Camps

[Stan]

Originally posted by fletch_irwin_m
I went to my first camp a few weeks ago. Other then a minor apparel glitch, I had a great learning experience. This was a unique camp where it was run by an NBA official, with NBA, DI and NFHS observers. I took a lot away from it. "Being Big" was one thing I heard over and over again and eventually someone shouwed me what to do to look big. (Even though I am 6'4")

What was the glitch and how do you look big?

Thanks, Stan

[ScottParks]

I'd like to hear more about "looking big" also. Is it merely floor posture or does it include how you run?

[Mark Dexter]

Originally posted by fletch_irwin_m
"Being Big" was one thing I heard over and over again and eventually someone shouwed me what to do to look big. (Even though I am 6'4")

Yikes!

If 6'4" isn't big, I'm screwed!

[fletch_irwin_m]

Those were the thoughts I had but here are some things I learned:
1) Stand square with your feet about shoulder width apart. I was standing with one foot in front of the other.
2) I had a tendancy to "hunch" my shoulders when I was watching a play (a horrible flaw for poker) So while the evaluator could see I was watching the play, it did not look "big".
3) Bring all signals up high to the area around my shoulder and ear. I was just signaling in front of me..
4) Wear tighter clothes. I have lost 30 lbs since I started officiating so every thing is a little loose. I would say "looks big on me" but that would defeat the purpose.
5) The fact that I was wearing white shoes did not help matters either@!!
6) Use a loud, crisp voice when reporting.
To balance out my enthusiasm after the next game, THAT evaluator said "It is a foul, not a crime, don't take it personally!"
But my camp experience was GREAT!! If you can take personal criticism, it is helpful. I don't have an over inflated sense of self so it did not bother me.