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

[Mark Padgett]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

I do not work wrestling, so I have no idea what the ruling would be on such a move.

Peace

Not bad, Rut. I give it a six.

[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.

Originally Posted by Tio

Unfortunately, the best way to prepare you is to actually work the higher level games.

Originally Posted by Ch1town

the single most effective way to better yourself... VIDEO REVIEW

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.

Originally Posted by Tio

Monty McCutcheon says "We are expected to be excellent, not perfect."

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

[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.

[Tio]

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.

[JugglingReferee]

Originally Posted by Mark Padgett

Not bad, Rut. I give it a six.

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.

[Adam]

Originally Posted by JugglingReferee

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.

[JugglingReferee]

Originally Posted by Snaqwells

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.

[Jurassic Referee]

Originally Posted by Dan_ref

I hope you get a bad case of poison ivy... and a sunburn

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.

[Adam]

Originally Posted by Jurassic Referee

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.

[Mark Padgett]

Originally Posted by JugglingReferee

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

What scoring system are you using? Metric?

[Adam]

Originally Posted by Mark Padgett

What scoring system are you using? Metric?

Soviet.

[pistol]

Study Wanjas reponse . It's good!

[Camron Rust]

Originally Posted by Mark Padgett

What scoring system are you using? Metric?

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

[rockyroad]

Originally Posted by Jurassic Referee

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.

Shutup.

Stoopid peanut gallery.

Word.