Probably the most frustrating first timer ever

[MikeK27]

Originally Posted by grunewar

Me? First game, everytime the coach wanted a timeout I would make the "T" signal. My partner asked me twice why I issued a technical foul to the coach. Me - duh! Lesson learned!

I am in my first year right now, with things going well so far. But, I did this the first time a coach requested a time out too. I made the "T" signal and instantly knew what I did.

[archangel]

Originally Posted by MikeK27

I am in my first year right now, with things going well so far. But, I did this the first time a coach requested a time out too. I made the "T" signal and instantly knew what I did.

Same for me. Coach asks for TO, I signal "T" , she yells "What did I do?", and I reply "you wanted a TO" (thinking to myself- whats her problem?- dumb coach)...the irony.....

[cardinalfan]

I suppose one of the great things about getting older is that I can't remember all the embarrassing things that happened when I was a newbie.

It seemed like I had some of my most embarrassing moments after I thought I had gotten good, including:
* As I stepped in to toss the ball as we began a boy's regional tournament game, one of the players said, "Are we going to play with a girl's ball?" oops.
* I remember getting ready to put my whistle in my mouth to start a game and... no whistle. Another quick trip to the dressing room.
* During a boring girl's V game once, the horn blew and I made my way to the dressing room, which was just off the end of the court. My partners didn't come in, so I looked out to see where they were. They were out on the floor ready to start the fourth quarter!
* Girls JV game. I called an foul on a shot and looked up to see if the ball went in the hole. When I looked back down, there were four girls standing there who all looked alike. I didn't have a clue who fouled. Neither did my partner. So I walked in the lane and said, "Who fouled?" One of the girls raised her hand, and that was good enough for me.
* After a walking call, a coach yelled, "Dang it, (my name), you've gotta do better than that!" WHACK! Then I realized his player has the same first name as me.

I guess in some ways, I'll always be a newbie.

[cardinalfan]

Let me say this:
I enjoy working with young guys who want to learn. We laugh about mistakes, and work to get better.
I was lucky to have some understanding partners when I began, and I try to help young officials who will hopefully be around long after I'm gone.