First Playoff Game

[force39]

I have my first playoff game in a couple of days. I am excited and nervous.
What tips do you guys have for me.

[JRutledge]

Congrats. Have fun working the game. There will likely be more to come.

Peace

[bas2456]

Doesn't matter if it's the first game of the year or the playoffs...It's only the playoffs for the teams involved. Playoffs for my intramural league are coming up as well. I think that if the refs get caught up in the fact that it's the playoffs, they won't do as good of a job. Stay true to yourself and officiate just as you always do. You're reffing postseason basketball, so you must be a good official. Keep doing what you're doing.

[Mark Padgett]

Remember that you were chosen based on your past performance. Therefore, perform in exactly the same way you have been all season. Don't change how you do things just because it's the playoffs. That's what's expected of you.

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by bas2456

I think that if the refs get caught up in the fact that it's the playoffs, they won't do as good of a job.

I am not sure I completely agree. You better realize you are on a bigger stage because everyone involved will feel that way and you need to match or understand their intensity. We all have different ways to get prepared for these games, but someone is likely going home or season ending after these games.

Peace

[bas2456]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

I am not sure I completely agree. You better realize you are on a bigger stage because everyone involved will feel that way and you need to match or understand their intensity. We all have different ways to get prepared for these games, but someone is likely going home or season ending after these games.

Peace

I see your points, and I think I explain what I mean later in my post...basically don't change what you do. The rim is still ten feet high. Sure the game might be a little more intense, but I think composure is a big part of officiating, and to be a good official you need composure.

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by bas2456

I see your points, and I think I explain what I mean later in my post...basically don't change what you do. The rim is still ten feet high. Sure the game might be a little more intense, but I think composure is a big part of officiating, and to be a good official you need composure.

That sounds wonderful, but you will not know how to handle your composure until you actually work a game or a situation you are not used to. If someone is working their first playoff game, it might take a game or two for them to know how to conduct themselves. Sometimes you learn that by watching others. But to not expect someone new to get nervous is not very realistic. You can tell someone to keep their composure and they will likely not relax until that first call or first situation they have to deal with.

Peace

[Nevadaref]

Originally Posted by Mark Padgett

Remember that you were chosen based on your past performance. Therefore, perform in exactly the same way you have been all season. Don't change how you do things just because it's the playoffs. That's what's expected of you.

Excellent advice. Continue to do what got you there.

[cardinalfan]

Originally Posted by force39

I have my first playoff game in a couple of days. I am excited and nervous.
What tips do you guys have for me.

*Don't worry if you're a little nervous before the game. The jitters should go away as soon as the game begins.
*Really concentrate every trip down the floor. Hustle. Work your area. You should be with partners who know what they're doing.
*Remember that it is a a big game for the players, coaches, and fans. Sometimes adrenaline flows a little more at the beginning, but they will settle in to their game after the pregame hype wears off.
*Pray it is a good game. A few years ago I was selected to work my first state tournament. The first round girl's game I had was a 30-point foul-fest. Very disappointing, but it got much better after that!
*Finally... have fun! This is what you've been working for. Enjoy it.

[force39]

Well I did it.
It was a blast. Game was close.
Everybody's advice was right on the money. Once the game started
it was like a regular game. Except towards the end with game on the line
the excitement was tremendous, Fan involvement was super. Nothing like
regular season that's for sure.

Thanks for all advice.
Love this game.

[cardinalfan]

Originally Posted by force39

Well I did it.
It was a blast. Game was close.
Everybody's advice was right on the money. Once the game started
it was like a regular game. Except towards the end with game on the line
the excitement was tremendous, Fan involvement was super. Nothing like
regular season that's for sure.

Thanks for all advice.
Love this game.

Congrats!

[PIAA REF]

Congrats, Way to Go!