Not bad, Rut. I give it a six. :)

That is superlative advice. Also, if you can have a mentor or peer watch the film with you and discuss it, that's even better.

Preparing one self & getting better are different, kinda sorta in a way. If you worked higher levels but don't know what you look like while working how can you get better?
Partners could tell you, mentors & assignors could tell you, but seeing is believing!

As a matter of fact, I heard from a highly respected NBA guy that one could gain 4 games worth of experience for every 1 game that was broken down properly within 48 hrs.

With the Monty quote that you dropped, it seems as though we have the same point of reference...

Attend an official's camp that includes video tape review, has an emphasis on instruction, includes a high level of play and preferably services a team (rather than individual) camp. If you can, talk to someone who has attended the camp before signing up.

Besides more physical play, the speed of the game and the intensity of players and coaches are the factors that I need to adjust to most at higher levels. This is usually offset by better skill. If you can handle the speed and intensity then here are some tips that help me with physicality:

1. referee the defense first

I know this has become a cliche, but it works. If you cannot specifically identify what the defense has done wrong then don't penalize the defense because there was contact.

2. reward good defense

If borderline contact occurs after a good defensive effort (e.g. clean blocked shot), let it go.


3. penalize bad defense

If borderline contact occurs after bad defense (e.g reaching across offenders body for a block) nail it unless doing so would take an advantage away from the offensive player.


4. If legitimately calling a foul is likely to decrease later fouls and improve the game, get it.

5. Observe how other officials handle physical play, e.g. focus exclusively on post play for a few trips.

6. Set the tone early by not passing on early fouls. Most times players will adjust for the rest of the game. If your officiating team finds that you are calling too tight, it is easier to loosen up rather than tighten up.

7. If you are questioning calling a foul and there has been clear displacement, call it.

8. Look for opportunites to penalize over aggressive play against both teams early and within a short time frame.

I continue to struggle with handling physical play, so if anyone else wants to share tips, bring 'em on.

With the Monty quote that you dropped, it seems as though we have the same point of reference...[/QUOTE]

Monty is one of my favorite officials. He wrote a piece for referee magazine a while ago that really inspired me. I'm sure many of you have read the same article.

I am a steadfast believer in the benefits of tape. However, I think for Colt Doggs' purpose or any other official aspiring to move up and work higher levels or better basketball, you just have to get out there and experience by working. It is obvious that other officials and assignors would give him the games if he was willing, so I don't think its a talent question.

A 6? Try an upside down 6. Good one, Rut.

As for the OP, I'm in the video boat. Video is an amazing teaching tool. The proof lies with the pros - they look at video all the time.

But I also see the benefit from doing a game where you have to stretch yourself. Like if you're the rook in a V game with 2 other senior guys. Tio's point is good, too.

I'm impressed. I've found sitting on the fence ends up hurting after a while. :)

Ya, I guess it may seem like I'm on the fence. LOL So to be clearer for you, I choose video - both of yourself and of other people. :)

Rocky is less likely to get a sunburn than most of us. He's further away from the sun.

There are some advantages to being an oompa loompa.

One of the other advantages is that no one could tell if he gets a sunburn.

What scoring system are you using? Metric? :eek:

Soviet.

Study Wanjas reponse . It's good!

Can't be...it would 1342.432 if it were metric!

Shutup.

Stoopid peanut gallery.

Word.