Your very best advice for a new ref

[Juulie Downs]

Remember first of all that no matter how many years you coached, you probably don't know the rules as well as you think you do. Be humble when talking to other refs about the rules. Listen. If you're sure they're wrong, go look in the books.

Choose one or two things to focus on in a game, and don't worry about rhe rest. I usually try to pick one rule thing, one or two mechanics things like signals, and a thought process to refine, such as watching off ball, or seeing the defense in the block/charge.

Don't forget that you're there for the kids. You decide ahead of time how you're going to serve the kids (give them a great game, firm boundaries, cheerful pleasant demeanor), and what you're not going to do (yell, talk too much, or whatever).

Keep a journal. At the end of the game, write down five things good that you did, five things that definitely need work. And any other notes, such os to look up a certain rule, or ask your commissioner about a certain aspect of the floor or sportsmanship.

As others have said, have fun! You might be in it for the money, or for the exercise, or for the unbelievable status and standing and hero worship that refs get! But it aint worth any of that if it's not fun.

[LDUB]

Originally Posted by Juulie Downs

Don't forget that you're there for the kids. You decide ahead of time how you're going to serve the kids

I wouldn't go around assuming why other people officiate. I know I have never officiated a game for the kids and I have never even heard of someone thinking about how they will "serve the kids".

[just another ref]

Slow down. See the play through. Then, don't be afraid to blow the whistle if you think it might be too late. It isn't.

[Juulie Downs]

Originally Posted by LDUB

I wouldn't go around assuming why other people officiate. I know I have never officiated a game for the kids and I have never even heard of someone thinking about how they will "serve the kids".

I'm not sure what you mean about assuming why other people officiate. I wasn't suggesting it, and I wasn't doing it. I'm just saying that the game is there for the kids to have a growing experience, a learning experience. When you referee to give them the best game you can give, they have the chance to learn more and to grow more. When you're just reffing to get done and get home, no one wins.

[26 Year Gap]

I have always asked the varsity guys if there was something I could work on. Most of the time, they will give you a pointer or two. Observe them in the varsity game so you can see what they were pointing out. Ask if you can sit in for their halftime chat.

Never be a 'yabut'.

[Mark Padgett]

As many of us know, the first rule of officiating is:

"Tuck your whistle in your shirt before you take a leak."

[derwil]

I'd find out when some of the highhly regarded referees in your association are calling and go watch them from the table. Watch how they work the game and communicate. There are lots of things not in the rule books you can pick up that will help your game get better.

[26 Year Gap]

I'd find out when some of the highhly regarded referees in your association are calling and go watch them from the table. Watch how they work the game and communicate. There are lots of things not in the rule books you can pick up that will help your game get better.
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If it's a foul on that end, IT'S GOTTA BE A FOUL ON THIS END!!!!!

"It will be in the 2nd half, coach."