Advice for new official
 

I am just starting out officiating and wanted to get some advice. I won't be able to work game due to my current work schedule until this fall but wanted to get familiar with rules, etc. well before then.

I wanted to know if there was anything, other than watching officials working games, the rule book, case book and manual that would be good to have or be helpful in learning rules (i.e. different forms of the rule book, etc.). I know there are some different types of rule books, like the rule book illustrated, so wanted input and help on deciding what to purchase.

Thanks in advance for all your help. :)

Read every post of each topic on this (and others) site. This is a great learning tool.
Actual situations that have happened to others, combined with valid opinions backed by rules, and discussions between experienced officials....

Can we get a "newbie official" thread stickied at the top so we can avoid the weekly reposts?

Nothing against you, ref08; wellcome!

Don - great idea! Maybe if there was a way, when first registering for the site - "if you're a new official click here for some tips?" Or as you state - A permanent thread at the top for newbies with all previous advice permanently posted.

Ref08... One of the best features of this site...
 

...is the search function.

You can find many, many threads in the past that will give you loads of advice.

I found that to be extremely valuable when I first jumped on board.

You don't even need the search function. Just scroll to the bottom of this page and you'll see a couple threads for new officials. They might even have links to other threads.

If you know some of the varsity guys in your area, start riding along to games with them. I know in the past, my crew has taken a new official or two into the locker room during pregame and at the half so they could listen in. When I was coming up and not working varsity, I learned a lot from being around the varsity guys and listening in on their conversations.

Go find some youth league/travel league/AAU games to get some actual on the court expierence where you can work on positioning and mechanics and getting the jitters out. I don't care what level you do the first time you roll out there, you will have butterflies and be nervous as heck....My personal advice is not to make your first game with some HS teams.....But I am sure some have done it.....

The lower level stuff will allow you to work on things a little at a time where the games don't mean as much and you can get comfortable with what you are doing...

Stay away from anything rec league younger than 5th grade so you won't be so overwhelmed by the A-B-C-D-All of the above contact is a foul, which one should I call!? :D

Watching other officials at the HS level is good too....