Brian and rec ball

[ChuckElias]

originally written by Brian Watson
Plus, it makes me want to vomit when I hear people tell rookies to work as much rec ball as possible, what a better place to learn your mechanics...but that is a different soapbox altogether.

Brian, this is advice that I often give to new officials, so I'm honestly curious as to the reasons that have triggered your reverse peristalsis. Rut has often voiced his disdain for rec leagues; but my understanding is that, for him, "rec league" is synonomous with "adult league". Around here, rec leagues are mostly kids' leagues. We try to encourage our newer guys to do a lot of 13U and 11U basketball. I really believe that it's a great way to work on mechanics and put your rules' knowledge to the test. I know that it helped me when I was starting out. (The adult leagues are a different matter.)

What has your experience been? And would you tell us why you would discourage officials from working these kinds of games?

Thanks.

Chuck