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.