OK - I admit it. Reffing is much harder than I thought it would be.
 

Thanks everyone for all of your advice.

I have now reffed some youth rec and men's rec.

Things I've noticed or been pointed out to me:

1. Signals need work - particularly hand up when blowing whistle.
2. Having a hard time officiating play in the paint or at the basket, particularly on fast breaks. It's difficult for me to see/decide what's incidental and what's a foul. Add in I am missing contact with the body. I think I have a good angle, but maybe I don't.
3. Referee the defense. I have missed some travels, carrying the ball and double dribbles. I'm too focused on the defense I guess.

Any tips are welcome.

When I just started out, I found traveling very hard to pick up. It just takes time. Hang in there, make sure that you know the rules, and control the game.

Attend a camp if there is one still in your area.

Good luck

Just Make Sure That You're Alone ...
 

This may sound silly, but it works: Watch a basketball game on television with a whistle in your mouth. Sound the whistle, and give the appropriate hand signal (hand, fist, or held ball) in response to what you see on the television. It works. I promise.

It hard for the first years, but it will come natural. Work hard, Hustle, call the obvious, trust your partners, and be a good person.

Referee the defense (first) so that you can determine if the defender did anything wrong. If not, he cannot be penalized even if there is substantial contact. Two tips might help:

1. Position your self to see ball handler, defender and space in between (get a good angle).
2. Stay far enough away from the play to see both feet and upper body without having to move your head or feet.

Sounds like me when I first started.

A senior official told me basically, your arm is just like a balloon - every time you put air in your whistle your arm has got to go up for something - either violation or a foul. Helped me.

How do you know this?

The evaluator told me. Talk about a tough job interview. He basically ran beside me for four games. The missed calls were part of the evaluation.

Good news is he thought I hustled and got into the correct positions most of the time.

If you're watching an NBA game, don't bother trying to call the travels. ;)

travelling, double dribbling and carrying are old rules
 

you not cool if you call for this.

WTF? This is not the place to be whining about that.

What other calls are "not cool" in the mendi book of officiating?

They are not cool in Israel.

Or in the NBA. ;)