for it to sound ridiculous, but remember this is coming from someone this is new to, that is the transition back and forth. For you it may be old hat, for me, well that's why I'm asking.

But mentally it's not the same, at least for me. That's a disservice to myself and the players on that game.

I guess you're right and I've pretty much answered my own question. Just looking for experiences from others.

[JRutledge]

What you are thinking is completely normal and expected. If you do not like girl's basketball, whether someone else likes it does not mean you have to just go along. There is a reason why they only want officials at the college level to work one side or the other. And a lot of officials make a choice to work one side or the other. This is not an unusual choice or decision. I decided several years ago I only liked working boy's basketball because that is what I envisioned myself doing when I got into officiating. And because I felt I did not give my all, I got out of girl's basketball. I just do not have a passion for it and if you do not have passion for it stop working those games. I also like working less days a week instead of trying to work every night working both and being frustrated.

Peace

[Camron Rust]

Originally Posted by zebraman

Only you can answer that question. Do what's right for you.

As far as having trouble "ratcheting up your game" because you've been workign some girls games, I think that's ridiculous. Lots of officials do boys HS, girls HS and college games. A good official can adjust to the game they have that night.

Agreed. It did take me a while to figure out how to make that adjustment. After I was calling mostly boys, my girls games were less than stellar (my performance). I realized that I had to start the game (and pregame) with a different angle....expecting to call things in the girls games that I pass on in a boys game. If I called it like a boys game, it would, sooner or later, start unraveling. Now that I've figured out what I needed to do differently, my girls games that I get go a lot smoother.

[Chess Ref]

Originally Posted by Camron Rust

I realized that I had to start the game (and pregame) with a different angle....expecting to call things in the girls games that I pass on in a boys game. If I called it like a boys game, it would, sooner or later, start unraveling. Now that I've figured out what I needed to do differently, my girls games that I get go a lot smoother.

I'm at the point where my schedule is all over the place . For example last night I do a Boys Jv followed by the Girls Varsity. It was strange for me to have to make a shift that quick.

Feel like giving me ,,say 3 things ,that would help me make the transition a little smoother ?

[rainmaker]

Originally Posted by Chess Ref

I'm at the point where my schedule is all over the place . For example last night I do a Boys Jv followed by the Girls Varsity. It was strange for me to have to make a shift that quick.

Feel like giving me ,,say 3 things ,that would help me make the transition a little smoother ?

Last year my schedule was all over the place. One four day period I had boys varsity, girls JV (small school), girls varsity (high level) and 6th grade boys. What helped me the most was to do more pre-game and post-game mental exercise than usual. Concentrate on adjusting A/D toggle switches, rules variables, physical reactions and expectations of outcomes. And keep reminding yourself that variety is the spice of life!

[TD21]

I don't know that there are any concrete things someone can give you to help you adjust. Its different for everyone. Some people are better at going from a girl's HS game one night to a men's college game the next. Others have a really hard time with it. If you are still going to do both, then you have to find what gets you prepared before each game. Some focus on the rules differences others on the style of play. I work a variety of different levels and genders and I think the biggest difference is the speed of the game. There is no way to adjust to that. The only way to get use to it is by doing that level a lot. So if you work a lot of girls HS, for example, and only one or two men's college, those men's college games are going to seem very fast, in comparison of what you are use to. Can it be done? Sure it can. Like I said, for some it is easier than others. So if you are one that it comes easy for you have nothing to worry about, just know the differences. If your one who the change doesn't come easy for, you either have to find a way to make the transition easier or make some changes in your schedule.

[rainmaker]

Originally Posted by rainmaker

Last year my schedule was all over the place. One four day period I had boys varsity, girls JV (small school), girls varsity (high level) and 6th grade boys. What helped me the most was to do more pre-game and post-game mental exercise than usual. Concentrate on adjusting A/D toggle switches, rules variables, physical reactions and expectations of outcomes. And keep reminding yourself that variety is the spice of life!

And don't toss every night. That's way, way too much adjustment for one weekend.

[Camron Rust]

Originally Posted by Chess Ref

I'm at the point where my schedule is all over the place . For example last night I do a Boys Jv followed by the Girls Varsity. It was strange for me to have to make a shift that quick.

Feel like giving me ,,say 3 things ,that would help me make the transition a little smoother ?

Mostly, it is the point at which contact creates and advantage. It comes a lot sooner in most girls games.

