Help me ...I'm wrestling with myself...

[Dan_ref]

Not really clear what the question is but it sounds like you're lacking confidence in your calls. I suppose letting a lot of stuff go is OK, as long as you are consistent from call to call and more importantly with what your partner is calling. Usually I have found at the HS level coaches are more tolerant of too many fouls than they are of not enough fouls assuming it's going both ways and especially if the game is getting rough. So maybe the thing to work on is to try to be a little less loose in what contact you will let go & mimic what your partner is calling (assuming it's worth mimicing of course), especially on shooting fouls. May also be worth having a decent pregame (I know, tough to do in summer ball) to go over what the crew will allow and not allow. This gets you both on the same page right off the bat & if you're calling the same game it's easier to be confident in your own calls. I'm not sure if that will help.

[rockyroad]

Video, video, video...get someone (wife, child, friend, etc) to come and video the games you are working and then watch yourself - break down the tape. What calls did you make, what did you miss? Were you consistent or not...evaluating yourself at this point in your career will be much more valuable than asking the assignor at an AAU tournament.

[TheOracle]

Originally Posted by rockyroad

Video, video, video...get someone (wife, child, friend, etc) to come and video the games you are working and then watch yourself - break down the tape. What calls did you make, what did you miss? Were you consistent or not...evaluating yourself at this point in your career will be much more valuable than asking the assignor at an AAU tournament.

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.

[wanja]

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.