Tips for New Ref?

[crazy voyager]

Originally Posted by RCBSports

Well, I found this forum and I was glad I found it. I love this. My name is Luke and I am 16. I am not an OFFICIAL referee due to my age, have to be 18.

Anyway, I am allowed to do any scrimmages, community leagues, etc. Just not actual games.

Anyway, I have been doing community leagues, like the YMCA for three years now and I am loving refereeing more and more everyday. I was wondering though, if you guys had any pointers, suggestions, tips, etc to help me become better so when I start out, I can get noticed by the official board and start getting more games?!?!

Let me know,

Thanks.

Welcome to the forum Luke
Just a tip from another young ref (I'm 16 as well, started calling games when I was 13...).
There are loads of stuff you can say about being a ref but I picked one (wich I think is one of the things I try to keep to).
Never stop learning. The best thing is to try and get a mentor (en excperienced official who can help you out). Then when ever you see something, no matter when, if you're playing, refeering, spectating, watching a game on tv. Think about it, if it is a weird situation how would you handle it. And if you find a referee you think looks great, why does he look great? Good calls, good mechanics?
Keep your eyes open, but when you're on the court, you're the referee, don't be afraid to T up a coach 20 years older then you. It's all part of the job (and you will get used to it if you havn't done it already)
Good luck with your games