How Do You Slow It All Down?

[dan74]

I'm a third year official, so I've recently been in your shoes. The game has progressively slowed down for me since about the middle of last year. I have a long way to go, but I do feel more relaxed.

Here's my input:

1) Study the rules. Coming to this site has really helped my understanding of situations, rules, and intent. Plus it has given me some yuks.
2) Practice your signals-it'll help.
3) As lead-get off the end line and lean back slightly on your heels-it'll slow you down just a bit.
4) I learned this here and think I have the phrase right-officiate the defense. An example would be a quick turnover w/you as the lead booking down court. Find the defender closest to the ball handler first and then expand your range of vision-as opposed to trying to pick everything up all at once.
5) As mentioned by others, experience. Work a lot of youth games.
6) ***My biggest change happened at the beginning of this season. I decided I would no longer sweat what the crowd was saying. I stopped second guessing my decisions. I continue to strive not to make mistakes, but I've accepted the fact that I'll make them. This has also helped w/my ability to work w/coaches.