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Mon Feb 25, 2002, 12:23pm
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Chuck 
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Mon Feb 25, 2002, 12:59pm
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I don't know Chuck...
How many new guys have you told "put some air in that whistle!" Or they blow it for far too long (no pun intended.) During a game, you want a very strong, short blast. It's very loud in an enclosed space like a bedroom but just right in a gym. Using protection allows you to "tweet" away without discomfort. Other things about whistles you won't read in the book: Listen very carefully to the "tweet" you here in the nba or nc2ab games on the TV. Short! Sharp! Sweet! Go for the same strong tone and length every time. During the game, avoid blowing the whistle right in someone's ear. That's why you will see many referees turn their head or hold a hand over their whistle when in a crowd. Don't toss the ball to start a game with a whistle in your mouth. Blow it, drop it, then step in for the toss. Always have a spare along with an extra lanyard or smitty. Don't use a football whistle on the basketball court - EVER! Sounds bad, looks bad, is bad! Basketball requires a "peerless" whistle that does not use a pea in the barrel. Ask your local sports store about the difference! (I know this is long winded again but it's for the new guy!)
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Mon Feb 25, 2002, 01:43pm
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Quote:
Quote:
 Chuck
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Mon Feb 25, 2002, 03:44pm
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Wed Feb 27, 2002, 11:16am
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My advice: 1. Get into a class In Ohio there are classes that start late summer / early fall. If your state has one, get in there. Do some searches on the internet for officials associations in your state....call them NOW and find out when the class is. Even better if you can get into a camp over the summer for beginners. Be careful...make sure the camp is for beginnners. 2. Know this going in....just because you pass your class and get certified doesnt mean you will get high school games. The High School level is loaded with guys who eat up assignments. Bottom line, its tough to break in. When you learn who the assignors are....and you will....call them and ask to be put on their sub list. Then, dont bug them but keep in touch with them. Send them a calendar with dates you are available. Also, it's very likely that the schedules for the upcoming year will be filled when you get out of class so in reality, you will struggle to build a Jr. High or high school schedule your first and maybe your second year. To close this point...Ask the assignors when they will be scheduling for the next season. Make sure you get them your availability in time for them to consider it. Example....On Febuary 10th of 2002, I got my schedule from a JV assignor. He asked me to hold Feb 8th....of 2003! See why it's so hard to break in! 3. Find "rec" aka kids leagues you can work. In Ohio there are tons. The key is to find out who is who. I suggest calling the ADs of the grade schools (public and private)in your area and ask them who schedules officials for their games. You'll learn quickly who is who and you should be able to find games at this level. If you do ok, you'll find that you get a call every week or in some cases, get a set schedule. These games are usually played on Saturdays and Sundays. My advice...first year...Load up. These will help because it gets you games in front of people. A lot of these schools play in band boxes so the 75 people in there will sound like 3000. 4. Don't turn down games from the important assignors unless you absolutely have to. Once you get a permit, I would keep a uniform in the car so you can sub with a few hours notice. 5. Find a mentor. A rec league I work in had a class before the season started this year. The assignor brought in a guest speaker who is a Varsity and sm college official in my state to give a talk. He offered at the end of class that if anyone had any questions, take his card and call. My adivce...dont be shy. Call a guy like that and ask him who he would call to help you get assignments if he were in your shoes. 6. Join the local assocaition. You'll be required anyway. 7. Did you notice that the majority of my points are learning who is who and making contact with them? The old adage about the squeeky wheel holds true here. Network yourself to the hilt. 8. When you work with the Old Guys Errr Senior Officials (See, I'm learning JR!!), ASK for feedback. Questions like "any feedback for me?" after the game shows you are interested in improving. They will answer and it will likely be constructive. I've picked up on a few things I was missing or doing wrong this way. 9. Read and re-read the books. 10. Once you get started....when you have questions or situations that happen, bring them to this board and ask. You will get all kinds of feedback...some good...some bad. You have to sort through that but I've found it's nice to come home and while a sitch is fresh in my mind be able to post a question. Ask for references to the specific rule or page in the books when you ask questions here. It will help you go back and read up. 11. Call what you saw...not what you see. Give plays time to develop. This isnt my line but it's a darn good one. 12. Call your lines, fouls and violations. The other guy will call his. (Once you get in to this, you'll understand what I mean) 13. Hustle. 14. There is no law that says you have to move up. If you try the higher levels and dont like the pressure...but you enjoy the kids....then stay with the kids. I've met at least 10 guys this year who have been officiating for 5-10 years. They love working the kids so thats what they do. there is nothing wrong with that. 15. If you are serious about moving up, look the part. Get the pants, shoes and V-neck shirts. If you get to high school where a jacket is required for pregame, get it. Even if you work a 3rd grade game, you have no idea who is watching. The other thing I've noticed is that by wearing the correct uniform, I think the coaches take you more serious. You'll see guys in warm up pants, white shoes and collared shirts. Dont do it! Spend the money. 16. Have fun. Take it serious but if you feel in anyway that it's "WORK", you are probably not going to last. Will people yell at you?....probably every game....Will you miss something or blow a call...probably every game. The key is to try to learn and improve. I've learned that officiating is a marathon, not a sprint. There are no short cuts to High School or College. It's all about networking, experience and talent. Good Luck and God's Speed! Larks - Veteran In Training
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Wed Feb 27, 2002, 02:32pm
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Larks,excellent post,excellent advise!Keep after 'em,big guy!
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