Preparing for partners who are new

[Adam]

My initial thought is just to continue working on your game. As a 2nd year guy, I wouldn't worry about most of Billy's stuff.

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by Snaqwells

My initial thought is just to continue working on your game. As a 2nd year guy, I wouldn't worry about most of Billy's stuff.

I agree.

Peace

[zeedonk]

Originally Posted by Snaqwells

My initial thought is just to continue working on your game. As a 2nd year guy, I wouldn't worry about most of Billy's stuff.

Oh, I absolutely agree. I am certainly not implying that I am now the Wizard of Pregame, or of anything else. Just concerned about how to handle certain situations... I KNOW that my partners last year took care of me and I didn't always ask what they said. I figured if they wanted me to know, they'd tell me.

One of my goals this year is coach/sideline control, which means more interaction with the coaches than I had last year. I want to avoid any catastrophic land mines in my brief interactions on the sidelines...

Z

[Mark Padgett]

Regarding press coverage, I always tell my partner that I'll do the talking with the press, and if it's radio or TV coverage, I'll do the interview. As to covering the last two minutes, I remind my partner to make sure one of us comes up with a call that eliminates the possibility of overtime.

[refnrev]

Just do an easy pre-game about how you're going to handle things and review the basics. Be calm and reassuring, and whether you have confidence in their ability or not, do not let them know you have doubts. I know of guys who make their newbie partners nervous wrecks before and during the game. Remember, we were all newbies once and people helped us out a lot!

[grunewar]

Originally Posted by zeedonk

I KNOW that my partners last year took care of me and I didn't always ask what they said. I figured if they wanted me to know, they'd tell me.

In some ways you've answered your own question.

Treat your new partners well (like you were treated by the good officials last yr) AND just as importantly, remember what you didn't like about last yr and help to improve on that for them.

PS - Always remind them to have fun....and welcome to the Forum!

[Adam]

Originally Posted by zeedonk

Oh, I absolutely agree. I am certainly not implying that I am now the Wizard of Pregame, or of anything else. Just concerned about how to handle certain situations... I KNOW that my partners last year took care of me and I didn't always ask what they said. I figured if they wanted me to know, they'd tell me.

One of my goals this year is coach/sideline control, which means more interaction with the coaches than I had last year. I want to avoid any catastrophic land mines in my brief interactions on the sidelines...

Z

Fair enough.

Never tell a coach how long you or your partner have been reffing; unless you've been doing it since before he was born (also known as the Padgett Clause).

Never tell a coach your partner missed a call, or a series of calls. If he asks about your partner's call, tell him he'll need to ask your partner when he gets a chance.

Keep an eye on your partner when he's talking to the coaches, to make sure he's not taking more than he should. But it's best to generally let your partner speak for himself. If you see he's getting distracted by the coach, talk to your partner about taking care of business. Offer to step in with the T if he needs you to.

Pregame? Tell him to relax and call what he sees. Tell him to have fun. Then, right before you take the court, tell him to check his zipper.

The last step should be skipped if you don't have a dressing room.

[cdaref]

I rode up with the crew that was doing the game before my varsity game. That crew had a newbie who I had worked with at one of our jamborees (pre-season scrimmages where we work with new officials). His partner wasnt really on the ball and instead of pregaming went and talked to the AD. So I took the newbie and kept it simple. I went over court coverage real quick. I reassured him, said he would do a good job and said:

"95% of basketball is easy and you already know it--blocks, charges, travels, out of bounds. You know those calls, just call what you see. Leave the other 5% to your partner. You just do three things tonite: 1. blow your whistle and blow it hard when you see something, 2. get your hand up, and 3. make eye contact with your partner before you put the ball in play."

He did a fine job and I told him so. Building confidence in the newbie is the most important thing I think we can do.

As a general matter, I think newbies get a ton of stuff thrown at them and it helps for that first game to just slow them down, focus them on the very basics and reassure them that their partners are there to help them.

[SmokeEater]

Originally Posted by cdaref

"95% of basketball is easy and you already know it--blocks, charges, travels, out of bounds. You know those calls, just call what you see. Leave the other 5% to your partner. You just do three things tonite: 1. blow your whistle and blow it hard when you see something, 2. get your hand up, and 3. make eye contact with your partner before you put the ball in play."

He did a fine job and I told him so. Building confidence in the newbie is the most important thing I think we can do.

As a general matter, I think newbies get a ton of stuff thrown at them and it helps for that first game to just slow them down, focus them on the very basics and reassure them that their partners are there to help them.

This is the best advice I have seen for first year officials. Obviously the more they get on the floor the more they will be responsible for, but the KISS principle seems to be the best policy.

[FrankHtown]

My first game I asked my partner if I should tell the coaches that this is my first game. He said "No, they'll figure it out soon enough!"

[Rich]

I have taken on a new partner who has about 5-6 years under his belt, but has never really had a regular partner, which is crucial for advancement here.

Last year I got him to sub for my then regular partner and my then-partner rolled his eyes. Said the guy wasn't that strong. Said it was up to me. But I like the guy and it was in a small conference, so not much to lose no matter how it went.

So I went out and decided I would pump this guy up at every opportunity. And you know what? He didn't need it. His judgment was outstanding. His mechanics were probably better than mine. What he was lacking is "presence" (and no, I don't want to start a huge discussion on this) and confidence.

We talked after the game and the first thing he said was "I wish I could run a game like you just did." OK, self-awareness. Good. I told him that this is the step he needs to make next (this) season. I gave him examples of strong officiating and good judgment throughout the game. Seriously, he didn't make one call or pass on one call (that I saw, cause, well, I wasn't looking in his primary) that I thought was "off the wall."

And I will do my best to start the season making sure he isn't too vulnerable and pull back as the season goes on. By the end of this season, he will be there. At least that's my personal goal. It all starts tonight.

[fullor30]

BillyMac.............

First of all thanks for all the helpful informational pregames etc that you post here. I know it's a labor of love. That said, you've put alot of time and effort into it and I for one appreciate your passion.

I printed out your long version pregame which I thought was great as I like to cover topics and keep it in a discussion vein rather than just reading off a card.

Do you have this pregame in a 3 whistle form?

Thanks