To manage that, I mentally prepare for the specific game by telling myself(while traveling to the game/during pregame/during the game) and pregaming with my partner that those more marginal bumps need to be called (or not) depending on the type of game it is.


A minor handcheck on the dribbler as they come across the FT line and curl down the lane doesn't even phase most boys...they often beat the defender that is handchecking them, cut down the lane, and make a layup, a short undefended jumper, or get fouled while attempting the shot. It is my experience that most boys coaches/players would rather have this shot than the earlier foul (and the ball OOB). They prefer the advantage they had with the player going down the open lane. Calling the foul takes it away from them.

However, in a girls game, the same handcheck more often leads to a different outcome. Less often does the dribbler have enough strength to play through the contact and take advantage of having the defender in a bad position. When they're able to make the turn down the lane, they either don't have enough left to make the shot or they slow down enough that the other defenders prevent them from getting the open shot.

It is a matter of recognizing that the same contact is a foul one game but not another depending the skill, strength, and speed of the specific teams involved...and the difference between a most boys games and most girls games tends to be more substantial than the difference within the same gender.

[rainmaker]

Originally Posted by Camron Rust

It is a matter of recognizing that the same contact is a foul one game but not another depending the skill, strength, and speed of the specific teams involved...and the difference between a most boys games and most girls games tends to be more substantial than the difference within the same gender.

I agree with this part, but disagree with the rest. The main difference between calling a boys' game and a girls' game is that a girls' game will have a lot more contact, and it's harder to determine advantage and disadvantage. I think rather than what Camron is saying that girls' are less able to "play through" contact, they actually play through a lot more. It's much much easier in a boys' game, because there's usually a lot less total contact, and it's a lot more clear which contact is a foul and which isnt. Just antoher point of view.

Originally Posted by eyezen

I'm talking about girls basketball.

For those that have, when in your progression is it time to try to get out of it?

Firstly, I don't want to come off big timing nor downgrading the girls game, but frankly it is what it is.

Secondly I know this is a question without a definite answer but any experiences that can be shared is welcome.

This is my fourth year overall, and my first with games above HS. I'm nervous about my next upcoming game on this Sat, not because it's a college game, but because by the quirk of the schedule I've had only 1 boys game (of 7) in the last two weeks including tomorrow night, and am afraid of how I can "rachet up" my game come Sat. I've worked really hard at keeping a patient whistle the last couple of weeks during these girls games but I'm not always consistent with what my partners are expecting which makes for some difficult situations.

My main assignor has already hinted at moving me up to varsity boys only next year, so I'm pretty good there, but for those outstate schools that I use to fill my schedule with, do I just say no thanks?

First time poster, long time lurker.

I enjoy Girls HS and AAU BBall. Would rather ref them than boys. No testosterone, purer play (not necessarily better), and most of all, many times they exceed my expectations of what women can do on the court - a chance to impressed more often (intangible benefit of being on the same court). They are more polite, and when they disagree, they are smarter about how to vocalize it - even funnier.

My point is that if you strictly want to ref the best "athletes", then go for boys. But don't downgrade the women's game - Pat Summitt would be unhappy!

Remember the chick who played for the USA olympic softball team - the pitcher who strikes out major league hitters? 'nuff said. Would rather watch her any day than some .215 major leaguer. Same holds true for me with women's BBall.

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by eyezen

Firstly, I don't want to come off big timing nor downgrading the girls game, but frankly it is what it is.

With that attitude, you shouldn't have been doing it in the first place.

There's nothing wrong with doing only one or only the other, nor with doing both. There is something wrong with working a game only to "fill out your schedule."

[eyezen]

I apologize if you misinterpreted what I said. That comment was based on those games that do not come from my main assignor. I get really good boys games from the outstate. I don't consider them "filler" in the derogatory sense.

[Scrapper1]

Originally Posted by bob jenkins

With that attitude, you shouldn't have been doing it in the first place.

What attitude? It doesn't sound to me like he's insulting anyone. He's just noting the obvious difference between boys and girls ball. That's what it sounds like to me, anyway.

For what it's worth, my schedule is now about 60% college vs. 40% HS, and I still work girls HS ball. Did one just last night, actually. I do it for a couple of reasons. One, because it helps my HS assignor. Two, because girls deserve the best officiating they can get; just as the boys do.

It's an adjustment, yes, but I can do it. Plus, I've asked my assignor to limit me to 5 or 6 girls assignments and he's fine with that. So I can help out without having to bounce back and forth all that much.