Learn by doing
 

I love that saying, and I certainly had to put it to good use this past weekend.

I am 23 years old, and have wanted to get into officiating for a few years now. I finally got my chance, and I was lost. I can name 10 things just of the top of my head I did wrong and/or didn't call.

I am reading up on the rules now, I know 'most' of the signals, just not very well at interepting them, yet. I can see that I could learn a lot from this forum, and mostly, I just wanted to state my presence!

I shall vanish back into the shadows again, good day everyone.



Oscar

Welcome, Oscar. I would encourage you to use the search function on topics of interest to you. I don't want to discourage you from asking questions, however. Ask questions and read.

Again, welcome.

Where do you officiate that they pay you in change? :D Seriously, welcome and don't be put off by some of the member's lame attempts at humor - not that I would ever do that.

Listen Skippy Weaselpants. If you are saying that my well reasoned dissertations on the rules of our illustrious game are lame attempts at humor, then you are just itching for a fight. And wearing your good fishnet hose is no excuse for avoiding a fight.

MTD, Sr.

You will have a problem if you're not doing a good job of interpreting the rules. You will do awesome as an official if you do a great job of interrupting them. :D

Don't worry kiddo, don't let the humorous ones on the board get to you about your spelling errors. Just read the book, and throw some questions at yourself, and become a student of the game. You'll get there. We've all been where you are at now.

Are you sure you want to pick a fight with Skippy? What's your defense against his high heels? :D

Talk about owning myself the first time around. Sad part is, I copied the text into word for spell check. Where is the grammar check!

Thanks for the kind welcome, and do not worry, I at least know what the all mighty search button can do! (And how to use it)


Oscar

No need...this forum software has a spell check. The button is in the top right corner. It is, however, ieSpell...which is only available in Internet Explorer.

As for a grammar check...Word does have that...if you have it turned on.

This one's too easy. :D

Hey Mr. Acronym - at least spell my name correctly. This is an insult to my family - the royal Weaselpants family of Antarctica.

BTW - my fishnets don't itch, either.

I umpire baseball and fastpitch softball, meaning I have a breathing apparatus to wear, :D.

MTD, Sr.

I am sorry, :(.

MTD, Sr.

Apology accepted (as long as you send a check). :cool:

The check is in the mail, ;).

MTD, Sr.

Hi Showbo,

Welcome aboard. What city do you reside in? Four suggestions (if you have not already covered them).

1. Identify an experienced official in your area who can help you get off to a good start.
2. Participate in a rules study class.
3. Become certified in your state.
4. Participate in an officiating camp targeted to beginning officials.

I would only like to say that if you don't feel comfortable disclosing your city, there is no need.

Artesia, NM.

1. That is hard, since I just moved to this town in January, and I don't know anyone. Only reason I found the person to contact was through a co-worker.
2. As soon as I hear about anything, I will be there.
3. The guy who runs it down here said I did not need to this year, or something like that, since this is my first year. I could have misunderstood him.
4. Would love too, as soon as I hear about one, I will be there.

Not really that hard; just pick up the phone and start calling ADs at local schools. They will put you in contact with whoever you need to speak to if it's not them that does the assigning. I've never had an AD tell me they've got too many officials.:)

I would talk to the people who assign the games you've worked. They'll not only know which officials are qualified to help you, but also which ones would be willing to do so.

I would try Google and the IAABO directory.

Work as many games as possible! You are going to make mistakes but the important thing is that you learn from them.

Read as much as you can. This board is a wonderful resource. I suggest you use it whenever you have a question. There are a lot of great rules minds on this site!

Attend a camp. While at camp, listen and ask questions.

Also, purchase the biggest gear bag you can (you are going to need it - it's true, it's true). ;)
A little humor for my ol' buddy M&M...haven't heard from him in a while...maybe he'll come out of the woodwork too.

Sounds good. The only issue I had, besides that being my very first time, was getting out of the mindset of playing basketball at the local gym. I could see the contact, but I didn't call much the first two games. I was watching, but thinking hell that’s ok. (Which is 100% wrong) The last two games I was calling a lot more fouls/violations.

I even had both coaches agree with me on calls against their teams. But on a scale from 1-100, my ability is around 10-20. I was so nervous the first game, I called backcourt after a 5 count....The coach or other ref did not say anything, but as soon as half time hit I asked the ref and he told me I was wrong on that one.

This was a summer camp with teams from everywhere in southern NM, so the refs I was with, all had like 3-4 games before the ones I was in. I asked one to critique me, and he told me, 'I wish I could, but I am too tired to critique anyone.' Which is understandable, he was standing in for other refs who did not show up.

Ok, I feel that I am now done talking on. Thanks to anyone who read this long post.


Oscar

The Land Of Enchantment ...
 

No IAABO in New Mexico.

Here's some info that might help.

The New Mexico Officials Association of the New Mexico Activities Association certifies officials. Here's a link to their steps for becoming an official.

http://www.nmact.org/files/Officials...n_official.pdf

You might want to ask your guy what are the disadvantages to becoming certified in your first year. There at at least 2 benefits that come to mind.

a. As part of the process, you would be affiliated with a local officials association. That association should help you to meet officials that can offer you assistance with training and assignments.

b. As part of the process, you would take a qualifying exam. A broad focused study of the rules in preparation for the exam will do wonders for your confidence and readiness to officiate.


The group leader for the officiating association in Artesia is Dan Lewis. He can be reached at [email protected] . If this contact info is not current, Dan or the folks from the state NMOA should be able to help you out.

Unfortunately, the officiating camps that I am aware of in New Mexico have passed.

Already in contact with Dan. He has already been a great help. Thanks for the other info!


Oscar