First Game for Rookie

[Mark Padgett]

Originally Posted by MikeK27

These will be the first games I have ever worked, so anyone have any last minute advice for me?

I know it sounds like a cliche, but "call what you see - see what you call". The more you work, the more your calls will become "reactionary". Until you feel that comfortable, pay close attention to the mechanics of your partner(s), especially the more experienced ones. Try to emulate them and you will eventually be in your "comfort zone".

One of the subjects that seems to elicit a difference of opinion is whether or not you should "anticipate" calls. Some officials think this is good planning and adds to consistency, while others think it's bad because you sometimes "pull the trigger" when the actual violation or foul didn't happen but would usually have under the circumstances. How you feel about this will develop over time. I would just advise at first not to be too anticipatory until you have much more experience.

See - sometimes when I'm actually on my meds, I can be quite lucid. Whether or not I make sense is another matter, however.

[JugglingReferee]

Not sure how much playing or coaching experience you have, OP, but Mark's point about anticipation is a good one.

If you feel comfortable, after some time, you can anticipate the play, based on the offense or defense being employed. If a team is running a flex offense, you know that there are a lot of quick screens and cuts, par example.

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by JugglingReferee

Mark's point about anticipation is a good one.

Anticipate the play, not the call.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NyC0X1z4J0U&NR=1

[BillyMac]

Check it out:

Most Misunderstood Basketball Rules

[MikeK27]

That is some great advice from everybody. I practiced some signals in front of the mirror last night and will do so again today. I am going to take things in small steps, focus on being in the right spot and looking where I need to look and signaling first. I know it will come to me over time, but it can be a little overwhelming at first. I will definitely let everyone know how things go on Wed. night.

[Adam]

I don't want to add too much, because I think it's detrimental for a new official to think too much while on the court.

That said:

Don't be afraid of a late whistle. As Mark alludes to, anticipating can lead to missed calls. If you need a second to digest what you just saw, take it; and don't be afraid to blow the whistle if you realize you had a violation.

As you officiate more, your reaction time will speed up and your whistles won't be as late.

[MikeK27]

Those are some more great responses. Thanks guys. The theme seems to be to slow things down in your mind, and focus on what you are looking at. I don't know if I worded that right, but I think I see the concept. There is no substitute for experience, so I know this will become more natural with time.

I am working with a 20 plus year veteran official, so I will be paying close attention to his actions and words.

[MikeK27]

Originally Posted by Mark Padgett

See - sometimes when I'm actually on my meds, I can be quite lucid. Whether or not I make sense is another matter, however.

Makes perfect sense to me, keep up the meds.

[Mark Padgett]

Originally Posted by MikeK27

Makes perfect sense to me, keep up the meds.

Thanks, that's the nicest thing anyone has said to me since 1847. BTW - where in Illinois are you located? Just curious - I'm originally from there.

[JLMatthew]

See the whole play...then make your decision. Note the sig below.

[Texas Aggie]

Before you go to your game, you need to spend a couple of hours (6 is better) in front of a mirror practicing your signal mechanics. You don't need a whistle (you can blow or just whistle yourself), but you do need to get used to several things:

1. Hearing yourself talk out loud. Sounds silly, but you'd be surprised how many people have never done it and it feels weird the first few times. Don't yell, but project your voice.

2. Making the foul presentation (Red 31, hold -- or hack, block, player control, etc. -- run through them all) with your hand giving the number. Do this for every color imaginable and every legal number -- especially 0 and 00. Use the book for guidance.

3. Simultaneously blowing and lifting your hand into a fist or open palm (and then do a few for a jump ball). Run through all violation signals a couple of dozen times each -- make your hands into a fist while doing the travel signal; it looks cleaner.

4. Get into a habit of saying the color when you are pointing for the direction after a violation like out of bounds. In front of the mirror, stick the open hand up then point, saying "white" or whatever other colors.

Do this NOW and I guarantee you your mechanics will be better than any first year's.

[JS 20]

This may sound dumb, but after having a lot of first year officials as partners.....Most importantly, when you see something happen, BLOW YOUR WHISTLE. You can work on your mechanics/hand signals as you go, just make sure to stop the play when something happens.

[MikeK27]

Originally Posted by JS 20

This may sound dumb, but after having a lot of first year officials as partners.....Most importantly, when you see something happen, BLOW YOUR WHISTLE. You can work on your mechanics/hand signals as you go, just make sure to stop the play when something happens.

I have read, maybe on this board, that newer officials tend to second guess themselves and then they don't blow the whistle at all. I am going to try really hard to not fall into this and be confident with what I call. I know I will miss some, but I will learn as I get more experience.

[Camron Rust]

Originally Posted by JS 20

This may sound dumb, but after having a lot of first year officials as partners.....Most importantly, when you see something happen, BLOW YOUR WHISTLE. You can work on your mechanics/hand signals as you go, just make sure to stop the play when something happens.

This is probably the most important point made so far. Forget about the signals, just blow the whistle. Once you're blowning the whistle, you can worry about what to signal.

[dweigs]

Originally Posted by JS 20

This may sound dumb, but after having a lot of first year officials as partners.....Most importantly, when you see something happen, BLOW YOUR WHISTLE. You can work on your mechanics/hand signals as you go, just make sure to stop the play when something happens.

I know a lot of people have touched on this, but like everyone has said i do to personally think that this is the best point anyone has said so far. Personally for myself I know i am blowing my whistle loud enough when people are giving me the look "ooooo that hurts my ears". Because I know when it comes down to a big play and the crowd is going nuts i do know they will here my whistle. Also make sure you have a nice whistle. I have a Fox 40(as im sure everyone else does) but it will make a difference.