Your very best advice for a new ref

[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...

[AKOFL]

Having yourself videoed is also a valuable tool for improving. U can see yourself in all your glory or just the opposite. Take in all the pointers u can, even though it may not come accros in the best way. Never let others take away the enjoyment u get from calling the game. I'm all about having a good time while doing the best job I can. Good luck

[refnrev]

My best advice, in no particular order:
1. Have fun.
2. Learn from everyone you work with.... good and bad.
3. Don't take yourself too seriously... especially when you and everyone else in the gym knows you just kicked it.
4. Develop very bad but very selective hearing.
5. Buy good shoes.
6. Ask a lot of questions when you're with good refs.
7. Say thank you when you get bad advice from bad refs and let it go.
8. Remember that it takes about 3 years to really start getting pretty good.
9. Use a FOX 40... preferablly a CMG.
10. Know the rules. All of those goofy things you know will never happen in one of your games.... they'll happen.
11. If you look and act professional, people will treat you that way, and vice versa.

[tomegun]

Originally Posted by Coltdoggs

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.

I don't want to hijack the thread, but I don't understand what this has to do with the question. It is almost as if you are trying to justify why you don't do a higher level - something I don't think you need to do. The only thing I would question is this: does your area need you at a higher level? Your contribution to the game might be better served at the HS level. Either way, I'm curious as to why you would include that in your answer.

Back to the topic.

Thank you for stepping out and doing something the game of basketball needs but many will not do. There are so many things that will make up your experience as an official: your drive, your natural ability, opportunity, mentors, etc. I don't care if it is rec ball or not, you need to see plays. You can get on the fast track to almost every aspect of officiating except seeing and calling plays.

[referee99]

I'm assuming you are relatively new to this site as well.

If true, explore the 'search' function. It is fantastic!

No matter what situation you encounter on the court, it has been discussed, disected, and broken down to the nth degree many times in the past.

Its a treasure trove for new officials (and old)!!