Your very best advice for a new ref

[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.
__________________
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."

[Coltdoggs]

Welcome to the game!

8+ years and I mainly stay at the Jr High level...it's where my heart and interest lies. I've done some summer HS ball but nothing official on Friday nights.

Know your nerves are a good thing...it means you care about doing a good job.

Talk to yourself on the court, give yourself a play by play as you are watching...this can help you a great deal. As you cross halfcourt, remind yourself "White this way or blue this way"...

Focus on one thing to improve on each game...be it getting your arm up straight on calls, perfeciting your 5 and 10 second chop to actually be 5 and 10 seconds.

Have fun...it's just a game...