Tips for New Ref?

[RCBSports]

Originally Posted by crazy voyager

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

Sweet, I am not alone. Yes, I have quite a few referee who I talk to. Most of the WVSSAC and the Mon Valley board knows me. Some even say they wish I was 18 already. They said they are sick and tired of my hanging out in the official room and wish I was there to be a ref. Even a few of them have came to a few of my rec games and give suggestions on how to improve, which is what I ask for.

Some refs think they are the **** and they don't need improvement. I was in the official room when the board evaluator came in and told this one ref to be more bold and he basically had that attitude of yeah right, whatever. But I sat there and listen to what he had to say. I learned from it and after the game, the evaluator came in and told me that I had something on my face, like a curious look. Then we sat down and talked for a good bit about what was on my mind and talked forever about refereeing and how I can become better.

-Lucas