Tips for New Ref?

[RCBSports]

Originally Posted by fullor30

Luke,

I gotta tell ya, I'm jealous! By the time you're 35 you'll own the world as far as reffing goes. You are smart beyond your years for knowing that this place will help you to grow. Disregard alot of the silliness we post but retain the rules knowledge and game situations that a few of the 'elders' can pass on to you.

Be a sponge and work, work, work. Hopefully you can find a mentor, an official that can help you as you grow. When you are able to, go to camps to learn and soak everything in. My biggest regret is that I got into this great avocation late. I've always been a gym rat, basketball junkie, my whole life and finally figured out that officiating is my passion.

Good luck and have a ball.

I look forward to seeing you doing the Final Four in 20 years

Thanks, I have been getting the rule/case/handguide books for the last five years. My dad just went back into refereeing again, but he just does it for the little extra cash. As for me, I would do all my games for free if I didn't have bills to pay for. I dunno, I may just stay with my parents for the rest of my life!

I have been looking into camps and have actually 'attended' at one. I couldn't do anything but watch; but still then, i learned a lot. it really kills me sitting on the bench (BTW I am the school student athletic trainer) watching the games. I mostly just watch the 'Center' position and watch the officials more than i do the game. Now the coaches always go to me for the rules.

I have a referee jersey without a color and I have official shoes. I am not getting the pants yet because I figure I will grow by the time I am 18 and don't want to spend a lot of $$ for something that I will outgrow soon. But I do wear black shorts or black sweetpants when doing my community leagues.

I also have ordered this killer program for my computer that has the questions and review questions for the test. It's pretty cool. I believe its from the NFHS.

Thanks

[JS 20]

Best things you can start doing now is developing good habits.

1) Hustle
2) Know your coverage areas and responsibilities as lead or trail and work on those
3) GOOD MECHANICS
4) Remember that sometimes the competitive juices get flowing and players and coaches sometimes get ticked in the heat of the moment so don't have too quick of a trigger in the rec leagues and such. I had a hair trigger when I started at 18. On the other hand, don't let anyone undermine you or do/say anything that crosses the line.

Just work hard, study whenever possible (i keep a set of books in the bathroom ), have thick skin, a patient whistle and a short memory if you mess up a call. Just move on and learn from your mistakes. Oh and one more thing, if you see something and you're not 100% sure of the rule, don't make the call.